Observation Deck
What the efforts by CMS and Congress to help HME providers respond to the COVID-19 crisis can tell us about their willingness to work with the industry.
- By Cara C. Bachenheimer
- May 01, 2020
The online tool lets HME providers track current outbreak hot spots and anticipate locations with increasing infection rates to help protect staff and patients and better apply finite resources.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 30, 2020
The Interim Final Rule includes HME-related items, including a widening of who can conduct telehealth visits, discussion of CARES Act provisions on rural and other non-bid-area reimbursement rates, continuous glucose monitors, and more.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 30, 2020
HHS automatically disperses the remaining $20 billion from the Provider Relief Fund to providers based on their share of 2018 net patient revenue.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 30, 2020
To help HME professionals gain new certifications while maintaining COVID-19 social distancing, BOC certification candidates can complete exams from the home or office using the new service.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 30, 2020
Association statement and infographic outline ways that healthcare workers can prevent pressure injuries from N95 respirator masks, which have a high risk for injury due to need for a tight fit.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 30, 2020
Agency is reevaluating the amounts that will be paid under its Accelerated Payment Program and has suspended its Advance Payment Program to Part B suppliers.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 30, 2020
House passes and President signs into law $484 billion worth of funding that includes $75 Billion in relief for healthcare providers.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 27, 2020
The new legislative package also includes $310 billion in paycheck protection and $60 billion in Economic Injury Disaster Loan relief that HME providers can access.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 22, 2020
In addition to the $30 billion COVID-19 relief fund, HME providers have seen a cascade of Federal and state regulatory changes, as well as new private payer funding guidelines. AAHomecare regulatory and payer relations experts Kim Brummett and Laura Williard take a deep dive into all of them.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 21, 2020
There are several items providers must understand when seeking help from the $30 billion relief fund serving providers during the COVID-19 health emergency.
- By The VGM Government Relations Team
- Apr 17, 2020
The effort aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HME providers’ supply chain in order to help build the case to delay competitive bidding implementation by one year. The deadline to take the survey is April 21.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 16, 2020
Providers receiving a share of the $30 billion COVID-19 relief fund must use the portal to declare they comply with the program’s terms and conditions within 30 days of receiving the relief.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 16, 2020
On Friday, the department announced the disbursement of $30 billion to providers facing economic hurdles due to the pandemic. $70 billion remain in the CARES Act fund.
- By Haley Samsel
- Apr 10, 2020
Attributing the decision to COVID-19 as well as other factors, NIVs will not be part of Round 2021, and any DMEPOS supplier can provide the devices, as well as any other ventilator types covered by Medicare.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 09, 2020
How do HME providers manage their COVID-19 risk and negate spread of infection? Accreditation expert Sandra Canally shares a truckload of specific, how-to tips for the storefront location, the warehouse and for deliveries out in the field.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 09, 2020
UnitedHealthCare, Humana and Anthem issue HME-related guidance in response the Coronavirus pandemic. AAHomecare reports it is working with additional payers.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 08, 2020
New MLN Matters article stipulates that beneficiaries must now only meet typical coverage for a ventilator.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 07, 2020
Industry association reminds providers that CMS’s relaxed coverage requirements are to help fight COVID-19 and to not only judiciously apply the new guidelines but help police any abuse.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 07, 2020
The oxygen manufacturer with facilities in China, Europe and the U.S. has also implemented several measures to protect employees, including sanitizing production lines, quarantining supplies and social distancing in common areas.
- By Haley Samsel
- Apr 02, 2020