Archive: 2012

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The latest attempt by stakeholders to get CMS to rethink its decision to include home infusion in the Round 1 recompete didn't get very far.The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) recently met with the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor and the National Suppliers Clearinghouse to discuss the issue. It also submitted written questions to both groups. “We are disappointed at the lack of response from CMS to very particular safety concerns that we have raised...

HOUSTON - After a period of declining membership, the American Association of Breast Care Professionals (AABCP) says things started to turn around in 2012.The seven-year-old association, which represents individual and HME-based post-mastectomy fitters, saw its membership drop by nearly 20% in 2011, some of which Executive Director Rhonda Turner attributes to issues that included accreditation and certification changes.“I think people were burned out and didn't have the time, energy or financial...

WASHINGTON - It's impossible to predict whether lawmakers will reach a deal on the so-called fiscal cliff by the new year, but HME industry stakeholders say don't get distracted by the bigger picture. “We are focused on getting as much support as quickly as possible on the market-pricing program (MPP),” said Jay Witter, senior director of government affairs for AAHomecare. “We are moving in the right direction and Rep. Price has said he's pleased with the progress.” H.R. 6490,...

ELYRIA, Ohio - A Dec. 21 agreement with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will limit operations at Invacare's Taylor Street manufacturing facility, but HME providers will still have access to the manufacturer's manual and power wheelchairs, says Gerry Blouch, president and CEO.Invacare may continue to manufacture and distribute wheelchairs and seating systems under certain conditions: when a patient requests the same or newer version of an existing product and the clinician submits a form acknowledging...

MURRYSVILLE, Pa. - Philips Respironics may have every right to sell replacement supplies for CPAP devices through Kroger retail pharmacies, but that doesn't mean HME providers have to like it one bit.“My first reaction was outrage,” said Jamie Blair, vice president of Genesis Respiratory Services in New Boston, Ohio, and a respiratory therapist. “It's another competitor I have to deal with.”Providers have consulted the Ohio Respiratory Care Board, but it doesn't appear that...

Sleep therapy is such a booming business that it's hardly surprising sleep-related stories once again dominated the specialty provider sector in 2012. However, unlike with 2011, which saw a handful of potentially positive changes for providers, this year's top sleep stories highlight various encroachments on the market.Far and away, the biggest issue was CMS's requirement that providers prove supplies are “non-functioning” before they can replace them (“CMS does about-face on re-supply...

Gaining insight into the procedures that are most commonly denied by payers and evaluating the reason codes that accompany the denials can help suppliers modify their clinical documentation and billing practices to prevent denials, reduce claims rework, and improve their cash flow.Below are the top five most commonly denied procedures for HME providers during the time period between May 28, 2012, and Aug. 27, 2012. The data was compiled from the RemitData database that houses 25% of all national...

ELYRIA, Ohio - Invacare has decided to sell Invacare Supply Group (ISG) because it was “incompatible” with its core business of manufacturing home medical equipment, says Gerry Blouch, president and CEO.While ISG has been posting solid numbers, Invacare felt that to fully optimize the business it would have had to sell supplies direct to patients, in addition to selling them to HME providers, he said.“While that type of arrangement can co-exist for someone just doing supplies, it...

A. When designing a balanced scorecard, start by asking: “What is our strategy?” To answer this question, the first step is doing a SWOT analysis, or another similar scanning assessment, followed by evaluation of issues, forecasting and goal setting.The strategic goals that you set represent the four key components of finance—customer, internal processes, learning and growth—that make up the balanced scorecard. It is crucial that you write clear objectives for evaluating actual...

RIPE FOR RETAILScooting ahead: Scooters are tailor-made for retail sales, and HME providers can make the transition with little expense or disruption. The biggest adjustment, manufacturers say, is changing the mindset to think like a consumer.SOFT SELLSubtlety required: Scooters aren't widgets, so providers must use restraint and finesse in dealing with clients. Consumers are looking for a consultant, not a sales agent, to help them select the right model for themselves.THE RIGHT MIXScooter...