Lift Chairs: Good for more than just lifting!

Did you know that lift chairs do more than just lift the user from sitting to standing?  There are many benefits to having a lift chair in your home including the customized size, ability to target specific pressure points on the body and ability to recline to positions that elevate the body. Specific physical issues lift chairs target: [caption id="attachment_436" align="alignright" width="210" caption="Lift chairs do more than just lift!"][/caption]

• Circulation Problems
• Arthritis
• Mobility Problems
• Weight
• And Preventative Measures

Do you think you're a good candidate for a lift chair?  Leave a comment or complete our contact form to find a lift chair provider in your area!

Avoiding the Fall: Walking Aid Fitting

Every year over 50,000 individuals end up in the ER due to falling while using a walking aid.  Most of these falls occur because of improper fitting of the walking aid.  If you or your loved one is using a walking aid, we ask that you take these quick and easy steps to make sure the walking aid is on the correct height setting to prevent major injuries from falling. [caption id="attachment_433" align="alignright" width="395" caption="Fitting canes"][/caption] Fitting a Walker or Cane

1. Your first step is to get your favorite pair of shoes on that you wear most often.
2. Then stand straight with your arms down and your elbows slightly bent, the way you would normally stand.
3. Your friend will then measure from the middle crease of your wrist to the ground.
4. Finally, set your walker or cane to that exact measurement.

If your walker or cane does not set to that exact height, do not keep the walking aid.  It is very hazardous to use a walking aid that does not fit.  Also, keep in mind that you should not have to bend down for the walking aid to support you.  You should be able to stand up tall and still have the walking aid supporting your body. Fitting a Rollator Fitting a rollator is very similar to fitting a walker or cane.  You will still need to be wearing your favorite shoes and stand with elbows slightly bent.  Your friend will then measure from your hip joint to the ground.  The top of the handle grips should be the same height as your hip joint. Have you tried other measurement tricks?  Let us know what you think!

Adaptive Sports for Wheelchair Users

As a wheelchair user, have you thought about getting involved in your local adaptive sports?  There are many options out there for competitive and athletic wheelchair users that allow you to engage with other wheelchair users in the community and also keep you in shape. [caption id="attachment_430" align="alignright" width="400" caption="Wheelchair Tennis"][/caption] The most popular adaptive sports are wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis.  Both wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis are established sports with modified rules and highly competitive tournaments held on the local, regional and national level.  You can get involved through the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in their USTA Wheelchair Tennis program or through the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) for leisure or competition. Sport Wheelchairs For most adaptive sports, athletes will need a sport wheelchair.  These adapted wheelchairs have extra wheels to prevent falling backwards, enhanced center of gravity and low backs to get those touch shots.  Overall, the sport chairs help to make you more agile, stable and quick on the court. If you've participated in adaptive sports, please share your experience with us in the comments section below.  We'd love to hear from you!

Traveling with Respiratory Issues: Do I need Portable Oxygen In-Flight?

Is traveling with portable oxygen in your future?  While traveling with oxygen is possible, there are several factors to take into account.  You will first need to check that if you need portable oxygen while in-flight.  Once you discover you need portable oxygen, you'll need to check with your airline to see which portable oxygen devices they approve and also how much oxygen you'll need. [caption id="attachment_427" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Traveling with Portable Oxygen"][/caption] Since 1986, airlines have been prohibited from discriminating against passengers with disabilities, including those who need portable oxygen.  While regulations vary between airlines, the Air Carrier Access Act assures that passengers needing portable oxygen will be allowed a certain amount of supply and devices aboard their flight. Another challenge faced by travelers is the question of whether or not you need portable oxygen on your flight.  As most of you know, the air quality diminishes as you ascend from sea level so on standard commercial flights that cruise between 30,000 and 40,000 feet above sea level, the cabins must be pressurized.  The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires air pressure to be equal or lower than 8,000 feet above sea level which is sufficient for most of us.  However, for passengers with respiratory problems, the air pressure may not be enough to keep them healthy. Consult your healthcare provider before travel if you are suffering from emphysema or COPD, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial lung disease or have difficult time breathing during normal everyday activities. Please share with us your experiences in traveling with portable oxygen.  To find an oxygen provider in your area, click here!

The Man Behind the Mask: Health Benefits of CPAP Treatment

A common misuse of prescriptions is the act of halting treatment when you start to feel better.  Most of us know that this is not effective and your symptoms will come back.  For many new CPAP users, the reaction is the same.  The device seems like an annoyance so when they start waking up feeling refreshed again, they simply stop using it.  This reaction is understandable because for many, it is difficult to see the major health benefits of the CPAP until they go back for a sleep study to see the actual proof. Today, let's review the health benefits of CPAP treatment for sleep apnea to keep you using your CPAP faithfully every night! Simply from the CPAP giving patients a full night's rest, they find themselves more alert, more able to concentrate and more emotionally stable.  Everyone knows that when you don't get enough sleep, you can be irritable and unable to concentrate, but there are many more benefits. A major health benefit of CPAP treatment is weight control.  In many cases, sleep apnea is actually caused by obesity so when they start treating their sleep apnea, their improved sleep patterns tend to cause them to make better eating decisions during the day.  Many eat during the day when they are feeling drowsy so without the drowsy feelings, they are less likely to indulge. One more, although there are many more health benefits to talk about, is hypertension.  Use of CPAP treatment has a direct correlation to improvement of blood pressure.  Sleep apnea causes high blood pressure so the reaction after continued CPAP use is lower blood pressure and much healthier heart. You may have noticed that all of these health benefits are dependant on one another and in some cases, caused the need for a CPAP in the first place.  We'd love to hear from you so if you have thought on your own sleep apnea or treatments, leave a comment below!

The Many Forms of the CPAP Mask

Whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach, there is a CPAP mask for you.  Your CPAP mask should be secure and comfortable, allowing for maximum quality sleep for the entire night.  There are many CPAP masks to choose from including the nasal, nasal pillow and full face mask. Nasal Mask [caption id="attachment_419" align="alignright" width="280" caption="CPAP Nasal Pillow"][/caption] Your nasal mask fits securely over the nose with headgear fastened at both the top and the bottom of the triangular shape attachment.  This mask is most commonly used for people that sleep on their side and need a lightweight mask for comfort. Nasal Pillow A nasal pillow fits securely to the base of the nostrils with two small pillows that are attached by headgear on either side of the pillows.  This mask has the least amount of contact with the face and is most effective for patients who only breathe through their nose while sleeping. Full Face Mask Many CPAP users require a full face mask which covers the nose and mouth.  This mask is most effective for patients who breathe through their mouth during sleep. There are endless options in CPAP mask designs and we recommend discussing these options and your preferences with a local respiratory provider.  Complete our form to find a provider in your area! Please share with us your thoughts on CPAP masks!

Portable Ramps: Exploring your options for accessibility!

As a wheelchair or scooter user, you may feel limited in the accessibility within your home and around your community, but you don't need to.  There are very effective portable ramp designs available to make your home and places you visit more accessible.  Read on to learn about the different designs and uses of portable ramps! [caption id="attachment_413" align="alignright" width="236" caption="Trifold Ramp from EZ-Access"][/caption] Rubber Threshold Ramp The rubber threshold ramp is great for outside doorways in your home.  These ramps are lightweight, but sturdy options to get your wheelchair or scooter through an outside threshold safely and easily. Learn more. Portable Pathway Ramp The portable pathway ramp is a sturdy option for front door steps.  This ramp fits an entrance with several steps.  There is no assembly required, just simply position the ramp and it's ready to use.  Learn more. Suitcase Ramp This ramp is a convenient accessibility solution for raised landings, vehicles and multiple step entrances.  The simple one fold design makes it easy for storage and travel and is also very sturdy and safe to use.  Learn more. Trifold Ramp The trifold ramp is much like the suitcase ramp only it folds up into a smaller, more convenient ramp to have with you when traveling to turn any difficult passage into an accessible entrance.  There is some assembly required.  Learn more. As always, we believe the best home medical care you can receive should be close to home which includes specialized evaluations for mobility ramps.  To find a qualified mobility ramp specialist in your area, simply complete the form here. Which mobility ramps have you found useful in your home and around your community?  If you're a provider, please share how mobility ramps have helped your customers.

Dr. White Talks About Getting More Sleep

As a mother of 3 young children this post from Dr. White about healthy amounts of sleep really struck home. There are many factors that affect the amount of sleep we get on a regular basis. In many cases simple lifestyle changes could make a real positive impact. In other cases, a discussion with your physician may be an appropriate next step.

One New Year's Resolution Worth Keeping: Get More Sleep

Dr. David White, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer for Philips Home Healthcare Solutions

It's no secret that today's nonstop lifestyle is detrimental to our sleep. Whether due to work, television, stress or any number of other reasons, more Americans are staying up late and getting up early. The average American sleeps only six hours and 55 minutes per night during the week, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Additionally, 15 percent of adults and 7 percent of adolescents regularly sleep less than six hours per night. A lack of sleep is taking its toll. What's the price you pay for sleeping less than the currently recommended amount? Poor concentration. One early indicator of sleep deprivation is a loss of the ability to maintain attention or stay focused on a given task. Most of us can rise to the occasion and concentrate for a short period of time with generally good results. But, for activities like driving, or any task requiring over five to 10 minutes of serious concentration, inadequate sleep leads to poor outcomes. And, your cognitive impairment will get steadily worse for at least two weeks if you don't sleep longer at night. Many of us have jobs that do not require sustained attention, so we appear to function well with relatively little sleep. However, this does not mean that our brains are working optimally. It simply means that many of us are "on auto-pilot" at jobs that may not constantly challenge our minds. Memory loss. Another casualty of shortened sleep is your ability to retain memories and learn new skills. Memory consolidation (encoding or firmly implanting a memory in the brain) occurs the night after you learn something while you are sleeping. If you don't get a good night's rest after learning a motor task (like typing) or grasping an intellectual concept, your ability to perform that task or remember that concept is impaired. Bad choices and bad mood. Your ability to inhibit some risky behaviors is hampered by lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation is also well known to have a negative effect on emotions. Losing sleep flattens your mood and makes you a more dour, irritable and negative individual. Plus, the negative influence on your mood carries over to your ability to address personal or moral decisions effectively. Sleep experts are currently investigating whether inadequate sleep affects complex brain functions such as decision making, planning and goal-oriented activities. Certainly, a diminished ability to concentrate degrades cognitive ability. However, there is mixed evidence as to whether sleep loss specifically influences complex cognition apart from this loss of attention. It seems that some mental functions are more affected than others by sleep deprivation. Basic decision making, logical deduction and reading comprehension seem to be minimally affected by sleep loss. However, creativity and the innovative aspects of cognition decline. Whether sleep duration affects athletic performance is not as well studied. It seems quite clear that reaction time deteriorates with reduced sleep. To the extent reaction speed is important in an athletic event, worsening performance can be predicted. Most evidence suggests that short sleep reduces athletic prowess and that extending sleep duration may improve your performance in sports. Research addressing sleep and athletic performance indicates that: • Four hours' less sleep (eight to four hours) on a single night decreases accuracy and consistency in throwing darts. • One whole night without sleep yields slower times for short distance sprints, while an afternoon nap following a night of partial sleep deprivation improves sprint times. • Increasing sleep for 110 minutes per night for several weeks in college basketball players improves free throw and three-point goal percentage and results in faster sprint times. It seems pretty clear that there is lot of upside to getting enough sleep. A good night's rest goes a long way toward improving your reaction time, memory, complex cognition and probably athletic prowess. This year, resolve to create an effective nighttime routine and a positive sleep environment. Unplug from the TV or mobile devices before bed and limit your caffeine intake as it gets later in the day. Make sure you get those Zzzs; an adequate nightly sleep has a lot to offer. Article from Huffpost Healthyliving http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-david-white-md/need-sleep_b_1194893.html

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

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

Traveling with oxygen this holiday season?

As 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.

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

Needing help getting in and out of your home?

Portable 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.

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

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