Tag: NCPA
In brief: Increasing costs, Netflix fame, Verma appointment
September 24, 2021HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates has sent a letter asking CMS, at minimum, to pay all HME providers in non-rural areas, including those in the 130 competitive bidding areas, the 75/25 blended reimbursement rates to help them offset increasing costs.
“Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, acquisition costs for many products have been rising steadily in the form of incremental price increases,” writes Clint Geffert, president of VGM & Associates in the Sept. 8 letter....
In brief: Heartland wraps up, Medtrade East masks up
September 17, 2021HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM welcomed nearly 1,000 guests for its 20th annual Heartland Conference last week.
The conference, which is usually held in June, was moved to September to help ensure health and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers took precautions like moving all social events outdoors and requiring masks indoors.
“As leaders in the health care industry, we wanted to do everything we could, taking all proper precautions, to help keep everyone safe during...
In brief: Bid surety requirement, ostomy white paper, Inc. 5000
August 20, 2021HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – Medicare’s bid surety bond requirement did not have a negative impact on small supplier participation in Round 2021 of the competitive bidding, says the Government Accountability Office in a new report.
For the report, “Effect of New Bid Surety Bond Requirement on Small Supplier Participation in the Competitive Bidding Program,” the GAO reviewed CMS’ data on supplier bids and contracts, and interviewed two DME trade organizations, including AAHomecare,...
NCPA announces sophomore class for DPP program
August 17, 2021HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Community Pharmacists, in collaboration with the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists and OmniSYS, has announced that 30 neighborhood pharmacies have been selected to receive training and financial support to become Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program providers. The National DPP, launched in 2020, is a nationwide effort that created partnerships between public and private organizations...
In brief: Bacteria filters, buying preferences, home infusion bill
August 13, 2021HME News Staff
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Philips does not recommend using bacteria filters with CPAP/BiLevel devices as a means of mitigating chemical emission or particulate matter, it says in a new document related to a recent recall.
“Due to an influx of questions, additional information is being provided about the use of bacteria filters with CPAP/BiLevel devices,” the company states. “According to FDA regulation 868.5260, bacteria filters are medical devices that are intended to remove...
NCPA develops policy department
August 10, 2021HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Community Pharmacists Association has developed a new Department of Policy and Pharmacy Affairs, distinguishing the role of regulatory and pharmacy affairs within the association. The department will help bolster NCPA’s strategic affairs, advocacy and media relations efforts. It will conduct research, legislative review and drafting; prepare regulatory comments, issues briefs, testimony and correspondence; promote pharmacy health information technology and...
Seat at the table: NCPA talks DIR fees, COVID role with Sec. Becerra
July 22, 2021Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – B. Douglas Hoey, CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association, came away from a recent roundtable discussion with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra feeling “positive.”
“It’s my opinion that the secretary will be receptive to expanding (access) to health care and utilizing pharmacies to do that,” he said.
Hoey spoke with HME News recently about the meeting and where he thinks Becerra may stand on certain...
In brief: Philips recall, Senate honor, NPWT bill
July 22, 2021HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – VGM has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to expedite its approval process for a replacement foam for respiratory devices affected by the Philips recall.
“We are requesting accelerated approval from the FDA for this critical replacement component for approved technicians to rapidly start the process of replacing/repairing all recalled units,” states VGM in a letter to the agency.
Philips on June 14 announced a voluntary recall of certain...
NCPA’s Hoey tapped to lead global council
July 22, 2021HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Doug Hoey has been elected as president of the World Pharmacy Council, an international group with a mission of building international recognition of community pharmacy and its role, policies and value. “Community pharmacies in many countries have been integral to the fight against COVID-19 pandemic,” said Hoey. “I am humbled to be elected by my international colleagues to promote the work pharmacists are doing around the world to improve quality of care,...
NCPA goes on record on PBM games
July 15, 2021HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Community Pharmacists Association, as part of a congressional hearing on Tuesday, submitted a statement on the record pushing the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust and Consumer Rights to scrutinize the role of vertically integrated for-profit companies that have affiliated with pharmacy benefit managers. “The ability of PBMs to game the system not only results in the closure of pharmacies in rural and underserved communities...