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

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.

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.

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.

CPAP Therapy On The GO...

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

- 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.

Benefits of a Transport Chair

At 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.

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

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.