Archive: June 2018
Relaxed Stark Law: Could it result in increased efficiency but decreased competition?
June 29, 2018Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON - A more relaxed Stark Law could be a double-edged sword for HME providers, says healthcare attorney Jeff Baird.In a request for information published in the Federal Register on June 25, the Department of Health and Human Services asks for feedback on “how to address any undue regulatory impact and burden of the physician self-referral law.”Here's what Baird, chairperson of The Health Care Group at Amarillo, Texas-based Brown & Fortunato, had to say about why HHS's decision...
MedPAC report takes CMS to task on orthotics
June 29, 2018Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON - Although industry stakeholders disagree with a recent MedPAC recommendation to include off-the-shelf orthotics in Medicare's competitive bidding program, a recent report by the commission is, overall, on point, they say.
“It's obvious the bid program is still a threat,” Todd Eagen, president of the Orthotic Prosthetic Group of America. “But there is some good news in the report and some continued educational efforts that our community needs to continue to...
BOC seeks Newberry nominations
June 29, 2018HME News Staff
OWINGS MILLS, Md. - The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) is accepting nominations for the Jim Newberry Award for Extraordinary Service. The award, named for longtime BOC member and practitioner Jim Newberry, recognizes outstanding individuals who perform extraordinary service to BOC and its community of stakeholders. “We look forward to seeing this year's nominations as we continue to honor Jim's amazing legacy,” said Wayne Rosen, BOCP, BOCO, FAAOP, chairman of BOC's...
CRT stakeholders follow up on manual accessories
June 29, 2018Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON - Complex rehab technology stakeholders had another shot at advocating for accessories for complex manual wheelchairs during the United Spinal Association's Roll on Capitol Hill June 24-June 27.
The association had about 150 wheelchair users, member advocates and partners on hand, raising awareness of critical issues during 216 visits with lawmakers—a record, said Alexandra Bennewith, vice president, government relations, for United Spinal.
Among the issues discussed: H.R....
Retail spurs growth at AZ MediQuip
June 29, 2018Tracy Orzel
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - AZ MediQuip recently moved its Scottsdale store one-quarter mile down the road, growing its showroom from 2,500 to 3,700 square feet, and its warehouse from 2,000 to a whopping 13,000 square feet. “We were in an office building-type of structure and now we're right in the middle of a strip mall with a lot of big-box retailers,” said Mark Nicotera, owner. “The walk-by traffic has picked up tremendously.”That's not the only thing that's picked up. When...
POCs on the rise, survey finds
June 29, 2018HME News Staff
BOSTON - HME providers will continue to increase adoption of portable oxygen concentrators, to the tune of about 30% over the next 12 months, according to a 2Q 2018 survey on oxygen and sleep trends from Needham & Co.Applied Home Healthcare's OxyGo Fit and OxyGo were the highest rated POCs at 5.9 and 5.8 out of 7, followed by Inogen's G4 and G3, both at 5.7, and Respironics' SimplyGo Mini at 5.1.Survey respondents identify an average of 42% of their ambulatory patients as candidates for POCs, a number...
In brief: POCs on the rise, therapeutic shoe bill introduced
June 29, 2018HME News Staff
BOSTON - HME providers will continue to increase adoption of portable oxygen concentrators, to the tune of about 30% over the next 12 months, according to a 2Q 2018 survey on oxygen and sleep trends from Needham & Co.
Applied Home Healthcare's OxyGo Fit and OxyGo were the highest rated POCs at 5.9 and 5.8 out of 7, followed by Inogen's G4 and G3, both at 5.7, and Respironics' SimplyGo Mini at 5.1.
Survey respondents identify an average of 42% of their ambulatory patients as candidates...
PHS places in Top 10 workplaces
June 29, 2018HME News Staff
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Pediatric Home Service has been recognized for the eighth straight year in the Star Tribune's annual ranking of the Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota. PHS was named the ninth best of 109 mid-sized companies. The list recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on a confidential employee survey that ranks factors like alignment, effectiveness, connection, employee engagement, leadership and basic pay, benefits and flexibility. “We know that every employee, no...
Idaho providers meet with representative's representative
June 29, 2018HME News Staff
POCATELLO, Idaho - Maag's Prescription and Medical Supply and Big Sky AMES hosted Josh Sorenson, the field director for Rep. Michael Simpson, R-Idaho, recently. Meeting attendees talked about rural access issues in southeast Idaho. Simpson, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, has not signed onto H.R. 4229, which would extend a retroactive delay of a second round of reimbursement cuts and address the oxygen “double dip,”or H.R. 3039, which would stop competitive bidding-related...
Senate bill would increase access to therapeutic shoes
June 29, 2018HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, have introduced a bill that would allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to certify diabetes patients' need for therapeutic shoes. “Therapeutic shoes are a proven method for preventing costly and painful complications related to diabetes, yet current Medicare regulations force patients to endure a time consuming process to obtain them,” said Collins, the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus....