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
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.
EZ-ACCESS Provides Accessibility Solutions at Davis Rodeo Ranch Ramp and accessibility manufacturer EZ-ACCESS has improved accessibility for Bull Riding Hall of Famer Jerome Davis and other bull-riding athletes and fans. Last month, EZ-ACCESS said it installed ramps and viewing platforms at the Davis Rodeo Ranch in Archdale, North Carolina, “to provide PBR [Professional Bull Riders]…ResMed Introduces AirTouch N30i Fabric-Wrapped CPAP Mask
The new mask was “designed to create a natural and comfortable sleep experience.”
ResMed (NYSE: RMD; ASX: RMD) has launched a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask with a fabric-wrapped frame for greater patient comfort. In a Sept. 30 press release, San Diego, California-based ResMed said the AirTouch N30i was “designed to create a natural and comfortable sleep experience.” The new mask features a fabric-wrapped frame with “a…
Cardinal Health Foundation, NCPA Partner to Provide Mental Health Tools for Pharmacy Teams
The new resources are designed to support both patients and pharmacy professionals.
Cardinal Health Foundation and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) are joining forces to provide mental health education and resources for pharmacy teams. “Pharmacies are highly trusted by patients as accessible, convenient resources for questions about their health,” the foundation noted in an Oct. 10 announcement. “Some conversations can be more difficult to have than…CMS Publishes Medicare Resources, Flexibilities for Florida
The flexibilities follow a public health emergency declaration for Hurricane Milton.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published Medicare/Medicaid resources and flexibilities in the wake of Hurricane Milton, which triggered a public health emergency (PHE) in Florida this week. In its Oct. 10 MLN Connects newsletter, CMS said Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra declared the PHE on Oct. 8,…Briefly: CGS Releases Mid-October Webinar Lineup; Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Oct. 15
Featuring CGS Administrators and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
CGS Mid-October Webinars to Cover Documentation, Lymphedema Compression CGS Administrators’ mid-October Medicare webinar lineup includes presentations on topics ranging from documentation requirements to urological supplies and lymphedema compression supplies. Tues., Oct. 15 (two webinars): Surgical dressings and supplies; Documentation requirements, part 3: ABNs and billing upgrades. Wed., Oct. 16: Urological supplies. Thurs., Oct. 17 (two…AAHomecare Ramps Up CGM, NIV Advocacy Efforts
The association is fighting to maintain Medicaid continuous glucose monitor coverage under the DME benefit, and against overly restrictive noninvasive ventilator coverage criteria.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) is ramping up its advocacy efforts regarding proper reimbursement for and beneficiary access to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and noninvasive ventilators (NIVs). In an Oct. 2 news announcement, the association said it has “expanded the scope of its relationship with legal and public policy stalwart Foley Hoag.” “AAHomecare began…Philips Respironics Issues Additional Usage Instructions Regarding Trilogy Evo Vents, In-Line Nebulizers
The manufacturer said aerosol deposits could form over time on ventilator flow sensors.
Philips Respironics has issued a voluntary correction for its Trilogy Evo, Trilogy Evo O2, Trilogy Evo Universal, and Trilogy EV300 ventilators and the usage of in-line nebulizers. In an Oct. 7 news announcement, Respironics said, “An Urgent Medical Device Correction (Field Safety Notice in the rest of world) is being sent to health systems and…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.
The Medicare national competitive bidding program (NCB) for durable medical equipment (DME) traces its roots to 2003’s Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act. Since 2011, NCB — like a sword that slashes reimbursement, closes down businesses, restricts access — has hung over the heads of home medical equipment providers who work with Medicare. That’s…Briefly: Medicare Pneumatic Compression Device LCDs to Expire in November; NCPA Praises FTC PBM Lawsuit
Featuring CGS Administrators and the National Community Pharmacists Association.
DME MACs to Retire Pneumatic Compression Device LCDs in November The DME MACs will retire the local coverage determinations (LCDs) for pneumatic compression devices for claims with dates of service on or after Nov. 14, 2024. In an Oct. 3 news announcement, CGS Administrators, the Jurisdictions B and C DME MAC, said the Medicare contractors…HME Business 2024 New Product Awards to Celebrate Industry Innovation
The New Product Awards program recognizes home medical equipment, accessibility tech, and HME services.
The HME Business 2024 New Product Awards program, sponsored by The Braff Group, is now calling for nominations. The program lauds home medical equipment (HME), HME- and business-related services, and accessibility products that support better patient outcomes via outstanding innovation, creative design and/or extraordinary features and capabilities. “HME manufacturers, service providers, and accessibility equipment manufacturers…People in HME See More >
Owens & Minor Names Jonathan Leon CFO
The company is accelerating its strategies to support both hospital and home health care initiatives.
Owens & Minor Inc. (NYSE: OMI) has appointed Jonathan Leon as executive vice president and CFO. Leon, who has been with the company since 2017, had previously been serving as interim CFO since June 2024. He will continue to manage his responsibilities as corporate treasurer until a successor is found, Owens & Minor said in…
Brenlee Mogul-Rotman, OT, Named VGM’s Canadian HME Woman of the Year
The announcement was made at this year’s Canadian Seating & Mobility Conference in Toronto.
Inogen Appoints Eric Pauls as Vice President of Sales for North America
The appointment is the latest of several executive hires this year.
Performance Home Medical Names Larry Mastrovich CEO, Signals Expansion Plans
Mastrovich said the company’s vision is to become a leading provider of disease management services.
VGM Appoints New VP of Government Relations
The new executive has been a VGM leader in orthotics and prosthetics.
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 >
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.
The Medicare national competitive bidding program (NCB) for durable medical equipment (DME) traces its roots to 2003’s Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act. Since 2011, NCB — like a sword that slashes reimbursement, closes down businesses, restricts access — has hung over the heads of home medical equipment providers who work with Medicare. That’s…
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.
Summer Legislative Push: Rallying Support for S. 1294
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 >
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.
EZ-ACCESS Provides Accessibility Solutions at Davis Rodeo Ranch Ramp and accessibility manufacturer EZ-ACCESS has improved accessibility for Bull Riding Hall of Famer Jerome Davis and other bull-riding athletes and fans. Last month, EZ-ACCESS said it installed ramps and viewing platforms at the Davis Rodeo Ranch in Archdale, North Carolina, “to provide PBR [Professional Bull Riders]…
Inogen Announces Q2 Financial Results, Anticipates Overall Growth in 2024
Higher demand and new customers drive growth, the manufacturer reported.
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.
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 >
ResMed Introduces AirTouch N30i Fabric-Wrapped CPAP Mask
The new mask was “designed to create a natural and comfortable sleep experience.”
ResMed (NYSE: RMD; ASX: RMD) has launched a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask with a fabric-wrapped frame for greater patient comfort. In a Sept. 30 press release, San Diego, California-based ResMed said the AirTouch N30i was “designed to create a natural and comfortable sleep experience.” The new mask features a fabric-wrapped frame with “a…
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.
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.
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…