The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced its final coding, benefit category, and payment determinations for seat elevation on Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) power wheelchairs. But the agency is putting off its final coding and funding decisions for seat elevation on consumer power chairs. The CRT determinations were included in CMS’s Second…
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CMS Pauses Group 2 Seat Elevation Coding, Funding Decisions
Why Cardinal Health ‘Wants to Be a Major’ Enabler of At-Home Care
Rob Schlissberg, president of Cardinal Health’s at-home business, looks forward to 2024.
NHIA Releases Practice Standard for Home Infusion Electronic Mechanical Pumps
New standard provides guidance to home infusion stakeholders.
Study: Caregivers’ Health Is Poorer Than Health of Non-Caregivers
U.K. study cites the mental and physical toll of taking care of others.
CMS Releases Details of Lymphedema Compression Treatment Coverage
Medicare coverage starts Jan. 1, 2024.
Legislative See More >
CRT Fly-In to Focus on Medicare Pathway for Ultralightweight Frame Upgrades
Advocates at the Sept. 10 event on Capitol Hill will ask for support for H.R. 5371.
The Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Fly-In to Capitol Hill on Sept. 9-10 will focus on creating a path for Medicare beneficiaries to upgrade to titanium or carbon fiber frames for ultralightweight wheelchairs (HCPCS code K0005). “Mobility stakeholders are having in-person meetings with House and Senate offices on Sept. 10 to advocate for improved consumer access…
AAHomecare Fly-In: HME Leaders Meet with 140+ Congressional Offices
During the May 15 event, industry representatives advocated for Medicare rate relief and H.R. 5371.
AAHomecare: Final Push Needed for S.1294/H.R. 5555 Support
Advocates are asked to reach out to their Senators and Representatives.
House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Approves Two HME Bills
H.R. 5555 and H.R. 5371 now proceed to the full Energy & Commerce Committee.
NCPA Supports Senate PBM Bills
The Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act was passed by the Senate Finance Committee last week.
Today on HME Business
Humana to Cut Medicare Advantage Membership; CGS Lists September Webinars
Featuring Humana and CGS Administrators.
Reports: Humana to Exit 13 Medicare Advantage Markets Next Year Humana will stop offering Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in 13 counties next year, while reducing MA offerings in other regions, according to multiple news organizations covering the Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference in Everett, Massachusetts, on Sept. 4. Coverage by Fierce Healthcare, MMIT, and Modern Healthcare,…Staffing in a New Light: How Remote Options Can Support HME Efficiencies
Remote staffing can benefit HME provider staffs, referral sources, payers and patients.
While labor shortages were among the key issues to make headlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, home medical equipment (HME) providers have always faced challenges to recruiting, training and retaining enough local talent to run their businesses efficiently. The 16 months since the end of the COVID public health emergency in May 2023 have confirmed what…
Fisher & Paykel Launches F&P Solo Pillows Sleep Apnea Mask
The new mask can be paired with the manufacturer's AutoFit headgear to easily achieve an optimal fit.
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has launched F&P Solo Pillows, a low-profile mask that fits close to the faces of sleep apnea patients. Paired with Fisher & Paykel’s AutoFit headgear, F&P Solo Pillows are designed to gently conform to the nose for an optimal, easily achieved fit. In a Sept. 3 announcement, the manufacturer said sleep…
Pride Mobility Introduces Carbon Fiber Go-Go Scooter
The Go-Go Carbon is lightweight and designed to be travel friendly.
Pride Mobility’s newest scooter is the Go-Go Carbon, with a carbon fiber frame and a design that focuses on portability. In an Aug. 27 news announcement, the Duryea, Pennsylvania-based manufacturer launched the four-wheeled Carbon, which weighs just 35 lbs. minus its airline-compliant lithium battery. The scooter has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. and a…
VGM Appoints New VP of Government Relations
The new executive has been a VGM leader in orthotics and prosthetics.
VGM & Associates has named Adam Miller its new vice president of government affairs. In a Sept. 4 news announcement, VGM noted that Miller previously served the organization as the president of VGM’s Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America. In his new role, Miller “will spearhead strategic engagement with VGM communities, aligning policy and practice…
Medtrade to Bolster Complex Rehab Offerings with ‘CRT Live’ Showcase
The February 2025 event in Dallas seeks to attract more seating and mobility exhibitors.
Medtrade is stepping up its Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) offerings for its February 2025 event in Dallas. In an Aug. 28 news announcement, Medtrade said it’s created a new showcase — CRT Live — to specifically focus on seating and wheeled mobility manufacturers and providers. New York-based Rifton, manufacturer of gait trainers, hygiene systems, and…A Day in the Life: HME Providers Discuss Most Impactful Operational, Funding Challenges
Providers face a shifting landscape caused by Medicare Advantage, evolving technology and the need to operate as efficiently as possible.
Today’s home medical equipment (HME) operational landscape is complicated by geography, a multitude of funding sources and policies, and a number of economic factors all happening at once. At the heart of this storm of challenges is the HME provider, working to support patients with medically necessary equipment and services. As an example of those…VGM Canada Names Finalists for 2024 Canadian HME Woman of the Year
The award winner will be announced at next week’s Canadian Seating & Mobility Conference.
VGM Canada has announced three finalists for its 2024 Canadian HME (home medical equipment) Woman of the Year award. In an Aug. 29 news release, the organization said this year’s finalists are Stacey Burnett, regional manager, Motion (formerly Motion Specialties); Brenlee Mogul-Rotman, BSc, OT, OT Reg.(Ont.), ATP/SMS, national clinical and technical education manager, Permobil; and…ADS Introduces StrideForward Diabetes Management Care Program
The program will offer both virtual and in-person support to diabetes patients.
Advanced Diabetes Supply (ADS) has partnered with StrideMD to offer its members access to StrideForward, a program that offers integrated, remote care services to support people living with diabetes. In an Aug. 19 news announcement, Carlsbad, California-based ADS said the partnership is an expansion of its membership wellness initiatives. It described StrideMD as a management…AAHomecare Webinar to Focus on ePrescribing Strategies
Embracing ePrescribing can improve efficiencies and reduce fraud risk.
A new Oct. 8 webinar from the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) will discuss how ePrescribing can benefit home medical equipment (HME) providers as well as the patients they serve. In a Sept. 2 bulletin, AAHomecare said providers “are embracing ePrescribing platforms to increase efficiency and accuracy in their ordering and fulfillment processes, while also…People in HME See More >
VGM Appoints New VP of Government Relations
The new executive has been a VGM leader in orthotics and prosthetics.
VGM & Associates has named Adam Miller its new vice president of government affairs. In a Sept. 4 news announcement, VGM noted that Miller previously served the organization as the president of VGM’s Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America. In his new role, Miller “will spearhead strategic engagement with VGM communities, aligning policy and practice…
A Day in the Life: HME Providers Discuss Most Impactful Operational, Funding Challenges
Providers face a shifting landscape caused by Medicare Advantage, evolving technology and the need to operate as efficiently as possible.
VGM Canada Names Finalists for 2024 Canadian HME Woman of the Year
The award winner will be announced at next week’s Canadian Seating & Mobility Conference.
ATLAS Technology Names New VP of Sales
The new VP is an industry veteran who started the new position on July 1.
Aeroflow Diabetes Adds 3 Leaders to Medical Advisory Board
Aeroflow Diabetes’ parent company rebranded to Aeroflow Health in January.
Accreditation See More >
Detroit Prosthetics Innovator Chris Casteel Honored as BOC’s 2024 Certificant of the Year
Chris Casteel, co-owner of Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics, has been living with limb loss since age 24.
Chris Casteel, co-owner of Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics in Detroit, has been named the Board of Certification/Accreditation’s (BOC) 2024 Certificant of the Year – an especially personal award since Casteel has been living with his own limb loss since age 24. “This recognition encourages me to continue advocating for O&P [orthotics and prosthetics] advancements…
July 2024 issue: The HME Handbook
VGM Sleep Services Announces HQAA Accreditation
The Sleep Services program is designed to support patient compliance and resupply sales.
The Compliance Team Celebrates 30th Anniversary
The celebration kicked off at Medtrade in March.
Briefly: Inogen to Report Results; ACHC Updates Hospice Standards
Featuring Inogen Inc. and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.
COVID-19 See More >
CDC Report: Pharmacies Were ‘Integral Partners’ During COVID-19 Pandemic
Study details the ability of pharmacies to reach communities across the country.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed what pharmacy personnel and their customers surely already knew: Pharmacies that participated in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program (FRPP) “served as integral partners in national efforts to scale up vaccination capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency response.” Published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly…
Competitive Bidding See More >
House Committee Passes Amended Version of H.R. 5555
New version excludes the 90/10 blended rate adjustment for suppliers in former CBAs.
An amended version of H.R. 5555, the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023, has been approved by the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has announced. In a Dec. 6 announcement to stakeholders, AAHomecare said the amended version of the bill “extends the 75/25 blended rate in non-CBAs [competitive bidding…
Mobility See More >
How to Properly Document Power Mobility Claims
If the documentation is not right, the claim for a very expensive piece of HME can prompt an audit that results in a denial and negates funding for that claim. How can providers ensure they are properly documenting power mobility claims?
Oxygen See More >
Inogen Announces Q2 Financial Results, Anticipates Overall Growth in 2024
Higher demand and new customers drive growth, the manufacturer reported.
Inogen Inc. (Nasdaq: INGN) is expecting approximately 3% to 5% growth for 2024, the company said in an Aug. 6 earnings call that shared the company’s upward-trending financial results for the second quarter. “I am proud of the performance of our team in the first half of 2024,” Inogen President/CEO Kevin R. Smith said on…
Inogen Appoints New General Counsel and EVP of Business Development
The new addition is a health-care industry veteran.
University of Colorado to Study O2matic’s Oxygen Therapy Technology
The study is being funded by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Dynarex Launches Portability-Focused Resp-O2 Line
The new line includes oxygen, suction care, and nebulization therapy equipment.
6 Key Quotes from HME Executives That Capture Market Trends
Executives shared their comments during recent earnings calls and industry meetings.
Pain Management See More >
Must-Stock Retail DME Categories
What DME items should be sitting on your retail shelves? We take a look at some key product categories that any pharmacy specializing in DME products should offer.
Retail See More >
Pride Mobility Launches Baja Raptor 2 4-Wheel Scooter
The newest launch is designed to tackle more rugged terrain as well as longer distances.
Sales & Marketing See More >
Space Still Available for Medtrade Workshops
Attendees still have time to sign up for the Certified Durable Medical Equipment Specialist, the Team@Work Sales Bootcamp, and the Retail Fundamentals Workshop.
Sleep Therapy See More >
Fisher & Paykel Launches F&P Solo Pillows Sleep Apnea Mask
The new mask can be paired with the manufacturer's AutoFit headgear to easily achieve an optimal fit.
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has launched F&P Solo Pillows, a low-profile mask that fits close to the faces of sleep apnea patients. Paired with Fisher & Paykel’s AutoFit headgear, F&P Solo Pillows are designed to gently conform to the nose for an optimal, easily achieved fit. In a Sept. 3 announcement, the manufacturer said sleep…
ResMed Reports Strong Q4 2024 Financial Results, Views GLP-1s as Tailwind for Sleep Therapy Business
The company is using digital health platforms to support patient engagement and adherence to therapy.
VieMed Healthcare Reports Record Revenue, All-Time High in Ventilator Patient Count
In its August earnings call, VieMed discussed the integration of East Alabama HomeMed.
Owens & Minor Continues to Tout Rotech Acquisition, $5 Billion Goal for Patient-Direct Business Segment
Owens & Minor reports already receiving positive feedback.
sovaSage Promotes Jamie Caputo to VP of Sales
The company provides AI-driven solutions for obstructive sleep apnea management.
Software & IT See More >
Nymbl Systems Launches Single-Page Patient Intake Function
The new capability was designed specifically for HME, CRT and O&P providers.
Nymbl Systems has introduced a new functionality to achieve a more streamlined and automated patient intake workflow. In a June 3 news announcement, the software company, based in Dublin, Ohio, said its new Single-Page Patient Intake capability can improve providers’ efficiency by 20%, according to feedback from early adopters. “Designed with the ever-evolving needs of…