Archive: 2008
Firm pulls plug on home infusion deal
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.--A $420 million deal between MBF Healthcare Acquisitions and home infusion provider Critical Homecare Solutions fell victim to the slumping economy, according to news reports in early November. MBF had announced in February 2008 that it planned to purchase the two-year-old company founded by former Air Products exec Bob Cucuel. The deal was originally expected to close in June or July, but the original letter of intent expired July 31, 2008. The deal was restructured in September...
Freshman lawmaker prescribes fewer regs
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
Independent pharmacist Evan Vickers has a lot on his plate. Not only is he in the throes of accreditation, Vickers, owner of both Bulloch Drug and Township Professional Pharmacy in Cedar City, Utah, found time to successfully run for the state House of Representatives. He spoke to HME News about how he plans to work for the interests of small businesses and healthcare providers.
HME News: How will your pharmacy background serve you in your new role?
Evan Vickers: Anytime you're dealing with health...
Senior’s success
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
TEXARKANA, Texas--Senior Respiratory Solutions added nearly 11,000 new neb-med patients in November, acquiring them from providers like Praxair and HME Services.
“With little or no margin in drug reimbursement, most small to mid-sized independent pharmacy operations are finding it very difficult to remain profitable, competitive and compliant,” said Dave McDonald, president.
Since 2006, when Medicare began paying for the drugs using an average sales price (ASP) plus a $33 dispensing...
‘You can do only so many lunches’
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
PENSACOLA, Fla.--Elint Technology has a message for HME providers: Forget free lunches; if you want to strengthen your relationships with the nurses in your area, offer them something they can use.
With a new service from Elint, providers can offer nurses continuing education units (CEUs) through their own Web sites.
“It's a way to get referral sources on their side and keep them there,” said Eric Kline, CEO of Elint, which provides technology and sales management solutions.
Here's...
Loan closets: OIG posts second favorable opinion
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
YARMOUTH, Maine - Two HME providers recently received the green light from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to place consignment closets and licensed personnel in hospitals. In a Nov. 26 advisory opinion, the OIG concluded neither action would violate the anti-kickback statute as long as the hospitals allow patients to choose their providers. Also, even though hospitals will supply closets, desks and phones at no cost, providers must not give them referrals. "This is great news for everybody,...
Just say no!
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
As the compliance officer for an HME company, I am concerned about the article “Top Guns: Providers seek creative ways to strengthen referral relationships” (HME News, September 2008). I am continually trying to educate our sales team regarding this very topic, including what sort of “freebies” we are allowed to give referrals. The examples given in the article are all the types of activities I have continually been warning our sales team are not acceptable in our industry!...
Short takes
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
San Carlos, Calif.-based SleepQuest received Joint Commission accreditation in December… Cleveland-based Diabetic Care Services upgraded its Web site, www.diabeticcareservices.com in December. The site features a new homepage and a simplified ordering process…Milwaukee-based Aurora Pharmacy received ACHC accreditation in November.
Disability group supports carve out
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
WASHINGTON--The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has joined the effort to carve out complex rehab products from the 9.5% nationwide reimbursement cut. In a recent letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, AAPD stated: “It is essential that Medicare maintain the current payment rate for these specialized wheelchairs and parts to avoid exacerbating the disability condition and limiting independence for users.”
CMS stands by anti-fraud program
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
BALTIMORE--The recovery audit contractor (RAC) program is on hold for now, but CMS has no plans to scrap it altogether. During a Special Open Door Forum in November, CMS officials said they have put an “automatic stay” on the program due to protests filed by two unsuccessful bidders. Still, it plans to roll out the program nationwide by Jan. 1, 2010.
DME MAC issues wheelchair bulletin
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
FARGO, N.D. --Noridian Administrative Services, the DME MAC for Jurisdiction D, issued a reminder for physician orders for manual wheelchairs in November stating, “a detailed product description may be completed and sent to the physician for approval only after the supplier receives a verbal or preliminary written order and sees the patient.” NAS has learned that providers have been asking physicians to sign and date detailed product descriptions of manual wheelchairs with accessories...