Tag: PMD

GLENDALE, Ariz. - PMDRX has launched a new orthotic bracing exam and documentation component for prescribing practitioners to help them determine patient medical necessity for off-the-shelf orthotic bracing. The tool does not “force” qualification—it assists prescribers in painting a clear picture of whether or not a patient has medical necessity for a brace, helping to eliminate documentation errors. “Previously, orthotic device providers were reporting a documentation error...

WASHINGTON - The Office of Inspector General (OIG) wants Hoveround to pay back the federal government $27 million for power mobility devices that it says do not meet Medicare reimbursement requirements.The OIG audited claims for 200 randomly selected beneficiaries who received PMDs from the direct-to-consumer manufacturer in 2010 and found 154 did not meet Medicare requirements. Of those, 144 did not meet medical necessity requirements and 10 had incomplete documentation, according to the agency's...

WASHINGTON - When CMS agreed to a meeting to discuss ongoing issues surrounding power mobility device (PMD) repairs, the agency had a rude awakening, industry stakeholders say.  “CMS seemed shocked at the convoluted nature of the repair side of things,” said Peter Rankin, government affairs manager at AAHomecare. “They were also under the impression that repairs were a profit driver for providers, when they're actually a loss driver.” On Nov. 14, stakeholders...

WASHINGTON - Spending on power mobility devices in seven states has dropped nearly 50%, from $20 million in September 2012 to $11 million in June 2013, according to a recent CMS update on the PMD demo.But the demo, which kicked off in September 2012, is only one factor causing spending to nosedive, industry stakeholders say.“There have been quite a few changes in this space, including Round 2 of competitive bidding and the largest provider of this equipment (The Scooter Store) going out of...

WASHINGTON - The results of a recent AAHomecare survey show fewer providers are repairing power mobility devices. In 2012, 75% or providers would repair PMDs, but in 2013 that number fell to 45%, according to the survey. Less than one-third of providers said they would repair a PMD they did not originally provide. AAHomecare believes CMS is to blame for making the process of accessing repairs difficult and costly. “As CMS pushes providers out of the market, increasing numbers of Medicare beneficiaries...

ATLANTA - A trio of experienced entrepreneurs have opened a 101 Mobility franchise in Atlanta, according to a press release. Wayne Offenhauer, Garol Orr and Bill Orr, all veterans of the residential home construction industry, are making the transition to HME. 101 Mobility offers a range of products: power wheelchairs and motorized scooters, along with mobility installation options for the home, such as wheelchair ramps, stair lifts and porch lifts. “We want to become the most recognized name...

EXETER, Pa. - A new partnership allows the Comfort Company, a manufacturer of wheelchair seating and positioning products, to sell manual wheelchairs from Pride Mobility and Quantum Rehab, according to a press release. Working as a team, representatives from all three companies will be able to deliver onsite support and additional resources to providers to meet patient needs. The inside sales force at Pride and Quantum will continue to process and facilitate orders to provide an uninterrupted transition...

ELYRIA, Ohio - For the fifth straight year, Invacare will be honored for its customer service by Smart Business, a regional business management journal, according to a press release. Through case studies and customer testimonials, the lengthy application process sought to gain an in-depth understanding of the company's customer service philosophy, service systems and training methods, the release noted. Invacare will formally accept the award at a gala event June 6.

ATLANTA - Numotion, formerly ATG Rehab and United Seating & Mobility, has acquired Mobility Designs, an Atlanta-based complex rehab provider, according to a press release. Founded in 1985, Mobility Designs specializes in complex seating systems and mobility equipment, primarily for pediatric patients, the release noted. This is the second acquisition for Numotion since the merger. The company announced in April that it acquired Ultimate Mobility, a provider of power wheelchairs in Worcester, Mass.

EDISON, N.J. - Maddak, Inc., a manufacturer of aids for daily living (ADL) products, can now add another award to its trophy case to go along with the Medtrade Spring Innovation Award it won in March. In recognition of Morph Wheels, the company's foldable wheelchair wheel, Maddak received the 2013 Design of the Year Award in the transportation category from London's Design Museum, according to a press release. “When we began developing Morph Wheels over three years ago, innovation and...