Tag: Emergency Preparedness
California wildfires: Henry Schein makes hotline available
January 9, 2025HME News Staff
MELVILLE, N.Y. - Henry Schein has opened a customer emergency support hotline in response to the wildfires in California. The company’s dental and medical professionals who may be experiencing operational, logistical or financial difficulties are encouraged to call 800-999-9729 for 24/7 support, with real-time support available from team members from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. “We are deeply saddened by the immense loss caused by the fires in California, and our hearts go out to all the affected...
Emergency response committee needs input
September 8, 2022HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa - The DME Community Emergency Response Group, comprised of representatives from VGM and AAHomecare, is seeking assistance in compiling data that can be sent to CMS to showcase the expenses incurred before, during and after a natural disaster. Their end goal is to better assess the true costs that DME suppliers incur in responding to natural disasters and to develop recommendations for CMS on reimbursement opportunities to account for these expenses. The deadline to take the survey...
Providers meet with gov’t officials
February 15, 2022HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – HME providers in Kentucky and Tennessee attended a virtual meeting with various government officials to discuss the tornadoes that ripped through those two states in December. The meeting, which was assembled by Tangita Daramola, the competitive acquisition ombudsman, and the VGM Government Relations team, was attended by representatives from FEMA, the Office of the Assistant Secretary with Preparedness and Response, the Small Business Administration, CGS and CMS’s Office...
Providers struggle with logistics, costs during disasters
December 22, 2021Liz Beaulieu, Editor
YARMOUTH, Maine – The results of a new survey on the challenges HME providers face during disasters will be an impactful talking point for the Emergency Preparedness for Home Medical Equipment Suppliers Committee and CMS, stakeholders say.
Among the results of the survey: 78% of respondents say getting equipment to patients in need is their biggest hurdle during a disaster.
“When you start talking about snowmobiles and four-wheel drive vehicles to get to patients through...
Stakeholders seek input on emergency preparedness
October 26, 2021HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM, state and regional HME associations and other stakeholders have launched a survey to help guide an Emergency Preparedness for Home Medical Equipment Suppliers Committee that was formed earlier this year.
Information from the 10-question survey on provider experiences during disasters will be collected and sent to appropriate officials who may be able to assist with improved processes and programs. Committee members have already met with Tangita Daramola,...
CMS finalizes emergency preparedness requirements
September 13, 2016HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - CMS has finalized a rule to establish consistent emergency preparedness requirements for healthcare providers participating in Medicare and Medicaid. The rule also aims to increase patient safety during emergencies and to establish a more coordinated response to natural and man-made disasters. The rule, which will be published in the Federal Register Sept. 16, requires providers to meet four common and well-known industry best practices: 1.) based on a risk assessment, develop an emergency...