Tag: AAH

WASHINGTON - CMS needs to move away from the gap-fill methodology and develop an alternative payment system, AAHomecare urges in comments to a recent proposed rule on innovation and technology. The association says a new payment system would ensure appropriate payment and access, should a device receive approval under the proposed “Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology” (MCIT). CMS has proposed MCIT as a streamlined pathway for “FDA-designated breakthrough medical devices”...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - National Seating & Mobility has joined AAHomecare as a bronze corporate partner. NSM says the partnership is representative of the provider's ongoing commitment to public policies that protect access to manual and power complex wheelchairs and mobility related products. “We have been impressed by the scale, capability and effectiveness of AAHomecare in representing the critical areas of our industry,” said Bill Mixon, CEO of NSM. “With specialists on staff and...

WASHINGTON - While the HME industry has lost a strong advocate in former HHS Secretary Tom Price, AAHomecare and VGM say they won't be deterred in their fight to reform the competitive bidding program and address other issues.They point out that in his short time in office Price, who resigned on Friday, has cleared the way for reform by, among other things, submitting a bid-related interim final rule to the Office of Management and Budget for clearance.“We will build upon the strong engagement...

LAKE FOREST, Calif. - Standard & Poor has downgraded Apria Healthcare's credit rating from stable to negative. A cash flow of negative $64 million for the first half of 2012 has raised doubts that Apria will reduce its cash flow to S&P's estimate of less than negative $20 million by the end of 2012 and return to positive cash flow in 2013. S&P affirmed a “B+” corporate credit rating. The rationale behind the revised outlook is Apria's “aggressive” financial risk profile, which...