Funding


New App Displays What Items Medicare Covers

What’s Covered app lets beneficiaries can get up-to-date coverage information on items.

AAHomecare Re-engages with Lawmakers in New Congress

As the new Congress sets its committees of jurisdiction, HME association sets stage for advancing industry’s agenda on Capitol Hill.

VGM Releases 2019 Rate Guide

Member service organization summarizes the various changes in DMEPOS reimbursement that will and won’t impact providers this year.

Taking Stock: 2018 Medicaid Advocacy Effort Pays Off

AAHomecare says a year-long effort to work with state Medicaid programs helped stop or curtail CURES cuts in 29 states.

strategy

Business Solutions

Setting a Smart Strategy for 2019

Are you setting the right strategy for 2019? This marks our 11th annual survey of the 10 key trends that will impact the home medical equipment industry the most during the New Year. In this year's list, larger healthcare and retail trends could impact HME more than anticipated. As a result, this installment of the Big 10 list is a must-read.

2019 Fee Schedule: More Oxygen Cuts

CMS’s decision to apply budget neutrality offsets to 2019 fee schedule sees reimbursement reductions for a variety of oxygen codes.

2019 Medicare Fee Schedule Adjusted for Inflation

Increases range between 2.3%-2.5%, marking highest inflation-related upticks since CMS first implemented competitive bidding.

Bonafide Integrates with Allegiance Group

HME software company Bonafide Management Systems has fully integrated with the patient billing and collection service.

Editor's Note

Beating CMS to the Punch

DMEPOS represents an outsized share of audit appeals at ALJ. Providers must take action first.

Observation Deck

A Tight Spot

How to approach the CGS/Noridian letter and the '60-Day Rule.'



CMS Extends Deadline for Ventilator Comments

CMS has postponed the deadline to Dec. 17 for public comments on including certain ventilator classes in future rounds of competitive bidding.

CMS Relaxes Rules for Patients Hit Calif. Wildfires

As HHS declares a public health emergency, CMS has issued blanket waivers to help beneficiaries get needed care and services.

CMS’s Final Rule: What’s Next?

AAHomecare says that while the rule might be final ‘we’re just getting started.’ How do providers proceed?

Video

What e-Prescription Means for HME

Health IT interoperability expert Nick Knowlton of Brightree discusses how e-prescription can benefit HME providers.

CMS Expands QIC Phone Demonstration Project

Starting Nov. 1, a demonstration project that lets providers work with QIC over the phone to reopen claims at ALJ will grow to incorporate Jurisdictions A and B.

Mellott: Four Factors Will Help Shape HME

Brightree CEO Matt Mellott discusses pivotal business, care and technology trends that will influence how HME providers run their businesses.

CMS Also Eases DME Rules for Beneficiaries in Georgia

CMS says it will relax requirements for DME items lost or damaged due to Hurricane Michael.

CMS Relaxes Rules for HME Patients Hit By Hurricane Michael

As HHS Secretary Azar declares a public health emergency, CMS says it will ease requirements for DME items lost or damaged due to the storm.

Sleep Providers Told to Hunt Down, Refund Overpayments

June's HHS OIG report on PAP resupply overpayments has resulted in Medicare contractors asking some sleep providers to review claims going back over six years.

Breast Cancer Equity Bill Introduced in House

A new bill would require Medicare to fund custom breast protheses, and a public awareness campaign is driving support for the nascent legislation.

HME Business Podcast