Skip to Content

Archive: June 2019


News

Audit round up: RACs cut checks, UPICs run roughshod

June 28, 2019Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor

YARMOUTH, Maine - Nearly two years after Performant Recovery announced it would perform an underpayment review for Group 3 power wheelchair options, providers are receiving refund checks, says Andrea Stark. Performant, the DMEPOS RAC, announced in May 2017 it would review wheelchair accessories, including seating systems, and seat and back cushions furnished in conjunction with codes K0848—K0864 for the six-month period of Jan. 1, 2016—June 30, 2016. The review was necessary because...

Andrea Stark, Elizabeth Hogue, Kelly Grahovac, Performant Recovery, Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC), Unified Program Integrity Contractor (UPIC)


Read Full Articlered right arrow icon

Mobility

Accessories issue passes another hurdle

June 28, 2019Liz Beaulieu, Editor

WASHINGTON - A bill in the House of Representatives that would temporarily stop Medicare from applying competitive bidding pricing to accessories for complex rehab manual wheelchairs is headed to the floor for a full vote.The Ways and Means Committee passed H.R. 3429, the “HEARTS and Rural Relief Act,” with a voice vote after a “mark up” session on Wednesday, June 26.“This means the bill has been fully vetted, so it'll be much easier to get it to a full vote,”...

Complex Rehab, Don Clayback, H.R. 3429, Seth Johnson


Read Full Articlered right arrow icon

Also Noted

Freedom Mobility Center redesigns website

June 28, 2019HME News Staff

MOORESVILLE, N.C. - Freedom Mobility Center has launched a newly designed website with an “intuitive user interface and enhanced functionality for seamless browsing on all types of computer and mobile devices.” “Our recent website upgrade is in line with our mission to provide a digital platform where people can find the information they need regarding Freedom Mobility Center's products and services,” said Tina Robertson of Freedom Mobility Center. “Our aim is to...

Complex Rehab, Freedom Mobility Center, Website


Read Full Articlered right arrow icon

Also Noted

VMI shuttles elite athletes for Warrior Games

June 28, 2019HME News Staff

TAMPA - Vantage Mobility International (VMI) is volunteering drivers and wheelchair accessible vehicles to serve the military community at the Department of Defense's Warrior Games in Tampa, Fla., June 21-30. For 10 days, 16 VMI employees will use seven of the company's minivans to transport dozens of active-duty service members and veteran athletes between their hotels and various competition venues around Tampa, as well as Amalie Arena for the opening and closing ceremonies. An additional...

Accessibility, Vantage Mobility International (VMI), Vehicle, Warrior Games, Wheelchair


Read Full Articlered right arrow icon

News

QIC will transition from C2C to Maximus

June 28, 2019HME News Staff

WASHINGTON - C2C Innovative Solutions has lost its bid to remain CMS's Qualified Independent Contractor for HME, according to AAHomecare. Jacksonville, Fla.-based C2C has popularized a demonstration project that allows HME providers to speak with reconsideration professionals by phone to try and resolve their cases. Last year, when CMS awarded the new QIC contract to Reston, Va.-based Maximus, C2C protested. C2C will offer its last phone discussion on Sept. 15 and will complete all decisions...

Audit, C2C Innovative Solutions, Contract, QIC


Read Full Articlered right arrow icon

Specialty Providers

UroMed's exit creates void, especially for Medicaid patients

June 28, 2019Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor

SUWANEE, Ga. - Providers say they've been fielding calls from patients scrambling to find a new source for urology and other supplies in the aftermath of UroMed's announcement that it will close on July 8.“We're getting multiple calls a day from customers that have no idea what to do or where to go,” said Chris Malcolm, president of First Source Catheters in Cumming, Ga., and a former employee of UroMed. “They are not being led in any direction one way or the other.”In its...

Bert Burns, urological supplies, uromed


Read Full Articlered right arrow icon

Mobility

Consumers make their presence known

June 28, 2019Liz Beaulieu, Editor

WASHINGTON - The United Spinal Association's Roll on Capitol Hill, June 23-26, resulted in a record 250 visits with congressional offices, says Alexandra Bennewith.“That's the most we've ever done,” said Bennewith, vice president, government relations. “We had more than 100 advocates from more than 30 states, plus Puerto Rico. It was excellent.”The annual advocacy event addresses the issues that impact the health, independence and quality of life of individuals living with...

Roll on Capitol Hill, United Spinal Association


Read Full Articlered right arrow icon

News

Survey: Providers aren't jumping to buy POCs

June 28, 2019HME News Staff

NEW YORK - Providers expect only 2.6% growth in their POC purchases over the next 12 months, according to a new survey from Needham & Company. This, despite also expecting POCs to increase from 21.5% of the ambulatory oxygen market to 31.5% over the next 12 months, according to the 2Q19 HME Oxygen, Sleep and Complex Rehab Survey. Additionally, providers report Applied Home Healthcare's OxyGo as the highest rated POC at 5.1 out of 7, followed by Applied's OxyGo Fit. On the sleep side,...

CPAP, Needham, Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC)


Read Full Articlered right arrow icon

Also Noted

State legislature recognizes complex rehab

June 28, 2019HME News Staff

ALBANY, N.Y. - The New York State Assembly and Senate have passed legislation recognizing the “specialized nature” of complex rehab, according to NCART. A7492 and S5741 also improve policies and provider standards, the organization says. “This is the result of collaboration with the Center for Disability Rights and Monroe Wheelchair in Rochester, N.Y.,” according to a bulletin. The legislation now goes to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for his signature. NCART urges stakeholders in the...

Complex Rehab, Medicaid, NCART, Recognition


Read Full Articlered right arrow icon

Also Noted

Southwest Medical receives award

June 28, 2019HME News Staff

LAS VEGAS - Southwest Medical, part of OptumCare, has been named one of the winners of the annual Intalere Healthcare Achievement Awards, according to Nevada Business Magazine. Southwest Medical, specifically its Southwest Medical Pharmacy & Home Medical Equipment division and its Pharmacy Transitions of Care Program, was recognized in the Quality/Patient Care Delivery and/or Patient Satisfaction category. Intalere, a healthcare services company, recognizes its members for their outstanding and innovative...

Award, Delivery, Patient satisfaction, Southwest Medical


Read Full Articlered right arrow icon