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Bill lobbies for compression garments |
| 'They're the backbone of treatment' |
By Theresa Flaherty Managing Editor - 03.11.2010
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WASHINGTON - A bill that would require Medicare to cover compression garments and other items used to treat lymphedema began making the rounds in February, but some industry stakeholders say it needs some clarification.
Introduced Feb. 23 by Rep. Larry Kissell, D-N.C., the Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Saving Act of 2010, would improve the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema under the Medicare program. Among other things, the bill, H. R. 4662, seeks to establish Medicare coverage for compression bandage systems, compression garments and compression devices.
"The garments are used every day (by patients) and they are the backbone of the treatment," said Robert Weiss, a volunteer advocate with grassroots organization National Lymphedema Network, who helped get the bill introduced.
The bill also seeks to define who can provide the garments. The list includes nurses; physicians and physician assistants; chiropractors; licensed massage therapists; licensed home health practitioners; and licensed prosthetists and orthotists. Also on the list: someone certified by the manufacturer of an item to provide that particular item.
That's where the bill gets a little gray.
"The bill in many ways limits the provision of services to those particular disciplines," said Rhonda Turner, executive director of the American Association of Breast Care Professionals. "It does have some language saying 'anyone else deemed appropriate by the DHHS secretary.' We want to see if they could have a little bit more definition of that provider list."
The bill may simply need some tweaks, she said.
Ultimately, Weiss said, the bill "attacks" a number of large problems that prevent patients from getting proper care, and proper care would save the government money.
"If you treat the lymphedema, you are avoiding very expensive and hard-to-treat cellulitis, which can require hospitalization," he said.
At the end of the day, the bill is a step in the right direction, said stakeholders.
"While H.R. 4662 leaves many unanswered questions and concerns, we are encouraged that the bill will serve to raise awareness to the issue of lymphedema and the need for services/items to be covered without exception by commercial insurances and Medicare/Medicaid," said Turner.
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HME News Info Center |
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| 8-8 They’re Auditing Me! What Do I Do Now? | Attendance is $99
During this event, Andrea Stark will walk you through the entire audit process step-by-step, from the moment you receive a request for additional documentation, through the time you submit your initial response and (if necessary) your appeal. Most importantly, Andrea will ensure you gain a clear understanding of your full rights while undergoing an audit.
For more information or to register, visit: http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php.
| | 13-13 “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” | In Cincinnati on July 13.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 13-13 Pre-Payment Reviews and RAC Audits | “Pre-Payment Reviews and RAC Audits: Steps to Prepare for and Survive These Life-Altering Events," presented by Jeffrey Baird, Esq., Brown & Fortunato, P.C. Call AAHomecare for details: 703.836.6263.
| | 14-14 “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” | In Pittsburgh on July 14.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 15-15 “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” | In Orlando July 15.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 20-20 "Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?" | In Dallas on July 20.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 20-20 Audits…a Four Letter Word | “Audits…a Four Letter Word: How to Prepare for and Respond to DME MAC and ZPIC Audits,” presented by Jeffrey Baird, Esq., Brown & Fortunato, P.C. Call AAHomecare for more details: 703.836.6263.
| | 21-21 "Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?" | In Kansas City July 21.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 22-22 "Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?" | In Charlotte, N.C., July 22
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 29-29 "Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?" | In Miami on July 29.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 29-29 Have PECOS Questions? Get Straight Answers, Live! | July 29, 2010 @ 2:00pm EST
Due to the increasing number of inquiries MiraVista is receiving regarding the July 6 PECOS physician enrollment deadline and January 3, 2011 rejection implementation date, we have decided to hold this timely PECOS webinar. The majority of the webinar will be held as an open forum for suppliers to ask and receive answers to their PECOS questions directly from DME consultant Andrea Stark.
Cost is $99. Register at: http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php.
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| 9-9 DMEPOS Billing Workshop: Maintaining Compliance with the Medicare Program | August 9, 2010 – Columbia, SC – 9am-5pm EST
Whether you’re looking to reduce the number of audits you are receiving or need to stay up to date on current documentation requirements for various DME, this DMEPOS billing workshop is for you! Both seasoned billers and new trainees will benefit from this course, as Andrea Stark lays the foundation for continued compliance with the Medicare program, and provides updates on recent policy changes and claims edits.
Cost is $295 for the first attendee, $225 each additional. Register at: http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php.
| | 10-10 "Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?" | In Cleveland on Aug. 10.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 17-17 "Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?" | In Riverside, Calif., on Aug. 17.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 19-19 Revisiting Patient Pay: Are you leaving $ on the table? | August 19, 2020 @ 2:00pm EST
Your front-end could be the reason patient AR is ballooning. Join Andrea Stark for this informative webinar and ensure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity to proactively secure payments and reduce future collection efforts.
Cost is $49. Register at: http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php
| | 31-31 MESA Fall Conference 2010 | Aug. 31-Sept. 3 in Dallas. Wondering what the future holds for DME? For your company? Obviously, no one knows ... but we all hope for the best ... and the best idea is to be prepared. MESA's Fall Conference 2010, is sure to be a comprehensive, education- and information-packed event for the HME/DME provider and staff ... and an excellent way to get prepared for your company's future in the HME industry! FMI: http://www.mesanet.org/index.php?cid=5282&src=gendocs&ref=Fall_Conference_2010_Index&category=Conferences&curlid=495
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| 2-2 Can You Really Do That? Debunking Medicare Myths | September 2, 2010 @ 2:00pm EST
This webinar will set out to distinguish the difference between Medicare myths and reality. Participants will learn what is really acceptable under Medicare guidelines and will have the opportunity to get their own Medicare myths debunked.
Cost is $99. Register at: http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php
| | 12-14 2010 HME News Business Summit | Data and Market Intelligence You Can’t Get Anywhere Else!
The tools and strategies you need to drive revenue and cut costs are at the 2010 HME News Business Summit. We deliver real-life case studies, original research and industry benchmarks. Join your peers for two days of top-notch education and networking.
Nashville Hilton Downtown
Nashville, Tenn.
To review the educational program: http://www.hmesummit.com/speakers.html
To register: https://www.b2bmediaportal.com/hmesummit/hmesummit.aspx
| | 13-17 Blue Ridge Symposium | Four conferences in one week. Choose your specialty or area of interest: Sleep Conference; Asthma Education;Home Care Conference; Respiratory Care Conference
Earn at least six CRCE/CEUs everyday
Location: Blue Ridge Shadows, Front Royal, Va.
Visit us on the Web at: www.valleyhealthlink.com/brs
Contact us at: brs@valleyhealthlink.com
or Call (540) 536-8941
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| 6-7 JAMES 2010 Annual Conference | This year's theme: "Barriers to Boomers - How to Overcome and Prosper." The conference will be held at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch, N.J. FMI: www.jamesofnj.org.
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| 16-18 Medtrade | Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Medtrade connects the HME industry. Stay ahead of HME industry changes and find the latest tools to help your clients. Join us at the largest home medical equipment even in the western US as we bring more exhibitors, more ideas, and more products than ever before.
Visit www.medtrade.com for more information and to register.
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