Archive: November 2008

MURRYSVILLE, Pa. - Philips Respironics last week denied rumors that it plans to sell its sleep products direct to consumers. "Some of our competitors would have you believe that we intend to go around our existing customers and sell directly to patients," stated CEO Donald Spence in a letter to providers. "We have absolutely no plans to do this. While it's true that Philips offers consumer products, our core products are prescribed medical devices that require specialized care to help ensure effective...

TRINIDAD, Colo.--NRRTS hopes to have a panel of rehab providers in place soon to work with RESNA as the organization develops its first specialty certification in seating and mobility. “We're trying to find good regional representation for the panel, making sure that the right people are involved in the process,” said Simon Margolis, NRRTS's executive director. In August, RESNA announced plans to offer a specialty certification in mid-2009. The new certification is one of several changes...

YARMOUTH, Maine--As brisk weather sweeped across much of the nation in November, so-called snowbirds prepared for their annual trek to warmer climates. But thanks to the 36-month oxygen cap, which goes into effect Jan. 1, some travelers may get a cool reception. “We've contacted all of the oxygen providers in Miami, Orlando and Tampa and they've all agreed they're not going to accept Medicare assignment for anyone who's going to be capping this season,” said Rob Brant, president of...

Whiteland, Ind.-based Mobiletek Medical is closing…Helping Hands Home Medical Equipment opened an office in Taylors, S.C...Advanced Health Services opened an office in Brookfield, Ohio...Charlotte, N.C.-based Griffin Home Health Care has begun using Beanstalk Data's marketing automation services...Greensboro, N.C.-based Advanced Home Care saved $250,000 per year using electronic forms.

Q. What does my manufacturer's sales representative have to offer me? A. For starters, knowledge. A good representative should have good product knowledge and/or the ability to find the answer promptly. They should have good industry knowledge or access to resources so they can share necessary information with the provider. Solutions Multiple manufacturer representatives can provide solutions from multiple sources. If the manufacturer represented does not offer a viable solution, a good rep will...

BALTIMORE--Providers can't just switch patients from one oxygen modality to another at their free will, CMS officials said during an October Open Door Forum. CMS official Laurence Wilson said he has received several calls from beneficiaries in Arizona who said their HME providers told them that Medicare would no longer cover liquid oxygen and they had to switch them to concentrators. “That's untrue and it's illegal,” said Wilson. “We are going to address those situations, continue...

YARMOUTH, Maine - Retailers, some HME providers included, have braced themselves for a gloomy holiday shopping season. "November has been very slow for most of the providers I've talked to," said industry consultant Jack Evans, president of Global Media Marketing in Malibu, Calif. "Usually November and December are big months for HME providers that have retail showrooms and then it slows down in January and February." With consumers expected to spend less money on gifts this year, some providers...

PLAINVIEW, N.Y.--Less than a year after launching a free buying group for providers, Fastrack Healthcare Systems has racked up 485 members. “In a lot of ways, the response has exceeded my expectations,” said President Spencer Kay. “We've become one of the largest buying groups out there, and to do that in eight months, that's pretty exciting.” Fastrack's buying group comprises 430 HME providers, and 55 home infusion providers and homecare agencies. Of its roughly 1,000 software...

ATLANTA - The Georgia Medical Board in October confirmed that only licensed respiratory therapists can provide care and education to CPAP patients. Providers are generally in favor of the requirement, but they have a few concerns. "It raises the bar to have licensed people distributing CPAPs," said Erick Parkhill, vice president of Atlanta-based Home Medical Professionals, which has respiratory therapists on staff. "Untrained people don't understand the adverse effects (of ill-fitting equipment)." The...

CARTHAGE, Ill.--Wear Drug has acquired the pharmacy and durable medical equipment operations of Sherrick Drug & Medical, the two companies announced in October. Wear will merge Sherrick's pharmacy with its pharmacy inside County Market and keep Sherrick's DME operation in its current location. Wear will re-name Sherrick's DME operation MORE (Mobility, Oxygen & Rehabilitation Equipment) Medical.