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.