Archive: 2007
Highland connection
December 31, 2007HME News Staff
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - With the market value of American HomePatient's publicly held shares at about $20.6 million in late November, the provider's “on the edge of finding itself in the same position as Rotech,” said Rick Glass, president of Steven Richards & Associates.
To remain listed on the NASDAQ, companies must maintain a market value of at least $15 million (In late November, Rotech's was $12.75 million).
Unlike Rotech, however, AHP's market value surprised industry watchers. When...
MEDIchair pounces: expands next door
December 31, 2007HME News Staff
GUELPH, Ontario - When 1,400 square feet of retail space became available adjacent to its location, MEDIchair Guelph “pounced” at the opportunity to expand its store, according to a November release. The provider transformed the additional space into an expanded showroom that now features lifting devices, hospital beds and rehab products. It also features a fitting room for physiotherapists and adequate space for test-driving wheelchairs, scooters and walkers. “It's been an amazing...
Invacare opts to skip Medtrade
December 31, 2007HME News Staff
ELYRIA, Ohio - Invacare “easily” spent more than $1 million to attend the Medtrade spring and fall shows last year, but that won't happen in 2008. Instead, the industry's largest manufacturer will spend its money on, among other things, regional and state HME events, educating clinicians and “a couple of our own events,” Carl Will, group vice president, HME division, said in mid November.
“We don't have anything against Medtrade—we're not looking to damage the...
Therapists share in the pain
December 31, 2007HME News Staff
WASHINGTON -Â A Jan. 1 cut to reimbursement for OTs and PTs may have also pushed the Program Safeguard Contractors (PSCs) to dump their ATP requirement, say industry sources.
The medical directors announced in December that they would not move forward with plans to require independent ATPs to conduct certain wheelchair evaluations beginning April 1 (See story, page 1).
“Perhaps the medical directors saw the writing on the wall,” said Tim Pederson, chairman of AAHomecare's Rehab...
Make your case when claims are denied
December 31, 2007HME News Staff
Q. What is the Medicare Appeals Council, and what role does it play in the appeals process?”
A. Many providers often do not fully take advantage of the appeals process. Assigned claims that were denied by the Medicare contractor initially and upon review are then appealed to the QIC (“Qualified Independent Contractor”) and, if denied at that level, to the federal Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) level. The ALJ level is the first time the appellant has the opportunity to orally present...
Manufacturers begin to raise product prices
December 31, 2007HME News Staff
Two prominent HME manufacturers have served notice that they'll raise prices on standard products this month to help offset an increased cost of doing business in China. Other manufacturers may follow suit shortly, if they haven't already, say industry watchers.
Come Jan. 1, Graham-Field will increase prices on many standard products by 4% on average, said Ken Spett, vice president of global marketing. Invacare plans to increase prices on some standard products beginning Jan. 15 by 1% to 4%, said...
Tennessee provider throws hat into ring
December 31, 2007HME News Staff
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — For provider Monty Lankford there are two colors: black and white.
“I believe we've lost our moral direction as a country when it comes to the aging population,” said Lankford, owner of TLC Medical Oxygen and Hospital Equipment. “I feel like we are neglecting our responsibility to these people—the greatest generation. We treat them as second class. We keep cutting their benefits and doing things that adversely affect them. Someone's got to start taking...
Beware of mediocre supervisors
December 31, 2007HME News Staff
Supervisors play a key role in any successful business as they are confronted with the daily challenges of leading people and coordinating their daily work. Given the complex and ever-changing HME business climate, the role of frontline supervisors has taken on a heightened level of importance for HME providers wishing to succeed in a challenging, yet opportunity-filled industry.
Mediocre supervisors can pull-down the business and create a drag on financial performance in ways that are not readily...
Feds foil four in fraudulent family
December 31, 2007HME News Staff
MIAMI - Four members of the same family were each sentenced to 57 months in prison for Medicare fraud and ordered to pay roughly $1.4 million in restitution. Nov. 8. Carlos Berenguer, 61, Ivan Aguera, 34, Aristides Berenguer, 64, and Robert Berenguer, 58, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jose Martinez in Miami. The four defendants pleaded guilty to all counts in March 2007. Through their companies, Select Medical Equipment, Professional Medical Equipment and Palm Medical Equipment, the four...
Second fraud arrest at Active Solutions
December 31, 2007HME News Staff
WORTHINGTON, Ohio -Â Federal prosecutors arrested Michael Cowen of Active Solutions in November for providing power wheelchairs instead of power scooters, according to the Roanoke Times. He has been charged with healthcare fraud, money laundering, mail fraud, telemarketing fraud, tampering with consumer products and obstruction of justice. Cowen allegedly helped Active Solutions submit nearly $26 million in claims to Medicare and Medicaid for the power wheelchairs. According to the newspaper:...