Archive: April 2019

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Mobius Mobility is in the process of re-launching the iBOT Personal Mobility Device, an electric wheelchair that can climb stairs, according to the Union Leader. The company is moving into a building here owned by Dean Kamen, who worked with Johnson & Johnson to develop the iBOT 20 years ago, to assemble the devices and train customers on how to use them. In addition to climbing stairs, the iBOT allows users to sit up to make eye contract with others, making it a good fit for people...

PLANO, Texas - Belluscura has reached its fundraising goal for its portable oxygen concentrator, the X-PLO2R. The company, part of the portfolio of Tekcapital Plc, a U.K. intellectual property investment group, has raised 500,000 pounds. “We are delighted to see that Belluscura has reached its crowdfunding target of 500,000 pounds to help complete the regulatory clearance and launch of their new X-PLOR portable oxygen concentrator later this year,” said Dr. Clifford Gross, chairman of...

WASHINGTON - Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Rob Portman, R-Ohio, on April 29 introduced a bill to provide relief for complex rehab wheelchairs and accessories, according to NCART.S. 1223 would exempt complex rehab manual and power wheelchairs and any wheelchair accessory, cushion or back when furnished in connection with a wheelchair from Medicare competitive bidding pricing. Casey and Portman introduced a similar bill in the last congressional session.Earlier in April, Reps. John Larson, D-Conn., and...

The North Dakota House of Representatives and Senate have passed H.B. 1115, a bill that prevents the Medicaid program from requiring “prior authorization, additional documentation not required by Medicare or additional prescription requirements of DME and supplies to process a claim for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are also eligible for Medicare if any item has been paid by Medicare, unless the item is not covered by Medicaid,” according to MAMES. The legislature passed the bill...

TYLER, Texas — CPS Medical has weathered a number of storms over the last four decades, but reimbursement cuts to oxygen therapy has been the provider's greatest challenge to date.CPS Medical, which officially turns 40 on January 1, 2020, offers a full line of DME, minus diabetic supplies. When the family-owned provider opened its doors in 1980, it was being paid $225 a month for oxygen therapy.“If you look at that in 2019 dollars, that's about $600 a month,” said Kevin Hill,...

When the ink dries on the planned merger of two of the country's leading home infusion services providers, it will form an organization that is deeply committed to patient care, says John Rademacher, CEO of the combined company of Option Care and BioScrip.“At the center of both organizations is deep clinical expertise and a passion to deliver extraordinary care,” he told HME News in an email. “Together, we will form an organization that will create a rich environment and a destination...

Q. Where is time best spent on social media?  A. Social media created the opportunity for virtual relationships and increased touch points directly with a potential customer base. The customer and how they're serviced is leading that digital revolution. Consider that with every dollar invested into customer service, on average, it pays a three-fold return. Create Brand Loyalty More than half of consumers state that they're more brand loyal to companies that “get them”...

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Bleep is making headgear a thing of the past with its new DreamPort Sleep Solution, a mask-less CPAP interface.“We try to be a little bit disruptive because it's a disruptive product,” said Alan Greene, Bleep's chief marketing officer. Unlike traditional CPAP masks, the DreamPort attaches to the outside of the nose with medical grade adhesive strips.At 0.9 ounces, the DreamPort is one of the lightest CPAP interfaces in the industry, and is covered by Medicare...

As I am dealing with the 10th warranty issue for power chairs this month, I feel the need to express something that has bothered me for years. I should also add that we are a one location, small company with big dreams, so 10 warranty issues in one month is a lot.I am an ATP that has been serving my client base for years, and I am talking back when the power chairs were belt drive and tilt-in-space was a futuristic dream.My issue is this: As an industry why are we still taking it on the chin for...

A. You don't want to wait until a referral source asks the inevitable question of when you are going to retire. In small to medium sized companies, clients often associate their experience with the CEO. Especially when the CEO is the founder, it is realistic to expect a referral source to want to know about any upcoming plans to switch leaders at the top. Ensure that the core management group of your company is aligned with your plans before unveiling them to the outside community. How is the new...