Impact of Competitve Bidding Reported

Check out this survey reported on in HMENews. Patient access to diabetic supplies and patient choice has been drastically impacted by Competitive Bidding. Sadly, the results of this survey don't come as a surprise to many in our industry, but we're glad these groups have taken the time to bring this information to the forefront.

Survey: Bidding program really does limit access By Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor 12.23.2011 CHICAGO - Beneficiaries in Round 1 competitive bid areas have limited access to the most widely used diabetes testing supplies, says the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). A survey by the association found that mail order contract suppliers, on average, offered only 38% of the product brands that are listed on www.medicare.gov. Of the nine brands identified by the Office of Inspector General in a 2010 report as the top mail order brands by market share, contractor suppliers offered, on average, only 1.44 of the brands, or 16%. "We were getting all of these stories from our educators who were hearing about problems, or having their patients tell them they don't have a certain meter any more," said Martha Rinker, chief advocacy officer for the AADE. "When we talked to CMS about it, or any other party, they'd say it was just anecdotal. We thought this was the best way to get concrete information." With an average reimbursement cut of 56% for mail order diabetes supplies, it's not all that surprising that many suppliers are offering lesser-known--and less expensive--brands. Dr. Peter Cramton, a vocal critic of the current competitive bidding program, predicted providers would cherry pick and switch patients to different brands to try and squeeze out a profit. "It's in line with what I expected to see based on the current design of the program and the type of behavior it creates," said Tom Milam, a member of the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) and former CEO of mail-order diabetes supply firm AmMed Direct. For Round 2, which expands the mail order diabetes bid to all 50 states and several U.S. territories, CMS has implemented changes it believes will prevent low-ball bids: Contract winners must provide, at minimum, 50% of all the different types of diabetes testing supplies on the market by brand names; and contract winners are prohibited from influencing or providing incentives to beneficiaries to switch their brands. But unless CMS plans to police suppliers, stakeholders don't believe the provisions will work. "It's easy to bid and give a low bid and say you're going to do something and not do it," said Rinker. "I think it's going to be up to us who work with the patient community to get some congressional interest in this to make CMS take an interest."

Article from HMENews http://www.hmenews.com/?p=article&id=hm201112nviNI0

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.

Caregivers: Making the transition from hospital to home easier

(ARA) - Coming home from the hospital or other care setting after an illness or surgery can be worrisome for both patients and the friends and family members who care for them. Planning ahead can make the process much easier. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has advice that is useful to the millions of Americans who are actively involved in caregiving. Through its caregiver initiative, Ask Medicare, CMS recommends the following steps to prepare for a transition: * Plan ahead: You can - and should - start thinking about the discharge process well in advance, even as early as at the time of admission. CMS has a helpful checklist of key points in its "Planning for Your Discharge" guide, available at the "Medicare Basics" link on the home page of the Ask Medicare website at http://www.medicare.gov/caregivers/. This checklist will help you prepare for the next steps in care.
* Get ready for new responsibilities: Talk to hospital staff about what you will need to do at home, who will show you how to properly carry out any new tasks you will be taking on, such as administering medication, using medical equipment, changing bandages or giving shots. * Make needed changes to your home: You might need to rearrange your home to have room for items such as a hospital bed, walker or a wheelchair. You might need to consider installing a ramp in place of stairs - be sure to ask the hospital staff what will be needed. You should also remove area rugs and other items that may cause falls and group electrical cords together with ties or clips to keep them clear of high-traffic areas.
* Prepare for extra costs: The person you are caring for may need new medical services or medicines after coming home. Medicare may cover some of these costs, but not all. You can learn about services and care that are covered by Medicare at the "Help With Billing" and "Is It Covered?" links at the Ask Medicare home page.
* Keep a list of key contacts: Put contact information for doctors, pharmacists, home care agency staff and others involved in the care process where you can easily find them. * Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you're overwhelmed, don't hesitate to ask a friend or family member to lend a hand. If paid home health services are needed, you can learn more about home health services in the "Medicare and Home Health Care" booklet, which is also accessible at the Ask Medicare home page. It's also important to keep a file of resources on hand and to bookmark useful web sites, including Ask Medicare, the United Hospital Fund's "Next Step in Care" initiative at http://www.nextstepincare.org/ and AARP's caregiving site at www.aarp.org/caregivers. More information can be accessed through http://www.healthcare.gov/, a new web portal offered by the Department of Health and Human Services. Courtesy of ARAcontent Unsure who in your area to contact with for your home medical and home modification needs? Contact HMEprovider.com 800-951-1213 We will connect you to an expert in your area that can help with your home medical equipment, oxygen therapy, wheelchair, ramp or safety equipment needs.

Connecting the Aging in Place to LOCAL Equipment Providers

Not Just Answers… Solutions

Are you or your loved one needing medical equipment but don’t know where to find it? Are you wondering how something like a stair lift really works and how it might aid in your independence and comfort at home? You have just taken the first step in getting your questions answered. We are HMEprovider.com and we’re here to help you.

HMEprovider, making home work

We hope you’ll find our site to be a thorough resource for learning more about various pieces of medical equipment and home modification solutions that will allow you or your loved one to remain independent in their home. HMEprovider.com is not just a “click and buy” site. Through your inquiry submission, you will be connected to a local medical equipment provider in your area for direct and local follow up in best meeting your needs.
HMEprovider.com has a network of over 3,000 independent, community based providers nationwide specializing 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 accreditations.



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