Archive: 2006
Provider 'sleeps better at night'
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
IRVINE, Calif. - In a little over one year, Source One Medical has gone from depending on power mobility devices for 100% of its business to depending on them for about 60% of its business. Considering the year the rehab industry has had, President Dennis Kline now "sleeps better at night."
"We got nervous, being a power wheelchair provider and nothing else," he said. "We're still very much a rehab concentrated company, but we're successful in other product lines, too."
Respiratory and sleep products...
Pennsylvania infusion providers dealt setback
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell vetoed a bill Nov. 9 that would have allowed home infusion providers to bill for services provided to the state's Medicaid patients. The bill, H.B. 2202, would have defined a home infusion therapy benefit separate from retail pharmacy and allowed medical assistance payments for infusion pharmacy services, including dispensing medication, supplies and equipment. The bill had passed unanimously through both the Pennsylvania House and Senate. "It wasn't...
Ohio 'firm' on O2 cut
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The state has proposed new coverage criteria for home oxygen therapy that contain both good and bad news for providers. The good news: The state no longer seeks to make oxygen a capped rental item. The bad news: It still seeks to cut reimbursement almost in half.
"We're still very much apart on reimbursement," said Kamela Yuricich, executive director of the Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services, who met with state officials in late November to discuss the new coverage criteria....
Gov't relations pro joins association
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- AAHomecare bolstered its government relations department in November when it hired Walter Gorski, who has served as director of legislative and regulatory affairs for the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) since 2001.
At AOPA, Gorski worked with new AAHomecare CEO Tyler Wilson, who previously headed that association.
"What he brings is a good, solid understanding of Medicare Part B," said Wilson. "He's got a long history of working with folks on the Hill."
Gorski...
MESA providers receive online assistance
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
CASSELBERRY, Fla. - Members of the Medical Equipment Suppliers Association have a new resource at their fingertips.
In September, MESA added a message board to its Web site, allowing providers to seek advice on various issues.
Executive Director Liz Moran said she just took an existing serivce to the next level.
"A member would send me a question, and I would send that out on my e-blasts and get answers back," said Moran. "Then I would send out the responses and would get other e-mails asking what...
Association courts new finance committee chairman
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
HELENA, Mont. - U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., doesn't take over as chairman of the high profile and powerful Finance Committee until this month, but in early December, the state's HME association was already trying to get his ear.
Several members of the Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers were scheduled to speak with Baucus' staff during a Dec. 8 teleconference. Their goal: to familiarize the senator with home medical equipment and lobby him to support two bills, one that would repeal...
Poll: Cuts will shift brand loyalty
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
YARMOUTH, Maine - Providers convinced CMS officials to relent somewhat on their plans to implement draconian cuts to power mobility devices. But cuts are coming nonetheless, whether by way of the capped rental of oxygen products, reduced PMD payments or national competitive bidding for DME.
With these cuts come ramifications for brand-name products. In a recent HME NewsPoll, more than half (57%) of 356 respondents said marquee product names would play a lesser role in purchasing decisions. One of...
Reimbursement
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
Q. How can I avoid getting denials from Medicare for same or similar equipment? I'm especially concerned now that oxygen caps at 36 months.
A. Same or similar denials occur quite frequently among providers. This may seem like a difficult denial to avoid. However, with diligent up-front processes, you can protect your cash flow.
The first step is to ask the patient if he has ever had the equipment before or something similar. Be sure to gather information on what equipment he had, when and where he...
Finance
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
Q. What are important factors to consider when preparing my annual budget?
A. Before you begin the process of projecting annual revenue, earnings or cash flow for the coming year, your first step is to establish the short- and long-range goals of the organization. These goals should be realistic and achievable. They should also be easy to communicate and easy to understand. Successful companies not only create meaningful plans but also engage their employees in the planning process and then expect...
Keep the pressure on lawmakers
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - A Congressional sea change has industry leaders cautiously optimistic that they can turn the political tide in their favor.
Tyler Wilson, AAHomecare's CEO, expects to see an emphasis on bipartisan approaches to healthcare solutions.
"Clearly you tend to play with the party in power, but it's in our interest to also cultivate our relationships with Republicans," said Wilson. "We have worked continuously to make sure we educate both sides of the aisle."
Smart lobbying means having feet...