Archive: July 2018

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A bill has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly that would help to address concerns surrounding 10% to 50% cuts to medical supply companies by certain managed care organizations, according to the Herald & Review. House Bill 5930, co-sponsored by Reps. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills, and Gregory Harris, D-Chicago, would prohibit medical supply companies from being paid less than 10% below Medicaid “fee for service” rates by MCOs, the newspaper reported....

ELYRIA, Ohio - Invacare is refreshing its Top End wheelchair brand with a new logo and a new website set to launch in the third quarter. The new “t-racer” logo provides a visual representation of the brand: cutting edge, sleek and performance focused, Invacare stated in a press release. “The decision to rebrand Top End is about more than just changing the logo,” said Jonathan Miller, senior director, mobility and seating, at Invacare. “It's about promoting the incredible...

BILLINGS, Mont. - Computers Unlimited, developers of TIMS Software, celebrates 40 years in business this year. The company was co-founded in 1978 by Dr. Mike Schraer and is now run by President David Schraer. It has three different software application divisions for three different industries: medical, industrial and audiology. CU got its start by servicing local industrial gas and welding companies, expanded its services to HME companies in the 1980s and to speech, language and pathology companies...

WATERLOO, Iowa - The VGM Group has added a study that shows the cost shift that is happening as a result of reduced access to DME for Medicare beneficiaries to its lobbying toolbox. The VGM-sponsored study by Leitten Consulting shows that: Fall-related injuries due to failure to provide needed mobility equipment results in a cost shift of between $4,705 and $5,029; COPD-related exacerbations due to failure to provide supplemental oxygen therapy results in a cost shift of about $14,350;...

Q. I am interested in acquiring an HME business. How do I find a good business and what should I do to assess the opportunity?A. Start your search by developing an acquisition profile and financing strategy. The profile should determine the business model you are most interested in acquiring.  The financing strategy will determine the size and valuation of a business you are able to afford. Recent sales of similar businesses will give you some insight into current market valuations. While...

A. Once you've decided to implement a 'card on file' payment method, and you've begun changing internal processes, the next step should be to communicate this policy—the key in developing a successful automatic payment program.Below are three ways to ensure successful communication:Conduct proper training internally Once you develop an internal policy, you must first communicate that policy company-wide. Designate the key staff members, and utilize them to lead the rest of the team. Develop...

A. Have you ever sat through a tedious online course that was full of text-filled PowerPoint slides, with a person reading word for word what's on the slide? How much of that content do you remember?At Pediatric Home Service, we work hard to create engaging education. Here are some of our best practices to keep nurses and families engaged.Online clinical educationOur online courses have a lab component. The lab is completely hands-on because all of the pre-work is done online. To keep learners engaged...

A. Don't take for granted the documentation requirements for refill requests. CPAP supplies fall under the non-consumable guidelines, which are more durable requiring periodic replacement. Refills cannot be dispensed automatically; there needs to be communication with the patient to assess the need and must be documented making sure each requested item is being addressed. The request must include the patient's name (or authorized person), date of request, description of each item: non-consumable...

LUBBOCK, Texas - Carving out MED Professional Services as a parallel business offering to MED GPO Services allows the company to expand its overall offerings to HME providers, says Rhonda Hines.“We will now be able to focus on the growing needs of our members,” said Hines, division vice president at MED, who will oversee MED Professional Services. “Separating our divisions in this manner will allow us to continue to grow and meet those needs.”MED Professional Services...

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. - The Uni-flo2 single nasal cannula from UPODS has been on the market since 2016, but the company hasn't put the full weight of a marketing campaign behind the program until this year.The company, which has hired strategic marketing communications firm CPR, also obtained verification for coverage for the Uni-flo2 under HCPCS code A4615 this year.“We've invented something that provides the best possible comfort for patients,” said Campbell Cauthen, who invented the Uni-flo2...