Tag: Ostomy
AAH rolls out infographics
August 15, 2023HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare has transformed the results of its nationwide surveys on cost increases for ostomy, urological, wound care and enteral nutrition providers into infographics that can be shared with payers and policymakers. “I encourage all AAH members to get involved with AAH initiatives, as I’ve seen first-hand the impact we can have on the HME industry by working together on developing advocacy tools to help educate payers on the importance of having sustainable reimbursement...
AAH launches supplies survey
March 20, 2023HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare is launching two nationwide surveys to gather intel on the rising costs of products, shipping and labor for those providing disposable medical supplies.
The association will use aggregated data from the surveys in its advocacy efforts.
“AAHomecare’s Medical Supplies Council is acutely focused on issues impacting the disposable supplies space and wants to empower the industry with data and tools that can be leveraged to educate payers on...
Better Health program boosts outcomes
December 9, 2021HME News Staff
SAN FRANCISCO – Better Health, an online supplier of urological and ostomy supplies, has released a white paper on the positive impacts of its Peer Coaching Program.
Among the findings in the paper: Humana members reported a 67% decrease in stress levels after just one coaching session.
“We’ve found that peer support and coaching is a proven, cost-effective strategy to improve outcomes for ostomy care and chronic care management,” said Naama Stauber Breckler,...
ConvaTec launches Healthy Bonds Campaign
October 5, 2021HME News Staff
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – ConvaTec has launched a month-long effort to celebrate the ostomy community and to mark World Ostomy Day on Oct. 2. As part of its Healthy Bonds Campaign during the month of October, ConvaTec is encouraging ostomates to share their stories of healthy body images and medical, professional and personal relationships on Instagram using the hashtag #myhealthybonds. The campaign will also include advertising and influencer amplification to tell the inspiring stories of the Healthy...
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,...
Ostomy stakeholders develop white paper
August 19, 2021HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – A customized approach is needed to ensure the needs of individuals with ostomy are successfully managed, according to a new white paper published by a group of stakeholders to educate payers and state Medicaid programs.
The white paper, developed by AAHomecare, United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc., United Spinal Association, Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society, and Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board, addresses the variables going into...
CGS adds ostomy supplies, diabetic shoes to reviews
September 23, 2020HME News Staff
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - CGS has announced two more widespread post-pay, service-specific reviews for ostomy supplies and therapeutic shoes/inserts. For ostomy supplies, the codes affected are A4431, A4434, A5081, A5122. CGS says data analysis showed Jurisdiction C's allowed dollars for these codes were significantly above expected amounts. Additionally, these codes were consistently ranked in the top 20 for CERT errors. For therapeutic shoes/inserts, the codes affected are A5500 and A5512 through A5514....
Healogics launches patient engagement program
November 8, 2018HME News Staff
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Healogics, a national provider of wound care services, has launched a Patient Engagement Program. Through the program, patients receive message reminders for appointments, as well as links to educational videos, articles and instructions for wound and ostomy care, according to a press release. The program features two-way engagement, allowing Healogics team members to see patient responses in real time and respond quickly to prevent delays in care. During the pilot phase...
ActivStyle solidifies its position as indie player
October 2, 2018Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
MINNEAPOLIS - ActivStyle, which has made a name for itself in the incontinence supplies market, wants to boost its profile in the catheter market.
In June, the company launched Catheter Express, a new brand to help focus its existing catheter business. ActivStyle entered the catheter space in 2010 when it acquired Advocate Medical.
“We felt really formalizing and doing more of the personal service we do so well on the incontinence side was a benefit in our catheter business,” said...
In brief: West Virginia lawmakers go to bat for HME; Patientco, TwelveStone receive investments
July 27, 2018HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - A group of senators and representatives from West Virginia has sent a letter to CMS Administrator Seema Verma saying the agency's May 9 interim final rule “does not go far enough” to ensure continued access to DME for the elderly and disabled in rural areas.
The group points out that, while the IFR reinstates 50/50 blended reimbursement rates, it only does so for rural and non-contiguous areas, not all non-competitive bidding areas.
“We were hopeful that...