Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Bring Healthcare Back Home - Jack Resnick

This opinion piece was so spot on we felt it necessary to spread the message as much as possible.

Bring Health Care Home

By JACK RESNICK
Published: December 4, 2011
ONE of my patients called me with a high fever, chills and dropping blood pressure. He was 48 and had been a quadriplegic since he was shot during a robbery in the hardware store he owned. I called an ambulance and admitted him to the hospital, where we soon brought his urinary tract infection under control. But he developed a bedsore, which became infected with an antibiotic-resistant bacterium that breeds in hospitals. He didn't survive the hospitalization. This was in 1998. Ever since, I have struggled to treat my patients in their homes and avoid hospitals except when absolutely necessary. I practice general internal medicine on Roosevelt Island in New York City's East River, where many of my patients are elderly and homebound: survivors of the polio epidemic, people with multiple sclerosis, paraplegics, some on respirators. Patients who are treated at home by a doctor and nursing staff who know them intimately and can be available 24/7 are happier and healthier. This kind of care decreases the infections, mistakes and delirium, which, especially among the elderly, are the attendants of hospital care. And it is far more efficient. According to a 2002 study, for the patients treated by the Veterans Affairs' Home Based Primary Care program, the number of days spent in hospitals and nursing homes was cut by 62 percent and 88 percent, respectively, and total health care costs dropped 24 percent. I had one 83-year-old patient whose arthritis kept her from moving around, but she loved to talk about her career as a rocket scientist — working on weather rockets, not military ones. One day, a well-intentioned neighbor dropped by and called 911 after finding her feverish and dehydrated from diarrhea. My patient had never been treated before at the hospital she was taken to, and as a Russian immigrant, had no family here for the hospital to contact. She became disoriented; the hospital assumed she was demented and transferred her to a nursing home. It took me two months to track her down and many more to get her home, where, among well-known attendants and friends, she became lucid again. If she had lived out her days in an institution, she would have cost Medicare a great deal of money, and her life would have been shorter and far less happy. All too often, ambulances take people to the nearest hospital, not to the one where their doctor is on staff. State laws make it difficult to administer simple treatments in the home. Emergency rooms want to admit patients, and hospitals want to discharge them to nursing homes, rather than send them home. The good news is that last year's health care reform act included provisions for the creation of Independence at Home Organizations — groups of doctors and nurses who treat patients in their homes — and incentives to make that work appealing. The organizations can invest in extra services and home visits (for which Medicare typically will not reimburse them) because they will share in a cut of the savings that result from avoiding hospital visits and expensive procedures. The program is to go into effect no later than Jan. 1. However, Medicare is behind schedule and has not yet issued the rules or applications to begin the process. It has been focusing instead on another provision of the new law intended to deliver more efficient care, creating accountable care organizations — groups of hospitals, doctors and nurses who work together to treat patients. But Medicare should make getting the Independence at Home Organizations up and running a priority. We have the technology. Electronic medical records can give a doctor with an iPad as much information as any institution. With hand-held machines and a few drops of blood, doctors can get test results in seconds at a patient's bedside. Portable X-ray and ultrasound equipment can be wheeled into homes. Monitors can alert doctors to any change in a patient's heart rate. The fact that this care is possible at home means that the role of hospitals must change. Acutely ill patients who need operating rooms or intensive care will still be brought to hospitals. But they should be quickly discharged to the care of the doctors and nurses who know them best. For too long the institutions that make up our health care system — hospitals, insurers and drug companies — have told us that "more is better": more medicines, more specialists, more tests. To rein in spending and deliver better care, we must recognize that the primary mission of many an institution is its own survival and growth. We can't rely on institutions to shrink themselves. We need to give that job to patients and their doctors, and move health care into the home, where it is safer and more effective.
Jack Resnick has a solo internal medicine practice.
A version of this op-ed appeared in print on December 5, 2011, on page A27 of the New York edition with the headline: Bring Health Care Home.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/05/opinion/bring-health-care-home.html

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Traveling with oxygen this holiday season?

invacare_solo2As the holiday season is upon us and people begin to make plans for travel, those utilizing medical equipment have a much more complicated task ahead of them. Are you or a loved one traveling with cumbersome oxygen equipment? Perhaps a rental Portable Oxygen Concentrator is a more convenient solution for you. A portable oxygen concentrator, (POC), is a portable device used to provide oxygen therapy to a patient at substantially higher concentrations than the levels of ambient air. It is very similar to a home oxygen concentrator, but it smaller in size and more mobile. The portable oxygen concentrator makes it easy for patients to travel freely; they are small enough to fit in a car and most of the major concentrators are now FAA approved. If you'd like help connecting to a medical equipment expert offering rental options contact HMEprovider.com online or by phone at 800-951-1213. HMEprovider.com can assist with other medical equipment needs as well. Respironics_Evergo

Monday, November 7, 2011

New Study: HME saves billions

The following article is from HME News. We thought it was important to help in spreading this message to consumers and end users of medical equipment. New study: HME saves billions 'The return is so much greater than the dollars CMS is trying to save' By John Andrews GWCC - A new study that shows how the HME industry can save Medicare billions of dollars should have CMS, Congress and the general public intrigued and excited, its chief analyst says. Brian Leitten, a Florida-based consultant who, with the help of VGM Group, spent four months compiling data to make "The Case For Medicare Investment in DME," told Medtrade attendees Tuesday that CMS needs to "invest" in home medical equipment because it can save Medicare billions, along with generating handsome ROI for the program. To illustrate his point, Leitten presented cost savings figures for the mobility, respiratory and sleep therapy business segments. For mobility, the study looked at the impact of falls on the healthcare cost burden and came up with a staggering number: $20.5 billion. That figure represents how much beneficiary falls cost Medicare and the healthcare industry each year, he said, as falls cause severe injuries, resultant surgeries, extended acute care and sub-acute care stays. In calculating expenditures vs. savings, Leitten concluded that mobility saves Medicare $10.73 for every $1 dollar it invests and that the $1 invested is returned to Medicare in just over five months. The study makes the same assertions for respiratory therapy on COPD patients-an annual savings of $7.4 billion to $13 billion, and savings of about $6 for every $1 invested with a two month payback of that dollar. CPAP therapy saves Medicare nearly $11 billion by preventing the sleep apnea complications of coronary disease, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke, according to the study, which did not measure the other co-morbidities of hypertension, obesity and diabetes. CPAP's return on investment for Medicare's $1 investment is $6.21. "These findings should be intuitively obvious to the casual observer," Leitten concluded. "The return is so much greater than the dollars CMS is trying to save." http://www.hmenews.com/?p=article&id=hm201110wgitJT

Friday, September 16, 2011

Needing help getting in and out of your home?

PATHWAY LITEPortable wheelchair ramps are a durable yet inexpensive alternative when a permanent ramp is not feasible or available. Most are designed for quick and easy use with scooters and all wheelchairs. Ramps are available in various types and sizes and are generally portable enough to be moved from place to place allowing for optimal mobility. Suitcase Ramp: Strong single fold ramp that provides a safe solution for accessibility while also being light weight. Trifold Ramp: Portable ramp used by scooters and wheelchairs to easily access steps, vehicles and raised landings. Threshold Ramp: Portable ramp to be used indoor and outdoor to assist in ground-to-sill transition. Pathway Ramp: Semi-permanent ramp with a no-skid surface ideal for scooters, walkers, wheelchairs, canes and crutches. Did you know a local home accessibility expert can also provide…
  • On-site evaluation by a trained, certified ramp expert?
  • Installation and removal of your ramp?
  • A complete home safety and accessibility evaluation? Many experts also provide grab bar installation, recommendations on accessible fixtures and equipment and adaptive equipment to prevent injury and reduce construction costs. Suitcase ASvehicle

Friday, July 29, 2011

Let your voice be heard!

At HMEprovider.com we have the pleasure of talking to many consumers of medical equipment products and services each day. Over the course of the last week we've again been hearing from frustrated Medicare beneficiaries unable to locate the products the need.... in same cases life sustaining items. It seemed appropriate to again share the contact information for the patient advocacy group People for Quality Care.  Unfortunately just being angry about this flawed program is not enough. The only way change will happen is to unite and share our stories of struggle as we work to stop Competitive Bidding. If you have a story to share about the affect Medicare's Competitive Bidding program has had on your access to equipment and quality service reach out to People for Quality Care at 800-260-7913

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Yes You Can... Live at Home and Live Safely

invacare_Rio bath lift With the rise of new and better technology, there are more innovative and attractive products available to provide safety in the bathroom. Bath lifts, such as the Invacare-Rio Bath Lift, that gently and safely lower and raise a person into a bathtub are growing in popularity. Enjoy the freedom, independence, luxury and therapy of bathing with a bath lift. Bath lifts are a great solution and provide a cost effective alternative to expensive and labor-intensive bathroom renovations. Installing simple bath safety accessories such as bath lifts, grab bars and bath mats will aid in the safety and security in the bathroom for a greater sense of empowerment and freedom. Click HERE to watch how this new Invacare Rio Bath Lift work! Contact HMEprovider.com or call us at 800-951-1213 to connect with a Bath Lift expert in your area.

Friday, May 20, 2011

What HMEprovider is all about...

A call was received at HMEprovider.com earlier this week. I spoke to the caller who indicated her father was going to be transitioning back home from the hospital and would be in need of some medical equipment. She had a bit of a frantic tone in her voice as she said "I live in a different town and I'm trying to coordinate this for him. I didn't know who to call until I found your company online this morning." The caller went on to say that her father was returning home with a terminal diagnosis and she was working to get all services and equipment coordinated for a smooth return home. I was able to assure her that HMEprovider.com has a network of community based medical equipment experts. Based on her area I knew immediately that we had a partner in the area that would not only be able to provide any equipment needed, but they'd also provide the high level of care and service that was needed in such a delicate situation. This call was so similar to the other calls and online connections we make countless times through out the week. As we were able to assist in connecting this consumer to an expert that could really CARE for her and her father I smiled this is exactly what we're all about.... If you or a loved one has medical equipment or home modification needs and you don't know where to turn, let HMEprovider.com be your first step. Let us work with our network of experienced professionals to provide you with anything needed to meet your needs. Contact us at 800-951-1213. hands

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Impact of Competitive Bidding Spreads

The following article was featured in HME News this week. Although this publication is directed to home medical equipment providers, the message below needs to be heard by equipment users.
Competitive bidding's impact spreads
This is the first indication of a rate reduction based on the bid
By Liz Beaulieu Editor

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – If you still think competitive bidding doesn't affect you because you're not in a Round 1 or Round 2 CBA, here's a wakeup call. HealthSpring, which owns and operates Medicare Advantage plans in 11 states and Washington, D.C., notified its contracted DME providers in an April 6 letter that it plans to adjust its rates based on the new competitive bidding rates. The kicker: The company states that "this is a corporate initiative to standardize our DME fee schedules across all states and markets." "This is the first indication of a rate reduction based on the bid," said Michael Hamilton, executive director of the Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association, whose members were among those who received the letter. "This is a shot across the bow." In its letter, HealthSpring explains that the new competitive bidding rates represent 68% of the current Medicare allowable. As such, it plans to reduce its rates to 70% of the allowable, down from 80%. The news came as a surprise to Mobilcare Medical. The Theodore, Ala.-based provider thought the changes were specific to Alabama, where it's not a contract provider for HealthSpring. But it is in Tennessee, one of the other states where the company operates plans. "I can't believe they're going to use competitive bid rates," said Tony Tice, vice president. "Their rates are already low." In its letter, HealthSpring asks providers to notify them in writing whether they accept or decline the change. Wetumka, Ala.-based Quality Home Healthcare, a contract provider for HealthSpring in Alabama, plans to tell the company thanks but no thanks. "We were happy to see HealthSpring come to our area because we liked that they did prior authorizations—it made things easy," said Susan Czapla, president. "But we're not going to accept this reduced rate." While several Medicaid programs have threatened to adopt the new competitive bidding rates, none have to date, so industry stakeholders fear HealthSpring will set a dangerous precedent for other payers. "This is quickly becoming a race to the bottom," said Walt Gorski, vice president of government affairs for AAHomecare. "That's why we have a golden opportunity with H.R. 1041 (a bill that would repeal competitive bidding). That's why we can't squander it." In addition to Alabama, Tennessee and Washington, D.C., HealthSpring operates plans in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas. Consumers need to be aware of changes in the industry. Although a beneficiary might not be in the current competitive bid areas, this article shows that insurance companies, Medicaid plans and Medicare Advantage plans intend to follow the flawed rules of Medicare. What does this mean for you? If your medical coverage begins to reimburse based on Medicare's Competitive bidding rates your access to needed medical equipment will be affected as fewer and fewer providers will be able to accept the low rates. Those accepting the rates will likely be able to do so by providing lower quality equipment. The quality of care medical equipment providers will be able to extend to their customers will, no doubt, be negatively affected as well.



Tuesday, April 19, 2011

CPAP Therapy On The GO...

THE SLEEK, ULTRA-PORTABLE AND AFFORDABLE WAY TO POWER YOUR CPAP MACHINE NO MATTER WHERE YOUR WORLD TAKES YOU!


C-150-&-C-222

- Works with all makes and models of CPAP and BiLevel Machines

- No prescription required

- Available in three different sizes and capacities

- Includes stylish soft side carrying case, AC Charger & DC Power Cord -

LED power gauge on battery indicates remaining usage time Battery Packs are equipped with standard smart charges that keep the battery topped off and ready to go as an emergency power backup during power outages.


Battery Packs can also be used to power other devices that operate from a 12V DC Current such as portable DVD players, iPods, laptops, iPads, cell phones, and more.


Perfect for camping! Outdoor enthusiasts can finally play hard and sleep soundly after a day of hunting, fishing or hiking. Great for tent campers and use in RVs and travel trailers! HMEprovider.com is excited about the new relationship our members have established with Battery Power Solutions. Contact us today to connect with a provider in your area to regain your enjoyment of the outdoors.

CAMPING-WITH-BATTERY-PACK

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Benefits of a Transport Chair

Medline Basic Transport 19 BAt HMEprovider.com we get many requests each week for consumers looking for assistance in obtaining a transport chair. A transport wheelchair is a mobility chair designed for convenience, short-distance use and easy handling by a caregiver. Lightweight and foldable, these wheelchairs are easily moved and typically fit in the trunk of most vehicles. A transport chair is an attractive option when you or a loved one are unable to walk or walk long distances. This option is easy to get in and out of a vehicle. Transport chairs are available in several colors with many options and accessories. It's helpful to note that transport chairs are generally not reimbursed by Medicare or insurance, but with a large variety on the market, a transport chair can generally be obtained for relatively minimal cost. Also, keep in mind that these chairs where generally created for short trips and should not replace a standard wheelchair. Contact HMEprovider.com to connect with a local wheelchair expert to learn more about the transport chair that's right for you or a loved one. Invacare bariatric transport chair

Friday, March 25, 2011

How to Avoid Dangerous Medication Errors

We take more medicines than ever to maintain or improve our health. But over the last decade, many boomers and seniors have ended up in the hospital because the medications they expected to help them actually hurt them.
Many medical problems now can be treated with medicines that were not available just a few years ago. But taking more medicines can also result in some unexpected reactions, especially for people who take several drugs. Bad reactions to medications are on the rise, according to a new report by my agency, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Between 1997 and 2008, hospital admissions doubled among Americans ages 45 and older for medication and drug-related conditions. These hospital admissions include the effects of prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as illegal drugs. This increase has been driven by three types of medication and drug-related conditions:
  1. Drug-induced delirium, which is general confusion and agitation caused by drugs. Common causes are drugs for sleeping, nausea and pain. Older patients are more sensitive to medicines than younger adults.
  2. Poisoning or overdose from codeine and other narcotic medicines. Bad reactions from narcotic pain medicines are especially common in older adults.
  3. Withdrawal from prescribed medicines or illegal drugs. Drug withdrawal occurs when someone suddenly stops taking a drug or takes much less of it after being on it for a long time.
Government agencies are working to prevent hospital admissions that are due to medication use. Together with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, AHRQ oversees a program that identifies medication problems and finds solutions. You can lower your chance of problems with your medication. First, don't take medicine that is not prescribed for you. Also, remember that it is not safe to drink alcohol when you take medicine for sleeping, pain, anxiety or depression. As we age, drugs can affect us differently. We may need to change medications or adjust dosages. As an active health care consumer, talk with your doctor about your medications, how they work, and potential side effects. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Many medication errors are discovered by patients. To reduce your chances of complications from medicine, use this checklist:
  • Bring a list or a bag with all your medicines when you go to your doctor's office, the pharmacy or the hospital. Include all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Remind your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medicines.
  • Ask questions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to use plain language. It may also help to write down the answers or bring a friend or relative with you.
  • Make sure your medicine is what the doctor ordered. Many drugs look alike and have names that sound alike. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to be sure you have the right medicine. If you are getting a refill and the medicine looks different, ask the pharmacist about it.
  • Learn how to take medicine correctly. Read the directions on the label and other paperwork you get with your medicine. Medicine labels can be hard to understand. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain anything you do not understand. Are there other medicines, foods or activities (such as driving, drinking alcohol or using tobacco) that you should avoid while using the medicine? For example, ask if "four doses daily" means taking a dose exactly every six hours or just during regular waking hours. Ask what "take as needed" really means.
  • Find out about possible side effects. Many drugs have side effects. Some side effects may bother you at first but will get better later. Others may be serious. If a side effect does not get better, talk to your doctor. You may need a different dose or a different medicine.
Make your medicines work for you — not against you. By taking steps to get the best results from your medicines, you can help prevent problems. I'm Dr. Carolyn Clancy, and that's my advice on how to navigate the health care system. Carolyn M. Clancy, a general internist and researcher, is an expert in engaging consumers in their health care. She is the director of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Article obtained from AARP Article by by: Carolyn M. Clancy

Friday, March 18, 2011

Access the shower or tub again!

Remodeling a bathroom due to a disability can be very expensive or maybe not even an option when renting. Now there is a solution, Showerbuddy transfer systems fits into most existing showers or tubs. With the fraction of the cost of a remodel you can enjoy a shower the same day. Depending on the disability and the configuration of your bathroom, a Showerbuddy system can be customize to fit your needs. Click Here to watch a video of how the Showerbuddy transfer systems work! You'll be amazed at how quickly and easily you or a loved one can safely regain use of your tub or shower. ShowerBuddy standard

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Customer Service is our FOCUS

HMEprovider.com has a network of over 3,000 community based providers nationwide. HMEprovider partners with this member network to connect consumers with a local medical equipment provider to assist with equipment and service needs.

HMEprovider.com has the opportunity to talk to hundreds of consumers across the country each week and it's always concerning to hear stories from people regarding the lack of true customer service and patient care the are provided. Our corporation has been in business for almost 25 years. Customer service has always been the number one focus of every division and every associate here. The customer service element is so ingrained in our culture and shared by so many of our provider partners that it's difficult to hear about people that don't share these same values.

Today HMEprovider.com was contacted by a consumer looking for some basic medical equipment. The HMEprovider.com network was quickly able to connect him with a local medical equipment expert to just down the road from him. The consumer contacted me and commented about the process he'd gone through in accessing our network. He then said "My conversations with your company have been very helpful. It's nice to know there is still a group of people that care about what they do". He then thanked for the courtesy.

Customer service is something we live and breathe and something we don't even consciously think about any more. I know the value of customer service is shared by our provider network. Even with all of the difficulties our medical equipment partners deal with from referral sources, reimbursement sources and the government, they continue on because they just want to take care of people.

Contact HMEprovider.com at 800-951-1213 to connect to a network of medical equipment providers with a focus on customer service.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Actor Mickey Rooney Testifies Before Aging Committee on Elder Abuse He Has Endured

March 2, 2011 – Legendary movie actor Mickey Rooney, now 90, gave riveting testimony before the Senate's Special Committee on Aging today as he described the elder abuse that has happened to him. The World War II veteran said he was "stripped of the ability to make even the most basic decisions."mickey rooney Senator Herb Kohl, committee chair, called the hearing to explore the nationwide trends of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of seniors with leading experts from across the country. Rooney testified to the emotional and financial abuse that he has struggled through in recent years to a packed hearing room. (Link to video of testimony below news report.) "I was financially exploited and denied access to information of any kind as to how my finances were managed…" Rooney said. "I persisted in sharing with others the abuse I have suffered, and am now taking steps to right all the wrongs that were committed against me." Kohl opened the hearing noting, "the physical, mental and financial abuse of our nation's seniors is all too common." In 2009 in Kohl's home state of Wisconsin, over 5,000 cases of suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation were reported – an almost 9 percent increase over 2008. "These crimes are being committed by people because their victims are often fragile and their chance of getting caught is slim," Kohl said. Kay Brown, Director of the Government Accountability Office's Education, Workforce and Income Security program, presented a GAO report released at the hearing, detailing the existing estimates of elder abuse cases finally being reported to authorities. "A 2009 study estimated that 14.1 percent of non-institutionalized older adults nationwide had experienced some form of elder abuse in the past year," Brown said. "In all likelihood, this underestimated the full extent of elder abuse, however, because older adults who are highly cognitively impaired may be underrepresented in this study." Mark Lachs, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Co-Chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology at Weill Medical College, unveiled a statewide study of elder abuse in New York recently completed by a collaborative team from Cornell University, the New York City Department for the Aging, and Lifespan of Greater Rochester. "Based on our research it would appear that for every elder abuse victim that makes it into an official service or reporting system, another 23 to 24 go undetected," Lachs said. Kohl urged Committee members in attendance to help pass legislation to improve federal, state and local agency cooperation in fighting elder abuse. He noted that later that day he would reintroduce his "Elder Abuse Victims Act," a measure that is strongly endorsed by the Elder Justice Coalition. The bill establishes an Office of Elder Justice within the Department of Justice and strengthens the coordinated law enforcement response to cases of elder abuse. Kohl will also introduce the "End Abuse in Later Life Act of 2011," which addresses domestic abuse in later life and is designed to be included as part of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization later this year. Article by Seniorjournal.com

Monday, February 21, 2011

Respironics announces the new GoLife for Men

Are you or a loved one not complying with your CPAP therapy due to an uncomfortable mask. Perhaps the new GoLife for Men mask is the answer.
Respironics says:
A new mask built just for men- a breakthrough in nasal pillow masks for men.
Stability and simplicity in a nasal pillows mask just for men.
Stability and simplicity. When sleep therapy providers, clinicians, and male patients told us exactly what they wanted in a nasal pillows mask, we listened…carefully. The result? GoLife for Men – our first sleep therapy mask built exclusively for men. More than just a color change, GoLife for Men is designed specifically to conform to the larger contours of the male facial structure. It features straightforward, pre-formed headgear and self-adjusting, optimally angled nasal pillows for a one-step fit. And our soon-to-be-released GoLife for Women nasal pillows mask will offer the same set of specially customized features designed for female patients. GoLifeonMnqn_RGBLo Quite simply, GoLife for Men helps to take the complexity out of achieving successful nasal pillows therapy for male patients. Features We set out to make GoLife the most stable nasal pillows mask available, starting with a no-nonsense design and features that may enhance comfort and increase compliance in male patients. Built for a man's face GoLife for Men was designed specifically to conform to the larger contours of the male face. Facial contour arms hug the cheeks, helping to provide comfort and a secure seal, even when moving during sleep. In fact, GoLife for Men is so stable, we've eliminated the need for a chin support band. Optimized for comfort Using GoLife for Men is highly intuitive and as natural as possible. The pre-formed headgear and self-adjusting, optimally angled nasal pillows may help to provide comfort and require minimal to no adjustments during regular use. A 360-degree swivel on the mask's tubing further enhances both comfort and flexibility. Visit HMEprovider.com to connect with a CPAP expert in your area. GoLifeInUse_RGBLo

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

New System Limits Medicare Patients’ Provider Choices

About a quarter-million people in the Charlotte area are Medicare patients, and many of them have been or will be affected by a new system that significantly limits their provider choices for certain services. Members of Congress, caretakers and patients are already raising red flags, claiming the new system is flawed. Marilyn Graham said she is concerned about how well Medicare patients will be able to navigate the new system. She has a condition called sleep apnea and uses a continuous positive airway pressure machine -- known as a CPAP machine -- to help her breathe at night. "There are times when I gasp for air," she said, describing the condition. "To my husband, there are times when it seems like I'm not breathing at all." In mid-January, she accidentally tore the face mask, which pumps oxygen into her lungs. Graham called her provider but was told the business couldn't help her anymore because it didn't win a Medicare competitive bidding contract for CPAP machines. "I was so unprepared," Graham said. "I mean, totally unprepared." Starting Jan. 1, 2011, Medicare patients were required to use companies that won bids in Charlotte's competitive bidding system. If they don't, Medicare won't pay for their services. "It was a relationship with a provider," Graham said. "And so all that changes. You have no control over who you go to." Medical equipment providers competed in nine categories, including CPAP machines and other equipment, like wheelchairs. Companies with the lowest bids won the right to keep providing equipment and services to Medicare patients. If a company didn't win certain bids, its patients were out of luck. "They may need to go to four different places fo four different services," Graham said. Bill Griffin of Griffin Home Health Care said he laid off eight employees after winning only one bid, which was for oxygen equipment. "We can't sell Medicare walkers anymore," he said. Griffin has spent nearly 30 years in Charlotte providing CPAP machines, walkers, hospital beds and special feeding machines to Medicare patients, but he said he couldn't bid low enough to win in any of those categories. "The providers that bid, bid such low prices that it's not only suicide for the industry but the companies involved," he said. "I think there is a world of companies that will go out of business." Eyewitness News went through the list of more than 200 bid contracts and found that Medicare awarded more than half of the contracts to providers outside the Charlotte market. Some are in places like Goleta, Calif., and Naperville, Ill., but are providing services and equipment to people in Charlotte. Medicare tried to launch a competitive bidding system in 2008. A report from the Government Accountability Office cited "numerous concerns," like companies "missing financial documentation" or not meeting "accreditation requirements." But Medicare officials said this time around will be different. As for Graham, she found a list of providers online and said she spent days calling them and Medicare. She finally received a new mask more than a week later, but she said she's worried about the 250,000 other Medicare patients in the area who don't know about the changes. "There's no way they're going to know until they actually have a need," she said. Members of Congress, including Sue Myrick, supported a House bill to repeal the competitive bidding system, but it never gained momentum in the Senate. Medicare set up a toll-free number for patients to call with complaints and concerns. It's 888-990-0499. This story was featured by WSOCTV

Monday, January 31, 2011

Connecting consumers with local medical equipment providers

HMEprovider.com has a network of over 3,000 community based providers nationwide. HMEprovider partners with this member network to connect consumers with a local medical equipment provider to assist with equipment and service needs. HMEprovider.com was contacted a few weeks ago by a first time mom. She and her co-worker were at their whitt's end. The ladies were trying desperately to find a medical equipment provider that carried electric breastpumps and would do insurance billing for the item. HMEprovider.com was able to access a member of our network in getting these ladies taken care of. One of these women took a few minutes to share her appreciation, "I can't thank you enough for your advice, support and assistance. You have been a godsend. If it wasn't for you I think we would have just given up a while ago. I want you to know how much we appreciate you! It's not just being able to get us the pumps but it has been such a positive/pleasurable experience dealing with you. We wish it was this easy any time we had/have to work with insurance companies." The HMEprovider.com network of independent, community based providers nationwide specialize in a variety of medical equipment, respiratory equipment, custom rehab equipment and home modification solutions. Most of our providers are Medicare licensed, have the ability to bill your private insurance and have obtained industry accreditation. medela_pump in style advanced

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Traveling with a Parent

Posted by Angel Carl on January 25, 2011 on the Right at Home Blog.
If you plan to bring an elderly loved one with you when traveling, you will want to be prepared. The challenges of senior travel can complicate your trip and be a source of serious stress. What if your loved one has an emergency while traveling? Here are some things to consider while planning your trip from Right at Home:
  • Talk to your loved one's doctor about your travel plans. A doctor familiar with your loved one's health and conditions can help you make arrangements for your loved one's special needs and ensure that your loved one's health will not be compromised by the trip.
  • Familiarize yourself with your loved one's insurance policy, especially the emergency information and what the policy says constitutes an emergency. Bring a copy of these pages with you for reference on your trip, just in case.
  • Carry a list of medicines your loved one is on and any other critical medical information.
  • Always carry medications with you at all times — never pack them in a bag you are checking or in a carry-on bag that is being stored separately during a flight.
  • Request a wheelchair from your airline or travel agent, and be sure this is noted on your ticket. This will make getting around airports quicker, safer and easier for everyone involved.
  • If your loved one has a heart condition, confirm with your airline that there is a defibrillator on the plane.
  • If traveling abroad, bring a copy of the Consular Information Sheet for the country you are visiting. This sheet has important country-specific travel information, such as location of the U.S. embassy, security information and health and medical information.
  • If on a cruise, confirm with the cruise line that there will be an emergency doctor on board.
By planning ahead and being prepared for emergencies, you can ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time on your trip. If you're interested in connected with a medical equipment provider at your vacation destination, contact HMEprovider.com at 800-951-1213

Thursday, January 20, 2011

group_womenCompetitive bidding is a new Medicare program that will make it challenging for Medicare beneficiaries to obtain medically necessary equipment and service they need for daily living. Medicare traditionally has contracted with many home medical equipment providers throughout the country. However, the competitive bidding program will decrease the number of providers available to supply equipment and service. Medicare will accept new providers into the system based on a bidding process. Those providers who offer the lowest bid for their equipment and service will receive contracts from Medicare. Click here to view some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about this new program.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Peace of Mind with a Medical Alert Device






A Medical Alert Device helps seniors when they can't reach the phone for help. These types of devices offer peace of mind for both seniors as well as their loved ones. There are several different types of devices with both neck and wrist pendants available. A local medical equipment provider specializing in medical alert devices can work with you to provide you with product that best fit your needs.