By Elisha Bury
Though pure asthma and pure emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) are more common, sometimes the conditions overlap, says Marianne Frieri, M.D., Ph.D.
By Elisha Bury
Approximately 6 to 10 percent of seniors in the United States have asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). Asthma diagnosed in childhood can reappear later in life. Yet new asthma diagnosis among seniors is not uncommon.
Legal Speak
By Asela Cuervo
In January, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the expansion of the competitive bidding program for DMEPOS with the addition of 70 new metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Although it is not a surprise that the program is moving into its second phase, it is surprising that CMS is pressing ahead when it has not yet awarded contracts from phase I that closed in September. At press time, CMS was behind schedule in announcing the winning bidders. The announcement had been widely expected to happen March 1, but in the most recent update, CMS staff stated only that it would make the announcement “soon.”
Funding Focus
By Kelly Riley
The phone is ringing, the trucks are traveling throughout your service area, and claims are flying through the electronic highways like never before! In addition, revenue is at an all-time high, and the new staff in your intake department really fits in well with the rest of the team. There is only one problem: Your receipts of cash are down. Without an influx of cash, everything else will eventually stop. But now, everyone is looking to the billing department to fix the problem.