Medtrade Must-Sees From Elisha

Drive Introduces Michael Graves Line
Booth # 721

World-renowned, contemporary architect and product designer, Michael Graves joined forces with Drive Medical Design and Manufacturing in June 2005. Now, just a short year later, the first product in the new line rolls out just in time for Medtrade Spring. The Moist Heating Pad, complete with the classic simplicity of Graves' design, provides automatic moist heat without adding water. Instead, moisture — retained in a flannel cover outfitted in the signature Graves' orange — is drawn from the humidity in the air. Another product is expected this spring.

Superior Products, Taga Medical Join Forces
Booth # 469

Superior Products Inc. and Taga Medical Technologies Inc., an Ohio-based medical device research, development and manufacturing firm, have joined together to form SP Medical LLC. The venture combines Superior's existing medical products business with Taga's home respiratory and sleep technologies. "We have been working very closely with Taga on a number of projects over the last year and recognized an incredible synergy and like business philosophy," stated Don Mottinger, president/CEO of Superior, in a news release. SP Medical introduces its latest respiratory innovations including the new Oxy-Serve II, pneumatic conserver, Velocity® II CPAP humidifier system, CPAP tubing, oxygen conserving technologies and oxygen accessories.

Accurate Measurements and Proper Fit of Mobility Assistive Equipment
Tuesday, March 21
3-4 p.m.

Elizabeth Stevens, Leep clinical education instructor, leads this course for the rehabilitation and assistive technology track. Ever get confused about which mobility product is appropriate for a consumer? Have trouble deciding which version of a device is most effective? Learn how to help your clients complete their mobility-related activities of daily living, including the steps for proper measurement to fit the equipment to the client.

Rehab the Past, Present & Future
Wednesday, March 22
8:30-9:30 a.m.

Join Michael Babinec, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP, and Cara Bachenheimer for a romp through the evolution of the rehab industry. The session also tackles the impact that national competitive bidding will have on the rehab industry and what providers should do to prepare for the process.

Heavy Duty Stuff — Can I Get Paid?
Wednesday, March 22
8:30-9:30 a.m.

Heed the call of reimbursement with a little help from Peggy Walker, US Rehab. Walker explains the delicacies of getting paid for a special product that may fit the client's needs but not the established codes or allowables. In-house communication is key, so bring the entire team from sales to billing to learn the importance of each step in the reimbursement process — intake, billing and A/R — to secure proper payment.

NCART ? Medicaid Update
Wednesday, March 22
11 a.m.-12 noon

Interested in Medicaid? Look no further than this timely update with Rita Hostak, representing the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART). Receive information about the various current state issues and NCART's strategies to improve the stability of the rehab industry; an update regarding recommendations for Medicaid reform; and an understanding of the regulatory, legislative and judicial avenues available. Hostak will also walk you through the process of implementing a grassroots campaign.

How to Get Power Mobility Paid for
Thursday, March 23
11 a.m.-12 noon

Join Claudia Amortegui, of the Orion Consulting Group Inc., for a look at power wheelchair coverage under the new Medicare policy and codes. Attendees will get a rundown of what type of additional documentation is required and explore different scenarios through case studies.

This article originally appeared in the March 2006 issue of HME Business.

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