Archive: May 2021
Push for manual accessories intensifies
May 28, 2021Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON – Stakeholders have been working hard to get accessories for complex rehab manual wheelchairs permanently exempted from competitive bidding pricing for more than a year, but with Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure finally in place at CMS, it’s go time, they say.
These accessories have been temporarily exempted from bid pricing only until July 1.
“This has been anticipated, this appointment, and not having that leadership position filled at the agency has...
onehome ‘ahead of the game’ with value-based care
May 28, 2021Theresa Flaherty
MIRAMAR, Fla. – The latest Medicare Advantage company to be drawn to onehome’s model of both managing benefits and providing care to patients: Devoted Health.
onehome partnered with Devoted Health in April to expand care to that plan’s members in Arizona, Ohio and San Antonio, Texas.
“Managed care plans are our target audience and we understand what they are about,” said CEO Ramon Falero. “As far as the future, based on language from CMS about bundled...
VGM Fulfillment frees up providers
May 28, 2021Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Fulfillment’s new CPAP Direct to Home Fulfillment Program drew interest from more than a dozen provider members in its first week in May.
The program, which ships CPAP devices directly to patients on behalf of providers, is another step by VGM Fulfillment to free up providers to do what they do best: care for patients, says Jeremy Stolz, president.
“We started to get more and more requests to do this during the pandemic, when things that were usually handed...
Better Health means better community
May 28, 2021Tracy Orzel
SAN FRANCISCO – When it comes to questions about medical devices or supplies, nine times out of 10, the doctor is not the best person to answer them, says Naama Stauber Breckler.
That’s why Better Health, which recently launched with the close of a $3.5 million seed round, offers one-on-one coaching, peer support and education, including interactive webinars covering various topics from ostomy leaks to diet and exercise, and even swimming.
“They don't know the difference...
In brief: Brooks-LaSure confirmed, SuperCare contract renewed, telehealth monitoring warranted
May 28, 2021HME News Staff
WASHINGTON -- The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to head CMS.
Brooks-LaSure served in the Obama Administration, where she helped guide the Affordable Care Act through passage and implementation. She also worked as a Democratic staffer for the Ways and Means Committee in the House of Representatives.
“AAHomecare congratulates Chiquita Brooks-LaSure on her confirmation as CMS Administrator,” said the association. “Her experience in roles at CMS, HHS and on...
Virtual visits expected to continue for sleep
May 28, 2021John Andrews
As the country prepares to transition away from COVID-related restrictions, the sleep therapy industry is looking at how to proceed with patient care, CPAP provision and sleep testing going forward. One of the main issues is whether continuing with virtual technology applications used during the height of the pandemic is beneficial or necessary. According to some sleep specialists, the trend will continue.
Katherine Royster, vice president for sales and marketing at Winter Haven, Fla.-based 3B...
Gavin Dhanoi scrubs up in his spare time
May 28, 2021Tracy Orzel
RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Gavin Dhanoi was a registered nurse for six years before becoming a mobility and seating consultant for HME in British Columbia, so when the pandemic hit, Dhanoi put his scrubs back on and volunteered to help out.
“There’s no other time than now, where we have seen a shortage of nurses and hospital staff,” said Dhanoi. “Knowing that I have the education and background that I do, it didn’t feel right to not step in and give my time...
An indie twist on M&A
May 28, 2021Theresa Flaherty
CLEVELAND – In a rapidly consolidating HME industry, the family-owned Medical Service Company says its commitment to people makes it an attractive partner for owners looking to sell their businesses, says Josh Marx.
The 71-year-old company announced in May that it bought Wisconsin-based Metz Medical.
“You obviously have public companies, private-equity backed firms and completely private companies (buying),” said Marx, vice president of business development, managing director...
Higher product costs and supply chain bottlenecks continue to challenge HME
May 28, 2021Gordon Barnes
Even as vaccination rates grow and new cases of COVID-19 are slowing nationwide, HME suppliers and manufacturers remain in the grip of another side effect of the pandemic: higher product costs and increased operational expenses.
HME suppliers first began seeing these impacts in early 2020, as demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) surged, with shortages and higher costs quickly following. Additional impacts of the pandemic were confirmed in a May 2020 survey on supply chain disruptions...
'Don't overdo it'
May 28, 2021Tracy Orzel
While the Office of Inspector General lays out seven elements for an effective compliance program, Kelly Grahovac, senior consultant at The van Halem Group, says providers should focus on doing a few really well to avoid spreading themselves too thin. HME News spoke to Grahovac, who is co-hosting the Medtrade session, “Your Most Important Profit Center is a Corporate Compliance Program,” about which components to focus on and what mistakes to avoid.
HME News: What are the top three...