News
DOJ says telemedicine responsible for bulk of latest fraud takedown
September 20, 2021HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice has announced criminal charges against 138 defendants for their alleged participation in various health care fraud schemes, including those involving telemedicine and DME, that have resulted in about $1.4 billion in alleged losses.
Of the total, 43 defendants have been charged for their participation in schemes involving telemedicine, resulting in $1.1 billion in alleged losses. Certain telemedicine execs allegedly paid doctors and nurse...
Industry agenda heats up: 'It’s an easy story to tell’
September 17, 2021Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON – Industry stakeholders are speeding up the drum beat on the impact of changed cost structures and supply chain issues on HME providers, says Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare.
“We need providers to reach out to their members and talk about how they’ve shined throughout the pandemic – the role they’ve played – and yet continue to take reimbursement rates from five years ago,” he said. “It’s an easy story to tell, and...
‘The benefits of e-prescribing are numerous’
September 17, 2021Liz Beaulieu, Editor
YARMOUTH, Maine – There are signs the tide may be turning on e-prescribing, according to an HME Newspoll.
About 32% of respondents to the poll say they’re using e-prescribing compared to only 17% in a past poll in early 2020. Additionally, 55% of respondents to the new poll say they plan to adopt e-prescribing within the next year.
“e-prescribing ensures complete, accurate documentation on the first pass, promoting efficiency for the DME and the referral,”...
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...
Heartland Conference: It’s a wrap
September 16, 2021HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM welcomed nearly 1,000 guests for its 20th annual Heartland Conference this 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...
AAHomecare gears up for virtual conference, Medtrade East
September 16, 2021HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – The deadline to register for AAHomecare’s Virtual Washington Legislative Conference is coming up: Sept. 22.
The association won’t be able to make meeting requests with lawmakers of behalf of attendees after that date.
Also on Sept. 22, AAHomecare will host an Issue Education and Training Program for the conference at 2:30 p.m. ET. The association encourages all attendees to participate to gain a full understanding of this year’s new virtual...
Administration expands vaccination requirements for health care settings
September 13, 2021HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris administration will require COVID-19 vaccination of staff within all Medicare- and Medicaid-certified facilities, including HME providers, to protect both them and patients from the virus and its more contagious Delta variant, CMS announced on Sept. 9.
CMS, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says emergency regulations requiring vaccinations for nursing home workers will be expanded to include hospitals, dialysis...
Andrea Stark makes case for making demo permanent
September 10, 2021Liz Beaulieu, Editor
YARMOUTH, Maine – The contract may be running out for a demonstration that allows HME providers to try to resolve denied claims by phone, but Andrea Stark says, “We’re onto something here,” and hopes CMS will make it a permanent part of the statement of work for the QIC.
The QIC, which is run by Maximus, recently announced it is winding down the demo per a contract that ends Dec. 31, 2021.
“Clearly, DME is complicated and suppliers feel better when...
In brief: Provider of the Year, e-prescribing alliance, patent infringement
September 10, 2021HME News Staff
YARMOUTH, Maine – Medical Service Company and Stephens Pharmacy/Northeast Med-Equip have both been named HME Provider of the Year for 2021 as part of the HME Excellence Awards hosted by HME News.
Ohio-based Medical Service Company and Pennsylvania-based Stephens Pharmacy/Northeast Med-Equip completed an initial application and a finalist application, providing information on their financials, quality control, staffing and community involvement.
“Winning this award is...
HME Providers of the Year announced
September 9, 2021HME News Staff
YARMOUTH, Maine – Medical Service Company and Stephens Pharmacy/Northeast Med-Equip have both been named HME Provider of the Year for 2021 as part of the HME Excellence Awards hosted by HME News.
Ohio-based Medical Service Company and Pennsylvania-based Stephens Pharmacy/Northeast Med-Equip completed an initial application and a finalist application, providing information on their financials, quality control, staffing and community involvement.
“Winning this award is...