Archive: November 2018
Let's destroy the walls of our comfort zone together
November 30, 2018Guest Commentary
It's hard to believe that 2018 is quickly coming to an end. In this industry, we blink and another year is behind us. At VGM, we experienced many examples this year that truly illustrate productive change—forward movement in technology, providers dipping their toes in the waters of opportunity, and engagement at all levels to continue to come together to take care of America's post-acute patients.We launched a series of playbooks in 2018as a resource for both providers and manufacturers that...
LifeH2H puts all providers 'on same page'
November 30, 2018Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
COLUMBIA, S.C. — LifeH2H has completed an acquisition and plans to launch a new product in 2019 to help other HME providers better position themselves to health systems.
“We believe there's an incredible disconnect between the health system and post-acute care,” said Dewey Roof, president of LifeH2H. “What the (health system's) needs are and what they are looking to accomplish, versus what we have to do to be successful as HME providers.”
The forthcoming...
Coalition pushes leadership to pass accessories bill
November 30, 2018HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - The ITEM Coalition has sent a second letter to leaders of the Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce committees in the House of Representatives, urging them to pass H.R. 3730. The bill, sponsored by Reps. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., and John Larson, D-Conn., would stop CMS from using competitive bidding-related pricing for accessories for complex rehab manual wheelchairs. The letter follows up on an earlier letter sent in September. “We now urge you to pass this important legislation before...
Scholarly approach: Keys to financial stability
November 30, 2018Tracy Orzel
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - Olivia Patton, chief compliance officer for Verus Healthcare, recently wrote a dissertation analyzing the financial stability of a Medicare respiratory contract supplier.HME News spoke to Patton about her findings and how HME providers can remain in business despite reimbursement cuts.HME News: Why did you choose to research this topic?Olivia Patton: DME providers are going out of business left and right, and what I wanted to know is, how do you actually stay financially...
Blog: Are we headed for another 2012?
November 30, 2018Liz Beaulieu, Editor
“We believe we're on the cusp of another 2012,” said Dexter Braff, president of The Braff Group, during a webcast last week on the M&A outlook for HME.
What happened in 2012?
According to The Braff Group: The number of HME deals jumped to 107, up from 71 in 2011 and 59 in 2010; and the number of private equity deals also jumped to 10, up from four in 2011 and 2010.
2012 was also the year after CMS kicked off its competitive bidding program in the country's largest cities...
What's the secret weapon in sleep therapy?
November 30, 2018Guest Commentary
While we can all appreciate the importance of getting a good night's sleep, we know there are millions of people who need assistance catching some “ZZZs.” Age, obesity and a greater public awareness of the importance of sleep has led to a steadily growing number of Americans who are tested and treated for sleep apnea.In fact, a recent studyconvened by ResMed found that sleep apnea affects nearly 1 billion people worldwide. With so many people affected, treatment is moving out of the specialized...
Friendly reminder to Congress, CMS
November 30, 2018Letter to the Editor
In our beautiful, small and mostly rural (except by CMS standards) state of West Virginia, we periodically endure floods, snowstorms and high winds resulting in power outages. Thankfully, West Virginia did not receive the bad weather that at one point was forecasted during Hurricane Florence, but our colleagues in the Carolinas did and they are still suffering from the storm.I think it is important during times like these to remind our friends in Congress and at CMS of the important role local home...
RRI regulators now include value-add
November 30, 2018HME News Staff
ST. LOUIS - Responsive Respiratory has upgraded its custom logo regulator offering to include a free pocket duration guide with purchase. All standard and high-flow regulators purchased with a custom engraved logo will now include the new cylinder duration card at no charge in every box, the company says. “The pocket duration card was developed as a result of RRI's Customer Feedback Initiatives and addresses one of the primary concerns for oxygen users: How long will my cylinder last,”...
U.S. Rehab releases FMA data
November 30, 2018Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WATERLOO, Iowa - The best equipment provided by the best professionals results in the best care, according to the latest quality assurance data from U.S. Rehab members participating in its Functional Mobility Assessment tool.Almost 76% percent of patients report that they haven't fallen after receiving new equipment, compared to 48% who report they haven't fallen with their existing equipment, the FMA tool shows.“It shows that falls are affected dramatically by the right equipment,” said...
Short takes: Medtrade, BOC
November 30, 2018HME News Staff
On Dec. 3, SmartSaver Conference Passes will be available for Medtrade Spring, April 16-18 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The passes are $99 and allow full access to educational sessions and the expo hall. SmartSaver Expo Passes are $25 and allow full access to the expo hall. “For those who already know they are going to Medtrade Spring, these are the rates to grab,” said Sarah Varner, marketing director. “The conference pass offers a $100 savings over Early...