Tag: BOC

OWINGS MILLS, Md. - The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has committed $30,000 to fund a study, “Racial Bias in Orthotics and Prosthetics,” the first of its kind in the O&P field.  The study is a recipient of a 2021 American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and Center for Orthotic and Prosthetic Learning and Outcomes/Evidence-Based Practice (COPL) Pilot Grant.  "This research is an essential first step to reduce health disparities and improve racial...

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration obtained additional information during an inspection of a Philips’ manufacturing facility that was not previously available to the agency that showed the silicone-based foam used in a singular, similar device marketed outside the U.S. failed one safety test for the release of volatile organic compounds.  Similar testing provided by Philips to the FDA on devices authorized for marketing in the U.S. had demonstrated acceptable results.  “The...

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has promoted Matthew Gruskin, MBA, BOCO, BOCPD, CDME, from credentialing director to COO. In his new role, Gruskin’s expanded responsibilities include oversight of BOC’s internal systems and external vendor relationships, as well as management of the organization’s operations staff. He retains all previous duties relevant to the direction, strategies, policies and day-to-day activities of BOC’s facility...

Q. In addition to accreditation, what else can I do to enhance the value and quality of my business?   A. Now that you’ve earned accreditation, your business is prepared to safely deliver DMEPOS products and, ultimately, drive positive health outcomes for your patients and community. You may be interested in continuing to explore ways to gain a competitive advantage and enhance the credibility of your business. Your accrediting organization can continue to be a trusted resource and...

Q. Should I be concerned if my accrediting organization requests additional information or corrective actions following my site survey?  A. Many businesses require some follow-up after the site survey is completed and before accreditation is awarded. The follow-up may include items such as: submitting additional documents, adding signage and moving supplies to a different location. When an AO requests corrective actions, don’t view it as failure. It is not unusual for a business to...

WASHINGTON – Noridian Healthcare Solutions has posted FAQs for Jurisdictions A and D on the impact of the Philips recall on coverage and billing for Medicare beneficiaries, AAHomecare has reported.  Among the questions in the FAQ:  How should DME suppliers address the situation with Medicare beneficiaries who are in the first 90-days adherence metric in the PAP and RAD Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs)?  Response: During the Public Health Emergency...

Q. How do I prepare for my accreditation site survey?  A. Once you’ve applied for DMEPOS accreditation, the next step is your site survey. This is how you demonstrate compliance with federal, state and local laws, and CMS regulations.   While the accreditation site survey process might seem intimidating, an accrediting organization (AO) that is invested in your success will guide you through with exceptional customer service. Here are some tips for how to prepare:  Document...

NORTHFIELD, Ill. – Medline plans to acquire a significant portion of the Hudson RCI brand of respiratory products from Teleflex, in a bid to strengthen its offerings in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hudson RCI’s oxygen and aerosol therapy, active humidification and pulmonary hygiene products will complement Medline’s respiratory portfolio; will add two manufacturing facilities in Arlington Heights, Ill., and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico; and will add 1,000 employees. “Hudson...

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The BOC board of directors has announced its 2021 executive committee and elected a new board member. The executive committee officers are L. Bradley Watson, president of Clarksville Limb + Brace + Rehab, as chairman; Abel Guevara, COO and corporate compliance officer at New Way Medical Supply as vice chairman; David Regier, consultant, as secretary; Cameron Stewart, co-founder of Alcam Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics, treasurer; Diana Klunk, certified mastectomy...

WASHINGTON ­– Non-competitive bidding areas will see a slight decrease in Medicare reimbursement, based on the 2021 fee schedule CMS released last week.  Rural areas will see a decrease of about 0.2% and non-rural areas will see a decrease of about 0.5%, according to an analysis of the top 25 HCPCS codes by AAHomecare.  CMS will continue to apply the CARES Act relief rates in rural and non-rural areas, resulting in rates in non-rural...