Tag: Emergency Preparedness

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...