Archive: 2012
ACOs: Work within an integrated network
December 28, 2012Carla Hogan
A. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, healthcare news was flooded with stories of HME providers tirelessly caring for their patients during the storm. HME providers kept their patients out of emergency rooms and safe at home—an invaluable service for the patients and the healthcare community at large. As we reflect on the triumphs of the HME providers, we are in the midst of growing ACO coverage and it seems that HME emergency effectiveness can only improve with the participation in ACOs.ACOs...
Indie companies 'chugging along'
December 28, 2012Elizabeth Deprey
Editor's note: This is the last in a three-part series.
YARMOUTH, Maine - National companies might be on the buying path these days, but some independent providers say they're here to stay—even if it's not easy.
“It's hard to maintain the high quality service—the way we did things years ago—and keep the doors open,” said Mike Osborn, co-owner of Ozark, Mo.-based Alliance Rehab and Medical Equipment. “Reimbursement has changed so much, and...
Balanced scorecard: Define your strategy
December 28, 2012Tom Cesar
A. When designing a balanced scorecard, start by asking: “What is our strategy?” To answer this question, the first step is doing a SWOT analysis, or another similar scanning assessment, followed by evaluation of issues, forecasting and goal setting.The strategic goals that you set represent the four key components of finance—customer, internal processes, learning and growth—that make up the balanced scorecard. It is crucial that you write clear objectives for evaluating actual...
Provider in touch with feminine side
December 28, 2012Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
NEENAH, Wis. - Provider Tom Wilson has had seven years to perfect his business model and is confident that it's time to make a leap.
The president of The CareGiver Partnership, a mail-order provider of incontinence supplies, is seeking investors to help grow the company over the next three years‚ from its current $1.1 million to $50 million in sales.
“I totally believe that is possible in a reasonably short period of time, as long as consumers are aware of us,” said Wilson....
Walker, rollator customers say, 'Bling my ride'
December 28, 2012Elizabeth Deprey
NEW BERLIN, Wis. - Who says walkers and rollators can't be fly? Not Home Care Medical, which recently launched a campaign to personalize the often-utilitarian items.The provider's “Bling Your Ride” promotion, features walker bags, cane holders, cup holders, and seat and back covers that offer stylish options for customers.“They can design their walkers or rollators the way they want,” said Heather Lotz-Klug, manager of retail sales. “These items are practical yet edgy...
Surveying the home oxygen landscape
December 28, 2012Elizabeth Deprey
IRVING, Texas - If you really want to know what's going on with home oxygen, ask an oxygen patient.
That's why the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) is conducting a patient survey on its website, www.yourlunghealth.org, to gather data about home oxygen use.
“Some of the basic information we're collecting, we really have not had available,” said Greg Spratt, chairman of the home care section at AARC. “We've made a lot of speculation.”
The...
Scooters ready to ride the HME retail road
December 28, 2012John Andrews
For mobility providers looking to enter the HME retail parade, market specialists recommend they march in with both feet and follow the scooters.
As competitive bidding, strict qualifying rules and declining reimbursement levels have combined to edge many providers out of the Medicare program, it may just be the push some companies need to pursue a cash-oriented business model, says Cy Corgan, director of corporate sales for Exeter, Pa.-based Pride Mobility.
“Through adversity comes opportunity,”...
OIG rejects sleep proposal
December 28, 2012HME News Staff
DARIEN, Ill. - It's back to the drawing board for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) in its efforts to expand the role of physicians in sleep therapy.The association in 2011 submitted a proposal to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) seeking to create a safe harbor that would allow board-certified sleep physicians to perform and interpret sleep tests and provide CPAP devices to patients. On Nov. 27, the OIG said “no.”“OIG is not adopting the suggestion to promulgate...
NHIA won't give up
December 28, 2012Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The latest attempt by stakeholders to get CMS to rethink its decision to include home infusion in the Round 1 recompete didn't get very far.The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) recently met with the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor and the National Suppliers Clearinghouse to discuss the issue. It also submitted written questions to both groups. “We are disappointed at the lack of response from CMS to very particular safety concerns that we have raised...
AABCP forecasts 'good year'
December 28, 2012Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
HOUSTON - After a period of declining membership, the American Association of Breast Care Professionals (AABCP) says things started to turn around in 2012.The seven-year-old association, which represents individual and HME-based post-mastectomy fitters, saw its membership drop by nearly 20% in 2011, some of which Executive Director Rhonda Turner attributes to issues that included accreditation and certification changes.“I think people were burned out and didn't have the time, energy or financial...