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…
Feature Stories See More >
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
ACHC Hires Deborah Panza As Associate Director of DMEPOS, Sleep, Mobile Dentistry
Panza has extensive experience in respiratory therapy, sleep and DMEPOS programs at the University of North Carolina Health system.
Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) has named Deborah Panza, BS, RRT, RPSGT, its new associate director of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS), sleep, and mobile dentistry. “Panza brings 25 years of experience working within the respiratory therapy, sleep and DMEPOS programs in the University of North Carolina (UNC) Health system,” ACHC,…OxyGo Welcomes CEO Chris Carter
Carter also becomes the CEO of OxyGo sister companies Applied Home Healthcare and LIFE Corp.
OxyGo and sister companies Applied Home Healthcare and LIFE Corp. have announced they have a new CEO. In a Feb. 10 news announcement, the companies welcomed Chris Carter, who will be “leading the next phase of growth and innovation for all three brands.” “With an extensive background in operations, quality, and leadership, Chris is well…Commentary: When My Neighborhood Pharmacy Became a Starbucks
Thanks to PBMs and funding cuts, my local pharmacy is closing its doors.
Well, it’s finally happened. My neighborhood pharmacy, my primary pharmacy for decades, is closing next month. The pharmacists and pharmacy techs — who I know by name and who know me on sight — are scattering. I’m unlikely to see any of them again. I’ve been dreading this possibility for years. You can’t write about…United Spinal Urges Stakeholders to Act Now to Preserve Medicaid Access
The association said Medicaid funding cuts could force people with disabilities out of their homes and into facilities.
United Spinal Association is urging Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) advocates to mobilize to preserve Medicaid benefits. “Medicaid is an essential lifeline for people with disabilities,” the organization said in a Feb. 6 bulletin. “It pays for our health care and personal care services. It is what allows millions of people with disabilities to live independently…Rose Schafhauser Named 2025 Van Miller Homecare Champion
The executive director of MAMES and SWMESA will be honored at Medtrade, Feb. 19.
Longtime home medical equipment (HME) industry advocate and leader Rose Schafhauser has been named the 2025 Van Miller Homecare Champion. In a Feb. 12 press release, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) congratulated Schafhauser, the executive director of the Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services & Supplies (MAMES) and the Southwest Medical Equipment Suppliers Association…February 2025 issue: Innovation in HME
Featuring HME Business New Product Award winners and Medtrade exhibitors' special section.
What does innovation in the home medical equipment (HME) industry look like? What kinds of products and services will be crucial to the industry’s growth and health in 2025 and beyond? And what changes in policy and funding will be required to support the best outcomes for patients? The latest HME Business ebook takes a…LapStacker Helps Wheelchair Users to Carry Life’s Loads
Strap system is available for power and manual wheelchairs.
A new system manufactured in New Zealand is making everyday chores easier for wheelchair users. The Adaptdefy LapStacker is a “click-and-go” system using retractable straps, magnetic buckles and finger loops to secure a wide range of objects on the laps of power and manual wheelchair riders. LapStacker is the creation of Mike Brown — who…HME Business Webinar: How Improving Communication Can Drive Resupply Growth
The free live event takes place Thurs., Feb. 13.
Is effective communication powerful enough to actually grow your resupply business? That will be the topic of conversation in HME Business’s Feb. 13 webinar, Connected for Success: How Effective Communication Drives Resupply Growth and Efficiency. This hour-long webinar, with free registration thanks to sponsorship by ACU-Serve, will feature ACU-Serve Executive VP of Resupply Solutions Margaret…Medtrade 2025 Returns to Dallas Next Week
The home medical equipment industry will gather for education, networking, and an in-person look at new products and services.
Building on a successful 2024 event, Medtrade returns to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Feb. 18-20. The main educational conference and expo take place on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 19-20. The educational pre-conference day is Tuesday, Feb. 18. This year’s event includes a new CRT Live space in the expo hall, dedicated…Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization: A Growing Challenge for HME Companies
Prior authorizations can affect providers’ cash flow and also potentially threaten patients’ health.
Medicare Advantage (MA) prior authorization presents several challenges for home medical equipment (HME) companies, primarily due to administrative burdens, delayed care and financial strain. New data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) helps illustrate just how big of a pain point prior authorization is becoming in health care. In fee-for-service Medicare, only a limited set…People in HME See More >
ACHC Hires Deborah Panza As Associate Director of DMEPOS, Sleep, Mobile Dentistry
Panza has extensive experience in respiratory therapy, sleep and DMEPOS programs at the University of North Carolina Health system.
Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) has named Deborah Panza, BS, RRT, RPSGT, its new associate director of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS), sleep, and mobile dentistry. “Panza brings 25 years of experience working within the respiratory therapy, sleep and DMEPOS programs in the University of North Carolina (UNC) Health system,” ACHC,…
OxyGo Welcomes CEO Chris Carter
Carter also becomes the CEO of OxyGo sister companies Applied Home Healthcare and LIFE Corp.
HME, Accessibility Veteran Jim Greatorex to Retire from VGM
Cindi Petito, OTR/L, MBA, ATP, CAPS, CEAC, will become the director of VGM Live at Home.
ACU-Serve Hires Executive Vice President of Sales
The move comes while ACU-Serve looks to expand its reach into home health and hospice.
Mike McCarthy Joins ATLAS Technology Group Leadership Team
McCarthy is the new director of growth for ATLAS.
Accreditation See More >
ACHC Hires Deborah Panza As Associate Director of DMEPOS, Sleep, Mobile Dentistry
Panza has extensive experience in respiratory therapy, sleep and DMEPOS programs at the University of North Carolina Health system.
Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) has named Deborah Panza, BS, RRT, RPSGT, its new associate director of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS), sleep, and mobile dentistry. “Panza brings 25 years of experience working within the respiratory therapy, sleep and DMEPOS programs in the University of North Carolina (UNC) Health system,” ACHC,…
2025 Perspectives: 3 Policy Topics to Watch for in the New Year
Policy specialists discuss trending topics as 2024 draws to a close.
Briefly: ACHC Launches Home-Based Acute Health-Care Accreditation; New Survey Reveals the Stress of Business Travel
Featuring Accreditation Commission for Health Care and Booking.com.
BOC Names Wendy Miller the 2024 Jim Newberry Award Winner
Miller was lauded for her many years of service and volunteer work.
November 2024: HME’s Road Ahead
COVID-19 See More >
Pharmacies Form Independent Community Pharmacy Consortium for Government Engagement
The National Community Pharmacists Association says the new organization will streamline engagement of community pharmacies in public health initiatives.
The National Community Pharmacists Association’s (NCPA) Innovation Center has announced the founding of the Independent Community Pharmacy Consortium for Government Engagement. In a Jan. 16 news release, the NCPA said the initiative “is bringing together pharmacy services administrative organizations, wholesale distributors, and pharmacy management system vendors to streamline the engagement of community pharmacies in public…
Despite Its Resounding Success Story, A Major Opportunity for HME Companies Is in Danger of Going Away
The CMS hospital-at-home program is facing a potential expiration at the end of this year.
CDC Report: Pharmacies Were ‘Integral Partners’ During COVID-19 Pandemic
Study details the ability of pharmacies to reach communities across the country.
FDA Announces Guidance Documents for End of EUA Period
Briefly…
Competitive Bidding See More >
ITEM Coalition Sends 75/25 Reimbursement Rate Letter to Congressional Leaders
More than 30 advocacy organizations are urging Congress to protect access to home medical equipment.
The ITEM Coalition has sent a letter to Congressional leaders in support of the reinstatement of the Medicare 75/25 blended reimbursement rate for home medical equipment. In a Dec. 2 letter, the ITEM Coalition noted that the expiration of the 75/25 reimbursement rate in January has hurt patient access to durable medical equipment (DME) nationwide.…
Inside the Leitten NCB Report: How DME Can Save Medicare Money
The newly published VGM report emphasizes that durable medical equipment is an investment rather than a cost to be reduced.
Report: Medicare Should Focus on Timely DME Provision, Not Competitive Bidding
A new report from Leitten Consulting suggests that competitive bidding has “reached its natural end.”
House Committee Passes Amended Version of H.R. 5555
New version excludes the 90/10 blended rate adjustment for suppliers in former CBAs.

CMS Releases Details of Lymphedema Compression Treatment Coverage
Medicare coverage starts Jan. 1, 2024.
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 >
OxyGo Welcomes CEO Chris Carter
Carter also becomes the CEO of OxyGo sister companies Applied Home Healthcare and LIFE Corp.
OxyGo and sister companies Applied Home Healthcare and LIFE Corp. have announced they have a new CEO. In a Feb. 10 news announcement, the companies welcomed Chris Carter, who will be “leading the next phase of growth and innovation for all three brands.” “With an extensive background in operations, quality, and leadership, Chris is well…
CAIRE Introduces IntenOxy 5 Stationary Oxygen Concentrator
The new concentrator features a simple user interface with easy-to-understand alerts.
Inogen CEO: Company’s ‘Great Progress’ Being Led by Strong POC Sales
The manufacturer launched the Rove 4 portable oxygen concentrator in October.
Inogen Launches Rove 4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The POC’s lightweight construction is designed to keep users ambulatory.
Briefly: EZ-ACCESS Provides Ramps for Bull-Riding Legend; Drive DeVilbiss Introduces O2 Concentrator for Low-Income Nations
Featuring EZ-ACCESS, Drive DeVilbiss, and Sanrai International.
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 >
Research: Pharmacy Closures Outpaced Openings in 2018-2021
Predominantly Black and Latinx neighborhoods were at highest risk for pharmacy closures.
Newly published research from Health Affairs revealed that from 2018 through 2021, retail pharmacy closures outnumbered new retail pharmacy openings — and that nearly 30% of independent pharmacies that operated in the 2010-2020 timeframe had closed by 2021. “In recent years, federal and state policy makers have expressed concern about retail pharmacy closures throughout the…
HME Business Podcast: The Benefits of Retailer Certification Across the DMEPOS Spectrum
How traditional home medical equipment providers as well as pharmacies can benefit from retailer certification.
Pride Mobility Launches Baja Raptor 2 4-Wheel Scooter
Cardinal Health Launches Retail System for Independent Pharmacies
Medicare Accreditation Renewal & DMEPOS Retailer Certification
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 >
Q2 Earnings Call: ResMed Focuses on ‘Three Key Pillars’ Strategy
ResMed has “a lot of runway ahead” in its core sleep apnea treatment market.
ResMed’s second-quarter 2025 earnings call on Jan. 30 included plenty of current achievements to celebrate, including what ResMed Chairman/CEO Mick Farrell described as “another strong quarter of global top-line and bottom-line growth” and “excellent year-over-year performance in Q2 with solid revenue growth, improved gross margins, combined with disciplined investments in both R&D and SG&A [Selling,…

ResMed Partnership with Apple Brings the Respiratory Brand to the Consumer Market
Sleep health, the manufacturer's CEO said, is going mainstream.
HME Business Webinar: Ring in the New Year by Improving Your OSA Efficiencies
Free hour-long webinar is scheduled for Jan. 22.
HME Business Webinar: Building an OSA Patient Management Strategy
The Jan. 22 webinar on obstructive sleep apnea workflows is free to attend.
Fisher & Paykel Earnings Call: Company Lauds ‘Strong Performance’ of New Sleep Apnea Masks
CEO Lewis Gradon said the Nova Micro, Solo Autofit, and Evora Full masks address the needs of a wide range of patients.
Software & IT See More >
Össur Launches EmpowerX DMEPOS Workflow Management System
The new software program was designed to reduce admin time for orthopedic providers.
Össur has launched a fully automated, AI-integrated DMEPOS practice and workflow management solution for orthopedic providers and hospital systems in the United States. In a Sept. 23 news announcement, Össur said EmpowerX is “designed to streamline workflows, reduce errors and enhance patient care” while giving clinicians the freedom “to focus on delivering excellent patient care…