News
Are health insurers willing to reform PA process? AMA has its doubts
May 25, 2022HME News Staff
CHICAGO – The health insurance industry has made little progress in reforming prior authorization processes, according to the results of a new survey of physicians from the American Medical Association.
In January 2018, the AMA and other national organizations signed a consensus statement outlining a shared commitment to five key reforms to the prior authorization process that promote safe, timely and affordable access to evidence-based care for patients, enhance efficiency and reduce...
In brief: VGM searches, sleep study questions, Quipt accelerates
May 20, 2022HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Group has begun a nationwide search for a new president to lead its VGM & Associates division.
Clint Geffert, who joined VGM in 2012, has announced his resignation to pursue a new role with a manufacturer and distributor in the HME industry. Geffert spent his time as president focused on identifying solutions for VGM members, so they could focus on providing high quality care at a better cost.
“Clint remains a friend to VGM and a valued leader in...
VGM launches search to replace Geffert
May 18, 2022HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Group has begun a nationwide search for a new president to lead its VGM & Associates division.
Clint Geffert, who joined VGM in 2012, has announced his resignation to pursue a new role with a manufacturer and distributor in the HME industry. Geffert spent his time as president focused on identifying solutions for VGM members, so they could focus on providing high quality care at a better cost.
“Clint remains a friend to VGM and a valued leader in...
CMS proposes amendment to initial coverage for oxygen
May 16, 2022HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – CMS is accepting comments on a proposal to amend the period of initial coverage for certain home oxygen patients from 120 days to 90 days to align with the 90-day statutory time period set out in the national coverage determination issued Sept. 27, 2021.
In a decision memo, CMS stated: “We are proposing that the first paragraph of section D will state: Effective [XX, XXXX], the MAC may determine reasonable and necessary coverage of oxygen therapy and oxygen equipment...
AAH to Congress: It’s ‘rough’ out there
May 13, 2022Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare had several meetings lined up with lawmakers on Capitol Hill the week of May 9 as it worked to grow support for reimbursement relief.
“We’re primarily working the House side on H.R. 6641 and the committees of jurisdiction – Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO. “Unfortunately, it’s all Republicans, because they are the only ones doing face-to-face meetings.”
Introduced Feb. 8...
‘There needs to be a way to recognize a patient as being part of PHE’
May 13, 2022Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON – Industry stakeholders are trying to guide what a post-PHE world for home oxygen therapy and other product categories might look like.
AAHomecare recently discussed with CMS a one-page recommended reference document for Medicare audit contractors reviewing claims for dates of service during and after the PHE. The document is a cheat sheet of sorts for the waivers that have been in place during the PHE that don’t require, for example, medical documentation or a signature.
“It...
In brief: Cost pressures, acquisitions, diversity
May 13, 2022HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – The cost of delivering home medical equipment continues to rise, according to the results of a new survey from VGM & Associates.
The survey of nearly 100 HME providers in eight regions of the U.S. looked at the increase in cost of goods, employee wages and freight, as well as cost of delivery per mile, PPE and average wages.
“While I suspected the various costs and related factors in securing appropriate HME delivery services would increase –...
Survey: Cost of doing business puts pressure on providers
May 12, 2022HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – The cost of delivering home medical equipment continues to rise, according to the results of a new survey from VGM & Associates.
The survey of nearly 100 HME providers in eight regions of the U.S. looked at the increase in cost of goods, employee wages and freight, as well as cost of delivery per mile, PPE and average wages.
“While I suspected the various costs and related factors in securing appropriate HME delivery services would increase –...
Earnings roundup: Great Elm, InfuSystem, Insulet
May 9, 2022HME News Staff
WALTHAM, Mass. – Great Elm Group’s DME division grew total revenue by 19.2% to $15.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2022, driven by strong resupply sales. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to contributions from the previous acquisitions of AMPM in March 2021 and MedOne in August 2021. “Our investment in DME continues to perform well, despite challenging supply chain conditions,” said Peter Reed, CEO of Great Elm. The DME division reported a net...
In brief: Invacare layoffs, Philips recall, ResMed exec
May 6, 2022HME News Staff
ELYRIA, Ohio – Invacare is streamlining its operations in the United States, primarily related to headcount reductions, to improve its cost structure, according to a May 4 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
As a result, the company anticipates annual pre-tax savings of about $2.8 million, with about $1.9 million to be realized in 2022. It will incur restructuring charges of $800,000 and expects to make cash payments in the same amount, primarily related to...