NIPPV Public Comment Deadline Is April 10
April 10 is the deadline to submit public comments on the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed decision on noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in the home to treat chronic respiratory failure (CRF) resulting from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Many comments submitted thus far disagree with the proposed decision that would make respiratory assist devices (RADs) Medicare’s first response for patients with COPD-CRF. Multiple comments have pointed out the efficacy of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for such patients, but are concerned that NIV would become very hard to access if the proposed decision is adopted as it now reads.
Other commenters have argued against the requirement for arterial blood gas (ABG) testing every six months for NIV patients to remain on that treatment, and contend that refusing to provide NIV in the home to COPD-CRF patients will result in increased numbers of hospitalizations and greater costs to the Medicare program.
Read public comments submitted so far and add your own comments to the CMS website through April 10.
IKEA Introduces Bathroom, Kitchen Aids to Daily Living
IKEA’s toilet paper holder
IKEA, the home furnishings company known for affordability and minimalist designs, has launched an accessibility line to be sold in its brick-and-mortar locations and online worldwide.
In an April 2 announcement, IKEA, based in the Netherlands, launched its BÄSINGEN line, currently consisting of two step stools, a toilet paper holder, a towel rack, a shower shelf, and a shower chair. The toilet paper holder, towel rack, and shower shelf can also be used as hand holds.
The new accessibility line “is designed for young and old, and everyone in between, who has or encounters challenges at home,” the announcement said. “This can be both situational and temporary changes. The aim of BÄSINGEN is to be a helping hand to support people with their independence at home.”
