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It`s not too late! - 9/8/2010
There is still plenty of time to order VGM’s 2011 HME-specific, customizable calendar. The calendar is one of the newest marketi (more...)
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The Subcommittee on Health Announces a Hearing Being Held on September 15 - 9/8/2010
The notification below was provided by Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA). (more...)
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Rural Areas Will Be Impacted by the Competitive Bidding Program - 9/3/2010
Many providers and members of Congress in non-competitive bid areas are under the assumption that they will not be affected by the competitive bidding program. However, economist Ken Brown, Ph.D., who (more...)
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Medicare Audit Issues Provider Survey: Please Complete! - 9/3/2010
In order to track the impact of increased audits that target the HME sector, AAHomecare is distributing the attached “Medicare Audit Issues Provider Survey” to all state associations and i (more...)
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CMS Rejects Congressional Request to Release Bid Winners, Ensure Transparency - 9/1/2010
From AAHomecare
In a letter to Representatives Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) and Ralph Hall (R-Texas), CMS rejected the request of 136 members of the House of Representatives requesting greater transparency in the bid proces (more...)
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CMS Releases Supplier Standards Final Rule - 8/31/2010
CMS released today a Final Rule that adds to and revises the existing supplier standards. More information is to come, but according to CMS, the Final Rule makes the following changes to the DME (more...)
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Invacare, AAHomecare, and VGM Send Letter to Sebelius on Competitive Bidding - 8/30/2010
Following a meeting last week with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Invacare, AAHomecare, and VGM sent a letter to her to follow up on their “serious concerns” about beneficiary access to (more...)
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ACTION NEEDED: Ask your Legislators to Contact CMS about Transparency in the Competitive Bidding Program - 8/19/2010
Last week, 136 representatives sent a letter to CMS Administrator Donald Berwick asking for transparency in the DME com (more...)
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UPDATED: VGM User-Friendly PECOS Database! - 8/17/2010
The text file has been updated as of August 15.
VGM Members can Early last week Representatives Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) and Ralph Hall (R-Tex.) circulated a congressional sign-on letter requesting CMS release the names of the companies that submitted winning bids th (more...)
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Harkin Visits VGM - 8/13/2010
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, visited VGM Group, Inc., headquarters in Waterloo, Iowa, for a tour and educational presentations on home car (more...)
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REMINDER: Harkin Event in Waterloo is on Aug. 10! - 8/6/2010
On Tuesday, Aug. 10, Van Miller and Jim Walsh of VGM; Cara Bachenheimer of Invacare; Tyler Wilson of AAHomecare; and Rose Schafhauser of MAMES will be hosting a brunch for Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) in (more...)
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Urge your congressman to sign onto the Altmire/Hall letter - 8/6/2010
All providers must contact their congressmen TODAY to urge him/her to sign on to the Altmire-Hall letter on CMS Transparency. Time is of the essence! The deadline is Monday, Aug. 9 (more...)
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Congressional Sign-on Letter Requesting Round One Bidding Information - 8/4/2010
Representative Jason Altmire (D-PA) and Representative Ralph Hall (R-TX) are initiating a congressional sign-on letter requesting that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) release the (more...)
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Industry Says FDA Requirements Clash With CMS` Competitive Bid Focus - 8/2/2010
Posted by Center for Regulatory Effectiveness
The article linked below was posted by The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness. The Advanced Medical Technology Association is asking FDA and CMS to coordinate efforts to dispell mixed messages (go to source...)
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Medicare Patient Responds to Orlando Sentinal - 8/2/2010
By Aaron Thomas
Mike Thomas` recent column on Medicare`s competitive bidding program for home equipment and services was biased and laden with problems. (more...)
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"Do I Want This Competitive Bidding Contract?" Free Web Presentation is NOW AVAILABLE - 7/9/2010
Presented by:
John Gallagher, VP-Government Relations
Alan Morris, Regulatory Analyst
This program offers valuable and timely information to providers currently being off (more...)
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Call to ACTION: It’s Time to Get “Hopping Mad” - 7/2/2010
It should come as no surprise that CMS made their announcement of the “winning” bid rates at the dawn of our nation’s birthday, Independence Day. Many would rather enjoy the ho (more...)
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Baucus, Grassley Praise House Passage of Bill to Reverse Doctor Payment Cut - 7/1/2010
Bipartisan Bill to Preserve Access to Doctors, Reverse 21 Percent Payment Cut through November Passed Senate Last Week, Heads to President for Signature
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today applauded House passage of legislation to reverse a 21 percent payment cut for doctors in Med (more...)
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CMS Claims "Benefits" of Competitive Bidding as "Winning" Bid Prices are Released; Payments Reduced by an Average of 32 Percent - 7/1/2010
As anticipated, CMS has released the “winning” bid prices for the DME competitive bidding program, touting that the program will save an average of 32 percent, saving tax payers and M (more...)
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Discuss Competitive Bidding with us Today at 11 am CDT - 6/29/2010
VGM`s Lunch Bucket with John Gallagher
The “Lunch Bucket with John Gallagher” will be airing a live video and conference call on TODAY, June 29 at 11:00 am CDT (12:00 pm EDT). Please make plans to join VGM’s J (more...)
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CALL TO ACTION: - 6/29/2010
H.R. 3790 at 252 Co-sponsors – Keep Up the Pressure!
At the dawn of CMS’ “winning” bid announcement, VGM would like to remind all providers to keep up the pressure with your legislators to STOP competitive bidding. We cannot let (more...)
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House Approves Temporary ‘Doc Fix’ - 6/25/2010
The House yesterday approved the Senate`s "doc fix," which postpones the planned cuts to physicians` Medicare reimbursement until November. The measure passed in a 417-1 vote and reverses th (more...)
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Competitive Bidding: Bid Rates Unlikely to Be Released Today - 6/25/2010
Because of a June 10 Inside Health Policy report, many DME providers and industry leaders expected CMS to announce the “winning” bids for the DME competitive bidding program today.& (more...)
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ALERT! House Members Go Home without Doc Fix; CMS Tells Contractors to Process 21 Percent Payment Cut - 6/18/2010
According to the Congress Daily (see article below), the Senate failed on Thursday to get the 60 votes necessary to approve the “Extenders” Bill, which included a “doc fix” to (more...)
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In Preparation for the Competitive Bidding Contracting Period, VGM Announces Seminar Series - 6/14/2010
WATERLOO, Iowa -- While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again (more...)
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CMS Expected to Announce “Winning” Bids on June 25 - 6/11/2010
AAHomecare has reported that CMS is likely to announce “winning” bids for the Medicare bidding program on June 25. (more...)
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Industry Ready when Lid Comes Off the Bidding Kettle - 6/7/2010
From Homecare Monday 6/7/10
ATLANTA—HME advocates took advantage of the congressional recess last week to push for more cosponsors of H.R. 3790 to repeal competitive bidding. (more...)
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Government Wants to Create Jobs, While CB Eliminates Them - Contact your Local Media and Raise Awareness! - 6/3/2010
Competitive bidding will cost more than 100,000 jobs nationwide, and that the program must be stopped. As members of Congress are working to create more jobs in the count (more...)
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VGM NCB Team Hitting The Road Again, This Time Preparing Providers for the Contracting Process - 6/3/2010
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program,the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. (more...)
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FTC Extends Enforcement Deadline for Identity Theft Red Flags Rule - 6/1/2010
As many HME providers are aware, on May 28 the Federal Trade Commission announced it would delay enforcement of the Red Flags Rule from June 1 to Dec. 31, 2010. (more...)
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PECOS Access for HMEs Coming Soon; "Getting Started Guide" Now Available - 5/27/2010
CMS will soon provide access to Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) to suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) who are (more...)
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Time to Raise the Volume Level - 5/27/2010
Memorial Day Recess is Coming - Lets STOP Competitive Bidding
It is critical that House leadership move quickly to advance and pass H.R. 3790. We must help motivate this action by our grassroots call to House leadership, and by raising local awareness on t (more...)
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Raise Awareness - VOTE TODAY! - 5/26/2010
Ms. Wheelchair Iowa, 2009 Asks for Your Support (more...)
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1/3/11 Referring-Physician PECOS Requirement Still Stands - 5/24/2010
From HomeCare Monday
After scrambling for months to make sure their referring and ordering physicians are enrolled in PECOS, DMEPOS providers will be able to use the Internet-based system to manage enrollment for themselv (more...)
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Red Flag Rules Effective June 1; AMA and Others File Suit Against FTC - 5/24/2010
Commentary by VGM, Article Provided by Information Law Group
Red Flags Rules are scheduled to go effective June 1, 2010. At that point, all “creditors” are required to have programs in place to combat identity theft. As regulation currentl (more...)
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Competitive Bidding Still Talk of the Town - 5/17/2010
Homecare Monday, 5/17/10
LAS VEGAS--As the reality of Round 1 grows closer—CMS should release pricing in June—the hottest topics at Medtrade Spring last week were competitive bidding, competitive bidding and compe (more...)
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STOP "COMPETITIVE BIDDING" FOR DME - 5/10/2010
Ask your legislators to support a repeal of Competitive Bidding
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Attention Round One Bidders: CBIC Requesting Information Regarding Licensure - 4/28/2010
Yesterday, CBIC began sending out E-mails requesting additional information regarding state licensure. If you bid in a CBA that requires licensure for the product category(s) for which you bid, (more...)
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HR 3790 Reaches the Magic Number - 4/26/2010
The bill that would repeal the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding program has reached the magic number of 216. Yesterday, Congressmen Thomas Petre (R-Wisc.), Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.), and Phil Hare (D-Ill (more...)
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DME Providers Who Submitted Bids for the First Round of Competitive Bidding - 4/23/2010
CBIC is currently in the process of evaluating bids and computing composite bids. This is the first step of the contracting process for round one bidding entities. (more...)
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King Visits VGM - 4/8/2010
Earlier this year, VGM scheduled a meet and greet with Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa) to visit the VGM Corporate offices in Waterloo, Iowa. Today, VGM executives: Jim Phillips, COO; Jim Walsh p (more...)
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VGM/HME News Round One Competitive Bidding Survey - 3/31/2010
Dear Round One Bidders:
Please participate in this brief VGM/HME News survey on the Round One Competitive Bidding process. The survey will help us predict winning bid amo (more...)
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HEALTH: `VOTE-A-RAMA` Set to Start Tonight - 3/24/2010
Dan Friedman and Anna Edney, CongressDaily, 3/24/10
The Senate is set to start its "vote-a-rama" on amendments to a budget reconciliation package this evening, with Democrats ripping Republicans for blocking committee hearings and pushing bac (more...)
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HEALTH: House Approves Senate Bill, Fixes - 3/22/2010
Anna Edney and Billy House, Congress Daily, 3/22/2010
The House took a historic vote late Sunday night to approve an overhaul of the nation`s healthcare system after more than a year of debate, a few near-deaths for the measure and an intense final week (more...)
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State Associations and VGM Visit the Hill - 3/17/2010
Yesterday, VGM’s John Gallagher joined state association leaders/members Esta Willman, CAMPS; Beth Bowen, NCAMES; and Rob Brandt, AMEPA to meet Congressional members in Washington, D.C. Th (more...)
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Energy and Commerce Committee to have CMS Staff Briefing on Competitive Bidding - 3/9/2010
Today, VGM received notice that the House Energy and Commerce Committee will be briefed on the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding program by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) staff o (more...)
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DC Fly-In Follow Up - 3/9/2010
Thanks to providers and industry stakeholders who attended the AAHomecare Legislative Conference or who made phone calls this week, H.R. 3790 is up to 162 co-sponsors. The new co-sponsors include: (more...)
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Iowa Reaches 100 Percent! - 3/9/2010
Push to 100 Percent! State/Regional Association Competition
Earlier today, VGM received notice that Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) will sign on to H.R. 3790, bringing Iowa to 100 percent support of the bill. His support follows a meeting with Iowa providers; M (more...)
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Updated PECOS Physician Letter - 3/4/2010
In response to the recent annoucement of the delay in PECOS implementation, National Government Services has released an updated letter for physicians.
(more...)
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So, you want to stay in your home... - 3/3/2010
Off The Shelf introduces new guide for Members
Any VGM Member interested in promoting their home accessibility and home modification services and products will appreciate this newest marketing tool from VGM’s Off The Shelf Marketing Program. (more...)
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VGM GROUP INC. FUNDS FOLLOW-UP STUDY ON MEDICARE’S “COMPETITIVE BIDDING” PROGRAM - 3/2/2010
Waterloo, Iowa (February 23, 2010) — An analytical study was released today by VGM Group, Inc. further challenging the efficacy of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program for Durable M (more...)
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Competitive Bidding Will Cost More Than 100,000 Jobs - 2/24/2010
Summary: The expanded competitive bidding program, proposed in up to 100 U.S. metropolitan areas, is estimated to cost more than 100,000 jobs. The selective contracting progr (more...)
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White House Releases Health Care Reform Proposal; Contact Your Legislator Today - 2/22/2010
The White House has released its Health Care Reform package to be discussed at Thursday’s Health Care Reform Summit. The reform package includes provisions that will affect DME providers.& (more...)
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PECOS Delayed Until 2011! - 2/19/2010
Announcement from CMS` James Bossenmeyer
Jim Bossenmeyer, Director of CMS’ Division of Provider and Supplier Enrollment announced on today’s special “Open Door Forum” that Medicare will delay implementation of CR6417 (more...)
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PAOC Meeting Delayed Until March 17 - 2/19/2010
The Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) meeting originally scheduled for February 23, 2010 has been postponed until March 17, 2010 due to logistical issues, including meeting registration (more...)
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Commentary on HITECH Act Provisions Effective February 17, 2010 - 2/10/2010
VGM provides BAA Template
February 5, 2010 Health Law Alert
As you are no doubt aware, on February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which included the (more...)
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TAKE ACTION NOW! Reinforce Beneficiaries Concerns about Competitive Bidding by Contacting CMS - 2/10/2010
In its continued efforts to fight the fatally flawed competitive bidding program, The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) is asking the public to submit letters to CMS supporting the comments th (more...)
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Important ZPIC Audit Clarification - 2/9/2010
On Monday, January 25, VGM posted an article titled “Preparing for ZPIC Audits” that contained a linked Word document. (“Preparing for an Audit, How to Respond to a Review (more...)
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Preparing for ZPIC Audits - 2/8/2010
Medicare fraud and abuse prevention and detection efforts are about to get tougher because of the new Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPIC). According to CMS, ZPICs were developed to fix fla (more...)
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ZPIC Audits Newest `Business Buster,` Stakeholders Say - 1/25/2010
From HomeCare Monday
RAC, CERT, ZPIC, take your pick. HME providers are now finding themselves the targets of multiple Medicare audits that, at least in some cases, threaten to cripple th (more...)
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State Rep Meets with Iowa Providers Concerning Potential Medicaid Cuts - 1/19/2010
Terry Flatt Executive VP at left, Representative Mark Smith, D from Marshalltown and Peg Mohler Marshalltown Branch Manager of Hammer Medical meet to discuss healthcare issues at the company’ (more...)
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VGM Meets with Braley to Discuss Industry Concerns - 1/10/2010
Jim Phillips, COO of VGM Group
Ron Bendell, President of VGM & Associates
John Gallagher, Vice President of Government Relations with VGM & Associates
Mike Mallaro (more...)
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This Is Meek Week! (AAHomecare, VGM and NAIMES and others support) Contact Members of Congress, Ask them to Support H.R. 3790 - 1/5/2010
AAHomecare Action Alert, January 5, 2010
The state leaders have done an impeccable job supporting H.R. 3790 and educating their representatives, helping us achieve the 118 co-sponsors, which still falls short to the goal of 218. Ohio, Virgin (more...)
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Competitive Bidding “Bid Window” Closes; Providers Encouraged to Continue Seeking Support for H.R. 3790 - 12/22/2009
CMS officially closed the doors on the round one rebid process Monday at 9 p.m. EST. VGM analysts Mark Higley and Alan Morris fielded more than 100 calls from bidders throughout the day, includin (more...)
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Last Day to Bid for the Round 1 Rebid of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program - 12/21/2009
VGM analysts Mark Higley and Alan Morris will be On Call until the bidding deadline at 11:59 P.M. EST tonight! They`ll be happy to help members with their last-minute bidding quest (more...)
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PECOS Letter for Physicians - 12/21/2009
As of April 5, 2010, DMEPOS suppliers will not be receiving payment from Medicare for items that are ordered if you are not currently enrolled in the Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership (more...)
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IMPORTANT - REMEMBER TO CERTIFY FORM B! - 12/21/2009
If you are a supplier interested in participating in the Round 1 Rebid of the Medicare durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program, please reme (more...)
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Understanding the Bidding Process: Supplier Capacity, Beneficiary Demand, and Effect of Weighted Bids - 12/18/2009
Commentary provided by Alan Morris, Regulatory Analyst, VGM
Many Members have contacted VGM over the past several weeks with questions concerning capacity, bid weights, and bid calculation as they pertain to the Medicare competitive bidding program. As a (more...)
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CRE Petitions to Halt Competitive Bidding - 12/18/2009
Dec 17, 2009 3:09 PM, HomeCare
WASHINGTON—The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness has filed a petition to compel the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to halt DMEPOS competitive bidding until it publishes financial s (more...)
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Better Cost Control in the Health Care Bill? - 12/17/2009
By David Leonhardt, New York Times Business Blog
This counts as good news for anyone worried that health reform does not yet do enough to control costs: (more...)
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Help Us Work With CMS on Retroactive Billing Privileges - 12/16/2009
VGM posted the story below, on December 10, 2009, and now we would like you to follow up on this message. If you are a provider who applied for accreditation by Jan. 31, 2009 and did not complete accr (more...)
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House OKs measure delaying Medicare doc-pay cuts - 12/16/2009
Posted: December 16, 2009 - 2:00 pm EDT, Modern Healthcare
The House voted 395-34 to approve a fiscal 2010 defense appropriations bill that includes a measure to stave off Medicare physician payment cuts until March 2010.
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Several Bidders Reporting Issues with Competitive Bidding Program! Keep Making Your Calls! - 12/15/2009
Over the past several days, several bidders have contacted VGM to report issues with DBidS and the CBIC phone system. Bidders in every competitive bidding area have seen the online bidding syste (more...)
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Only 10 Days Left to Bid for the Round 1 Rebid of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program - 12/11/2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently accepting bids for the Round 1 Rebid of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bid (more...)
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Shut Down the Switchboard was a Success! Keep Making Your Calls! - 12/10/2009
Yesterday’s “Shut Down the Switchboard” event was a huge success! We’d like to thank all of you who participated, as initial estimates suggest that approximately 30,000 ca (more...)
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Saturday is the LAST DAY to Qualify for the Covered Document Review Process for the Round 1 Rebid - 12/9/2009
From CBIC
Reminder: If you are a supplier bidding in the Round 1 Rebid of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program, you must submit (more...)
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Despite Delay, PECOS Remains `Mission Critical` - 12/7/2009
From HomeCare Monday, December 7, 2009
COLUMBIA, S.C.--Even though CMS has delayed the PECOS physician registration requirement until April 5, 2010, industry consultant Andrea Stark is counseling HME companies not to slow down on educating (more...)
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Know of Providers Going Out of Business or Giving Up Their Medicare Patients Due to New Regulations? VGM Wants You to Share Your Stories! - 12/3/2009
If you are aware of local DME providers, or are in a situation yourself where a provider has gone out of business or given up their Medicare patients due to any of the number of recent changes to CMS (more...)
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Reid Introduces Senate Health Care Package, Vote Set for Saturday - 11/24/2009
Wall Street Journal, November 19, 2009
WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, (D., Nev.) said Thursday that the Senate is poised to act on $848 billion health-care legislation, despite lingering uncertainty over whether (more...)
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Spotlight: Let the Wild Rumpus Begin - 11/24/2009
American Health Line, November 23, 2009
The Senate, on Saturday, voted 60-39 along party lines to pass a procedural motion on the chamber`s health reform bill, overcoming a GOP filibuster and clearing the legislation for floor debate. Th (more...)
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PECOS Implementation Delayed Until April 5th - 11/24/2009
This afternoon, CMS announced the much anticipated delay of Phase 2 of PECOS implemnation. The following is today`s announcement from CMS:
(more...)
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CRE Encourages Suppliers and Beneficiaries to Submit Formal Complaints to CMS about DME Competitive Bid Program - 11/24/2009
CMS provides three different channels through which DMEPOS suppliers and beneficiaries may submit formal complaints about the DME competitive bidding program. The Center for Regulatory Effectiven (more...)
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Updated PECOS Physician Letter Available - 11/24/2009
In response to yesterday’s CMS announcement of the delay of Phase 2 of PECOS implementation, VGM is offering to its members an updated version of the PECOS physician letter. DME suppliers m (more...)
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CMS Responds to PECOS Warning Edits - 11/5/2009
This message is directed at Medicare suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS), their billing agents and clearinghouses, and the physicians and non-physicia (more...)
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Last Day to Register for the Round One Rebid of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program - 11/4/2009
Reminder: Suppliers interested in participating in the Round One Rebid of the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program must register today (November 4, 2009) before 9:00 p.m. EST. Suppliers w (more...)
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50% of Oxygen Providers gone in Miami-Dade, LA & other counties - 10/30/2009
Rob Brant, AMEPA President
The cost of maintaining accreditation, surety bonds and licensed Respiratory Therapist, combined with cuts in reimbursements and caps in monthly payments have finally caught up with oxygen provi (more...)
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Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) and DME - 10/29/2009
Questions and Answers to Assist in Clarifying the Program
As of Oct. 1, physician and non-physician practitioners must be enrolled in the Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) and of the type/specialty eligible to order/refer servi (more...)
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ALERT! Pelosi Releases Health Care Reform Bill - 10/29/2009
Earlier today, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) released a version of the health reform bill, H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. The $894 billion health care package is r (more...)
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More Support Gained for H.R. 3790 – Keep the Momentum Going! - 10/23/2009
On Oct. 13, Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) introduced H.R. 3790 to repeal the competitive bidding program for DME. At the time of its introduction, the bill already had 16 original cosponsors (more...)
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Fight Fraud with FEAT! - 10/23/2009
The VGM Group, Inc. is happy to announce the launch of a new Web site for the Fraud Eradication Advisory Team (FEAT), which was formed in conjunction with a group of industry stakeholders as an effort (more...)
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BIDDING IS NOW OPEN FOR THE ROUND 1 REBID OF THE DMEPOS COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROGRAM - 10/21/2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is now soliciting bids for the Round One Rebid of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competiti (more...)
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Senate Finance Releases Copy of its Health Reform Bill – DME Provisions Included - 10/20/2009
America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009
VGM has received a copy of the legislative language for the Senate Finance Committee’s (SFC) health reform bill, “America’s Health Future Act of 2009.” On Oct. 13, the co (more...)
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SFC Releases its Version of Health Reform Bill - 10/20/2009
DME Provisions Included
VGM has received a copy of the legislative language for the Senate Finance Committee’s (SFC) health reform bill, “America’s Health Future Act of 2009.” On Oct. 13, the com (more...)
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ALERT: Congressman Meek Introduces Legislation to Repeal Competitive Bidding, H.R. 3790 - 10/14/2009
The collective and tireless efforts of AAHomecare, AMEPA, CAMPS, FAHCS, NAIMES,
NCAMES, OAMES, PAMS, TAHCS, and VGM have led to its introduction. At the time the bill was (more...)
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ACTION ALERT: Support the Meek Bill to Repeal Competitive Bidding - 10/14/2009
Contact your Representative TODAY!
Thanks to the efforts of AMEPA, FAHCS, TAHCS, CAMPS, NAIMES, NCAMES, OAMES, PAMS, AAHomecare, and VGM, Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) introduced H.R. 3790, a budget-neutral bill to repeal the DME (more...)
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NSC Rejections of Surety Bond/Accreditation Notification - 10/8/2009
VGM has become aware that some providers have had their surety bonds or accreditation notification rejected by the National Suppliers Clearinghouse (NSC), leaving them at risk for losing their billing (more...)
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Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program Bidders` Conference is Today! - 10/7/2009
Bid Submission Process
CMS will have the sixth in a series of eight Special Open Door Forum (ODF) bidders’ conferences for the Round One Rebid of the Medicare DMEPOS competitive bidding program. At this Special (more...)
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VGM`s Preferred Consultants: Check Them Out Online - 10/7/2009
VGM has joined forces with experts in the HME industry to bring you consulting excellence at discounted rates. VGM consultants assist HME providers to maximize their business potential. Some of (more...)
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Senate Finance Committee Chairman`s Health Care Reform Mark Up was Released Over the Weekend - 10/6/2009
VGM has received a copy of the Redline on the Senate Finance Committee’s Chairman’s Mark of the health care package. The bill is expected to be out of committee by Wednesday, and it (more...)
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CRE Launches DME Hotline - 10/2/2009
Brochures Move Patients to Act
In the Sept. 18 Legislative Update, VGM announced that the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) is seeking input from Medicare patients who could be affected by the DME competitive bidding progra (more...)
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Medicare`s DME Accreditation: Update and Comments from Alan Morris, VGM Regulatory Analyst - 9/29/2009
This week hundreds of home medical equipment providers are frantically scrambling to submit a “voluntary termination” of their PTAN billing number due to Thursday’s Oct. 1 deadline.& (more...)
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CMS Special ODF for Competitive Bidding Program is TOMORROW (9/29) - 9/28/2009
“How a Bid is Evaluated”
The fifth in a series of Special Open Door Forums (ODF), which serve as bidders` conferences to provide information on the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program will be held on September 29, (more...)
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Senate Finance Committee Proposed Tax on Medical Device Manufacturers - 9/28/2009
CONTACT YOUR SENATORS TODAY!
The special announcement below comes from Invacare and discusses the Senate Finance Committee’s (SFC) proposed tax on medical device manufacturers. VGM encourages providers to contact their (more...)
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CRE Meets with CMS about Accreditation – NO EXTENSION - 9/28/2009
Last week, the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) met with CMS representatives to discuss its request for an extension of the accreditation deadline. The request may be found on the CRE Web sit (more...)
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Surety Bond / Accreditation Reminder: - 9/22/2009
DON’T RISK LOSING YOUR MEDICARE BILLING PRIVILEDGES!
ACCREDITATION AND SURETY BOND DEADLINES ARE APPROACHING!
The National Suppliers Clearinghouse (NSC) has indicated that it may revoke the billing privileges of (more...)
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REMINDER: CMS Special ODF - Financial Documentation Plus Small Supplier Considerations is Sept. 22 - 9/21/2009
The fourth in a series of eight Special Open Door Forum (ODF) bidders’ conferences for the Round One Rebid of the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 22 fr (more...)
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Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) releases Finance Committee Health Care Document - 9/18/2009
Mark up to begin by week`s end. (more...)
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Upcoming Competitive Bidding Deadlines - 9/18/2009
The target deadline for Authorized Officials (AOs) to register for the Round 1 Rebid of the Medicare durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding progra (more...)
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The CRE Requests Patients` Help to Fight Competitive Bidding - 9/18/2009
Order your Brochures TODAY!
For months, the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE), a “watchdog” organization, has been monitoring CMS’ recent activities with regard to the DME competitive bidding program, q (more...)
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Authorized Officials: Register TODAY on IACS for Competitive Bidding - 9/14/2009
Deadline and Important Reminders
A message from CMS and CBIC: (more...)
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CMS Announces Third Special ODF for Competitive Bidding - 9/14/2009
“What You Need to Know Before Submitting Your Bid”
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced their third in a series of eight Special Open Door Forum (ODF) bidders’ conference for the Round One Rebid of the Medicare DMEP (more...)
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CRE Requests CMS Extension of DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation Deadline - 9/10/2009
On Sept. 9, Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) board of advisors member, Jim Tozzi wrote a letter to the CMS Acting Administrator, Charlene Frizzera, requesting an extension of the Oct. 1 DMEPO (more...)
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Obama Rewinds Health Care Reform Debate - 9/10/2009
Homecare Magazine, 9/10/09
WASHINGTON — Can you trim enough fat from the health care system to pay for widespread health care reform? President Obama thinks so, mentioning “waste” four times in his mid-week he (more...)
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Senate Finance Committee Releases Framework of its Health Reform Bill - 9/8/2009
VGM received notice today that the Senate Finance Committee (SFC) has releases its framework for a health reform bill. For more information, please see the Washington Post article below. As VGM a (more...)
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SURETY BONDS AND ACCREDITATION - 9/3/2009
NOTICE TO VGM MEMBERS:
Regarding “Medicare Supplier Standards and Procedures Resources Guide for DME, Rehab and O&P Providers”
In late July and early August, V (more...)
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REMINDER: "Rules for Submitting a Bid" Special Open Door Forum is Today! - 9/2/2009
Powerpoint available on Web site
The second in a series of Special Open Door Forums (ODF), which serve as bidders` conferences to provide information on the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, will be held on September 2, 2009, from (more...)
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CMS Offers Guidance on Subcontracting in Competitive Bidding - 9/2/2009
On Sept. 2, CMS held its second in a series of Special Open Door Forums (ODF) to provide information about the re-bid of the first round of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding program. Facilitators of (more...)
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Special ODF: How to Register to Access the Bidding System is on Aug. 19 - 8/18/2009
REMINDER: The first in a series of Special Open Door Forum (ODF) bidders` conferences for the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies Competi (more...)
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CMS Changes Consignment Closet Rules - 8/17/2009
From HomeCare Monday
On Aug. 7, CMS issued a change request transmittal on consignment closet rules, and there are definitely some big changes, according to health law attorney Jeff Baird. (more...)
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Registration is Now Open for Suppliers Interested in Competitive Bidding For DMEPOS - 8/17/2009
Registration is now open and available to all suppliers interested in participating in the Round 1 Rebid of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Compet (more...)
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Medicare Announces Timeline for Bidding - 8/10/2009
October 21, 2009 is Target Date for 60-Day Bid Window Opening
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the bidding timeline for the Round 1 Rebid of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) (more...)
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Langevin Tries Again on `In the Home` Restriction - 8/3/2009
HomeCare Monday, August 3, 2009
Rep. James Langevin, D-R.I., and 12 other House members have introduced the Medicare Independent Living Act of 2009 (H.R. 3184). The proposed legislation would eliminate Medicare’s “in the (more...)
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First-Month Purchase Elimination Still in Play - 8/3/2009
HomeCare Monday, August 3, 2009
In the House version of the much-debated health care reform bill, elimination of the first-month purchase option for standard power wheelchairs is still in play, although complex rehab chairs in Group (more...)
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COMPETITIVE BIDDING ACTION ALERT - 7/29/2009
July 29, 2009
Reminder: Today is the final day for Congressional members to sign on to the letters from Congressman Kurt Shrader (D-Ore.) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Please tak (more...)
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FTC to delay `red flags` enforcement until Nov. 1 - 7/29/2009
July 29, 2009
Moving an Aug. 1 deadline, the Federal Trade Commission will wait until Nov. 1 to enforce a provision of the “red flags” rule requiring virtually all health ca (more...)
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IMPORTANT ACCREDITATION AND SURETY BOND UPDATE! - 7/27/2009
VGM encourages all suppliers to review and update the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) with accreditation and/or surety bond information via the CMS-855S form.
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NO VOTE ON HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL BEFORE AUGUST RECESS - 7/24/2009
Schedule your Appointments NOW for the Recess
According to reports, Senate Democratic leaders have confirmed that the Senate will not vote on health care reform until after the August Recess. Meanwhile, in the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif (more...)
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Accreditation Proposals Raise Eyebrows - 7/20/2009
HomeCare Monday, July 20, 2009
On Thursday, the Ways and Means Committee voted 23-18, mostly along party lines, in favor of the House health care reform bill, and the Labor and Education and Energy and Commerce committees were also (more...)
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State Leaders Express Concern with Provisions in Ross/Meek Oxygen Reform Bill - 7/20/2009
In recent updates to their members state leaders have expressed concern with provisions in the Ross/Meek Oxygen Reform Bill. The following are some of the messages that were sent. (more...)
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Continue Submitting Comments to CRE - 7/20/2009
Continue submitting your comments on the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program to the CRE website. (more...)
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CRE Uncovers Discriminatory Actions by CMS on DME Competitive Bidding - 7/16/2009
CRE Needs Your Comments - Submit Them Today!
The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) is seeking comments on a letter that was recently sent to OMB Deputy Director Jeffrey Zients. The July 14 letter, sent from CRE board of director me (more...)
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Obama Proposes New Agency That Would Set Reimbursement Rates - 7/16/2009
American Health Line, 7/16/09
The White House on Wednesday began circulating draft legislation that would create a new executive agency to oversee Medicare reimbursement rates and policy changes, Politico reports. Under the (more...)
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House Tri-Committees Release Updated Health Reform Draft Bill - 7/15/2009
Includes New Provisions for Oxygen, Power-Driven Wheelchairs, Surety Bonds, and Accreditation
Late yesterday, VGM notified providers that the House Tri-Committee released an 850-page draft of a Health Care Reform bill. According to its review, the text included a provision to elimin (more...)
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Senate HELP Committe Releases Initial Health Reform Draft Bill - 7/15/2009
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP) has just released its initial draft bill on health care reform. VGM is currently analyzing the text of the bill, but at this ti (more...)
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Senator Wyden to Send Letter to Sebelius on Competitive Bidding - 7/15/2009
Ask your Senators to Sign On!
Thanks to the efforts of Care Medical in Portland, Oregon, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) will be releasing a letter to HHS Secretary Sebelius that addresses concerns about the competitive bidding program.&n (more...)
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THIS JUST IN! House Releases Health Care Reform Bill - 7/14/2009
The House Tri-Committee, which includes the Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce; and Labor Health and Human Services, has just released its version of the health care reform bill. While the actua (more...)
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Energy and Commerce Sends Notice of Markup and Revised Legislation - 7/10/2009
The Energy and Commerce has released a notice regarding markup and revised legislation. Many have indicated the delay stems from a letter sent last evening (July 9) by 40 members of the Blue Dog (more...)
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What “Up” can teach Washington about health care reform - 7/10/2009
NOTE: This article was recently submitted to the Des Moines Register. It also appeared in the July 5 edition of the Waterloo Courier and will appear in an upcoming issue of HME News.
There is scene in the latest Pixar film, “Up,” where two men arrive at Carl Fredrickson’s door intent on moving him from his home to Shady Oaks nursing home. Carl prom (more...)
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Write the Editor Campaign - 1,000 Letters in Four Weeks - 7/10/2009
Discussion on Health Care Reform – Are you joining the conversation?
As the Senate Democrats look to pass health care legislation by the August recess, the discussion on reform continues to be a hot topic.
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Medicare rules making it difficult for Treasure Coast patients to get oxygen - 7/7/2009
Jonathan Mattise, TC Palm, 7/4/09
New Medicare payment rules are starting to strangle local small oxygen suppliers by forcing them to turn away business. (more...)
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DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation and Surety Bond Requirement - 7/7/2009
Suppliers May Choose to Voluntarily Terminate Enrollment If They Do Not Plan To Comply
Medicare suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS), unless exempt, must be accredited and obtain a surety bond by October 1, 2009 and October 2, 2009, respec (more...)
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Everyone is Talking “Health Reform” - 7/2/2009
Is Your Voice Being Heard?
This week, members of Congress are in their home districts for the Independence Day Recess discussing the health reform issue with their constituents at local events such as town hall meetings. (more...)
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REMINDER: Continue Posting on the CRE Web site! - 7/1/2009
More comments from affected parties gives more stature
Recently, VGM sent information about the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) Web site and urged providers and their beneficiaries to provide comments on such things as competitive bidding and th (more...)
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Ways and Means Releases Draft of Health Reform Bill - 6/30/2009
Contact your Legislators During the Independence Day Recess!
The House Ways and Means Committee has released its draft version of a health care reform bill, which includes a provision that would require physicians who prescribe durable medical equipment to be & (more...)
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Ways and Means Releases Draft of Health Reform Bill - 6/30/2009
Contact your Legislators During the Independence Day Recess!
The House Ways and Means Committee has released its draft version of a health care reform bill, which includes a provision that would require physicians who prescribe durable medical equipment to be & (more...)
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Democrats Reform Plan Hits PWC Purchase Option - 6/25/2009
HomeCare Monday
House Democrats revealed a draft version of their health care reform bill on Friday, and while the massive 852-page proposal would cover nearly all Americans, it lacked two major components: a price t (more...)
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Research Predicts Fall of “Mom/Pop Entities" if Senate Finance Succeeds with Proposed Oxygen Cuts - 6/25/2009
ACTION ALERT: Contact your Members of Congress!
According to an analysis from the Deutsche Bank Global Markets, Lincare is predicted to be the “only respiratory service provider capable of surviving the 30 percent-plus cut” that is bein (more...)
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Important Information Regarding the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) - 6/19/2009
Yesterday, VGM met with the state leaders to discuss efforts led by the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) to defeat or reform CMS’s competitive bidding program. The meeting with th (more...)
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INDUSTRY NEEDS YOUR IMMEDIATE ACTION DO NOT DELAY! - 6/17/2009
The Center for Reulatory Effectiveness (CRE) Seeks Comments on DME Issues
The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) is seeking comments on issues that are currently affecting the DME industry. On its Web site (The announcement included an update of the general timeline of the bidding process. According to CMS “The bidder registration period is expected to begin this summer before bidding opens in the (more...)
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Debate on Health Care Heating Up - 6/16/2009
Cost is going to be a major factor
CBO recently released their figures on the cost of health care reform (see second article below), which could cost up to $1 trillion in over 10 years. Because of their figures, it is likely that (more...)
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HOPP Act Gains Additional Co-Sponsors - 6/9/2009
Keep Contacting Your Representative to get More Support!
Because of efforts made during both the Memorial Day Recess and last week’s AAHomecare Legislative Conference, H.R. 2373, the Home Oxygen Patient Protection (HOPP) Act of 2009, (more...)
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TENTATIVE Timeline of the House Health Care Reform Proposal Released - 6/9/2009
Wanting to keep the DME industry aware, Congressman Braley’s (D-Iowa) staff notified VGM of a tentative timeline for the House Health Care Reform proposal. The timeline may be found (more...)
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Competitive Bidding Round 1.2 to Begin in January 2011 - 6/4/2009
TENTATIVE Timeline Announced
Today, VGM`s Mark Higley, vice-president of development and John Gallagher, vice-president of government relations, attended the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) meeting for t (more...)
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ACTION ALERT! - 6/2/2009
Contact your Congressional Members THIS WEEK
Providers, along with their employees, families, and beneficiaries are reminded to contact their Congressional members this week to get our message conveyed! More than 300 DME industry (more...)
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Critical Battle Ahead on NCB - 6/1/2009
From HomeCare Monday, June 1, 2009
Cara Bachenheimer is swift to identify the top three issues for the home medical equipment industry: “Competitive bidding.” (more...)
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Not going to the Hill this week for the AAH Legislative Conference? - 6/1/2009
Then make your calls from home!
Providers and their employees, family, and beneficiaries must contact their members of Congress this week to add to the efforts the industry is making on the Hill! If you are not traveling to D. (more...)
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Competitive Bidding to Open in Fall 2009 - 5/29/2009
CMS Says, "Get Ready for Competitive Bidding!"
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), enacted on July 15, 2008, made limited changes to the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (more...)
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Boucher Agrees to Support HR 2373 - 5/28/2009
Have you contacted your representative? (more...)
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DME Comp Bidding Rebid Nears, Stakeholders Seek Program Changes - 5/28/2009
Ashley Richards, Inside Health Policy
Durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers and regulatory watchdogs are urging CMS to administratively reform its competitive bidding program before beginning the round 1 rebid -- the time frame for wh (more...)
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HR 2373: Keep Contacting your Representatives! - 5/28/2009
HOPP Act Needs More Cosponsors
The Memorial Day Recess is not quite over. Members of Congress will not return to the Hill until June 1. Continue to contact your representative to ask for support of HR 2373! (more...)
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ACTION ALERT: Contact your Congressional Members While They are Home for the Memorial Day Recess! - 5/27/2009
Providers, along with their employees and beneficiaries should contact their representative and senators while they are home for the Memorial Day Recess. Members of Congress are not expecte (more...)
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Attorney General Holder and HHS Secretary Sebelius Announce New Interagency Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team - 5/20/2009
Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the creation of a new interagency effort, the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement (more...)
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ACTION ALERT - 5/20/2009
Contact your House Members Today to Cosponsor H.R. 2373!
DO NOT DELAY! (more...)
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Study Finds Home Health Saves Medicare Billions - 5/18/2009
Homecare Magazine, 5/18/09
WASHINGTON--Patients with at least one chronic disease who used home health care after hospitalization saved Medicare $1.7 billion over a two-year period, according to a study released May 11. (more...)
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GAMES and NCAMES` Close Work with Price and Shuler Leads to New HOPP Act - 5/13/2009
ACTION ALERT!
Thanks to the efforts the Georgia Association of Medical Equipment Services (GAMES) and the North Carolina Association for Medical Equipment Services (NCAMES), Congressmen Tom Price (R-Ga.) and Health (more...)
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PAOC Meeting on the Implementation of the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program - 5/11/2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be hosting a meeting with the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) on June 4, 2009 to discuss the Round 1 Rebid of the Medicare D (more...)
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Independent HME Providers Announce Launch of CSI:HME - 5/11/2009
To ensure that the independent home medical equipment (HME) providers have a voice in public policy and a seat at the table for any health care reform initiative, a group of proactive HME
leade (more...)
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Senators Get STOP Act Started Again - 5/11/2009
HomeCare Monday, May 11, 2009
Sens. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, are trying again with the STOP Act and an accompanying bill aimed at preventing and stopping Medicare and Medicaid fraud. (more...)
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MACs Issue Travel Oxygen Article - 5/11/2009
HomeCare Monday, May 11, 2009
On Thursday, the DME MACs issued an article on travel oxygen related to short-term travel (days or weeks) and temporary relocation, such as for snowbirds. (more...)
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Bravo, Barack, for telling the world - 5/6/2009
Carolyn Cole asks: What part of home care doesn`t make sense?
The following piece was featured in the Commentary section of the HME News. (more...)
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First Surety Bond Deadline Today - 5/4/2009
HomeCare Monday, May 4, 2009
As of today, HME companies applying for a new National Provider Identifier must have a $50,000 surety bond in order to be approved as a Medicare provider. (more...)
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New PAOC Members Hopeful as First Meeting Approaches - 5/4/2009
HomeCare Monday, May 4, 2009
Members of the second Program Advisory and Oversight Committee said Friday they are hopeful they can have a positive impact on DMEPOS competitive bidding as the rebid process moves forward. (more...)
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Senate Panel Examines Medicare Payment Proposal - 4/30/2009
American Health Line, April 29, 2009
Senators Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released a 48-page document outlining their health care reform proposal. In it, they discuss home health agencies and propose that the S (more...)
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Important June 1 Update: Revised CMS-855S Enrollment Application - 4/30/2009
Effective June 1, 2009 DMEPOS suppliers submitting applications to Medicare must use the revised CMS-855S form. Applications submitted after June first using the old 855-S form will be rejected. (more...)
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Senate confirms Sebelius as HHS secretary - 4/29/2009
Matthew DoBias, Modern Healthcare, 4/28/09
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius beat back questions over taxes and her ties to a doctor who performs late-term abortions to win confirmation to the nation’s top healthcare post on a 65-31Senate vo (more...)
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AAHomecare: Consider 13-Point Fraud Prevention Plan--Please! - 4/27/2009
HomeCare Monday, April 27, 2009
On April 21, HME Expo attendees marched on Capitol Hill as industry advocates, voicing their concerns on competitive bidding and the oxygen cap. (more...)
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CMS Will Move Forward with April 18 Effective Date of Competitive Bidding Final Rule - 4/22/2009
In spite of Congressional pressure to halt the final rule for competitive bidding, CMS has stated that it will move forward with the April 18 effective date of the final rule. The following (more...)
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Grassley Supports Rescission of Competitive Bidding Final Rule - 4/22/2009
Last week, Senate Finance ranking member Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) sent a letter to HHS Acting Secretary Charles Johnson expressing his "continuing concerns" about CMS` implementation of the (more...)
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Populist Caucus Chair Supports Competitive Bidding Delay - 4/16/2009
Rep. Braley (D-Iowa) Supports Competitive Bidding Delay
Populist Caucus Chairman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) supports a delay in the competitive bidding program. In an April 14 letter to White House Office of Health Reform Director Nancy-Ann DeParle, the c (more...)
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Sutton Letter Signed by 83 Members - 4/16/2009
Thanks to the efforts of DME providers and industry stakeholders, 83 House members joined Congresswoman Betty Sutton (D-Oh.) in a letter addressed to the HHS Acting Secretary, CMS Acting Administrator (more...)
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Pilot Program Aims To Reduce Hospital Readmissions - 4/16/2009
American Health Line
CMS recently announced a nationwide pilot program, the Care Transitions Project, that aims to reduce preventable hospital readmissions for Medicare beneficiaries, A number of VGM Group, Inc., employees will be guest speakers at the HME Business Summit and HME Expo today (April 19) through Thursday (April 23) in Baltimore. (more...)
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VGM Sends Letter to Congressman Braley Asking for Language to Delay Competitive Bidding included in Health Care Reform Package - 4/14/2009
ACTION ALERT: Contact your representative and ask that they do the same!
Yesterday, VGM sent a letter to Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) asking him to work with Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) to include language to delay the durable medi (more...)
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Action Alert: Contact Your Congressmen and Ask for Their Support in Rescinding Competitive Bidding - 4/13/2009
The Deadline to Sign-On has been Extended
The deadline for Congressmen to sign onto the House competitive bidding letter has been extended. House offices now have until Tuesday, April 14, at 12 noon to add their support to Rep. Betty S (more...)
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HHS Nominee Calls for Health Care Fraud Crackdown - 4/9/2009
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR, March 31, 2009
Saying she`d be a tough enforcer, President Barack Obama`s choice to head the Health and Human Services Department on Tuesday called for a crackdown on medical fraud as part of any health care overhau (more...)
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VGM Hosts Grassley Fundraiser - 4/8/2009
WATERLOO, Iowa – Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, was the guest of honor Tuesday evening at a fundraiser at the home of Van G. Miller, CEO of The VGM Group, Inc. (more...)
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REMINDER: Grassley Fundraiser is TODAY! - 4/7/2009
Join VGM and other Stakeholders!
Join VGM and other industry stakeholders for this important event! The industry may not have another chance to meet with the Senate`s "number two guy" to fix the ca (more...)
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Round One Rebid Too Close To Call - 4/6/2009
From HomeCare Monday; April 6, 2009
Providers in the remaining Round One competitive bidding areas should get ready for a rebid. That was the advice from VGM Group’s Mark Higley during a March 25 session at Medtrade Spring in Las (more...)
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Open Door Forum Addresses Surety Bond Issues - 4/6/2009
From HomeCare Monday; April 6, 2009
At an Open Door Forum on Wednesday, CMS officials ticked through a raft of important dates for DMEPOS providers on accreditation, the interim final rule on competitive bidding, the Recovery Audit Cont (more...)
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Sources: Billings Clinic CEO Could Be Tapped To Lead CMS - 4/6/2009
Brett Coughlin, Inside Health Policy, 4/2/09
A physician and CEO of Billings (Montana) Clinic, Nicholas Wolter, is being considered as the next CMS administrator, Washington insiders tell Inside CMS. Billings Clinic spokesman Jim Duncan confirme (more...)
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A Second HHS Secretary Nominee Facing Tax Problems; Potentially Bad News for the HME Industry - 4/6/2009
It was reported yesterday that HHS Secretary nominee Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS) had corrected three years of tax returns and paid almost $8,000 in back taxes and interest. While the Obama administ (more...)
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MAMES and VGM Attend the Regional Health Care Forum in Iowa - 3/27/2009
NCAMES Will Be Represented at North Carolina Forum
On Monday, March 23, 2009, MAMES/VGM members Julie Weidemann, director of Palmer Home Medical Supply and Matt Flatt of Hammer Medical attended the “Iowa White House Forum on Health Reform” (more...)
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CMS Releases New Instructions on Payment for Maintenance and Servicing of Oxygen Equipment Post 36-month Cap - 3/27/2009
In its transmittal dated March 20, 2009, CMS provided payment instructions for oxygen equipment eligible for maintenance after the 36-month rental cap. (more...)
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CMS Says Surety Bond Requirement Will be Implemented by Existing Deadlines - 3/19/2009
Courtesy of AAHomecare
During the special open door forum today, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) officials stated the surety bond requirement will be implemented beginning May 4, 2009 for new HME providers (more...)
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Medicare Rules on Equipment Worry Patients - 3/19/2009
By Barbara Martinez, Wall Street Journal, March 19, 2009
Competitive Bidding Will Save Money on Supplies, but Quality of Service Could Be at Risk (more...)
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Deadline to Submit Comments on Competitive Bidding IFR was March 17, 2009 - 3/18/2009
The last day to submit comments on the competitive bidding interim final rule is Tuesday, March 17, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. (more...)
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Senate Finance Subcommittee to Address Competitive Bidding in a Hearing - 3/13/2009
AA Homecare has reported that Sen. John Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) plans to hold a hearing on competitive bidding for home medical equipment before his Health Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee o (more...)
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State Associations Spring into Action on Health Care Forums - 3/12/2009
The Michigan Home Health Association (MHHA) has been invited to attend the health care forum in Dearborn, Michigan this Thursday, March 12. In his response to the Obama Administration’s ann (more...)
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DMEPOS Accreditation – Get It Now - 3/12/2009
Deadline is September 30, 2009
CMS has reminded providers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) who bill Medicare under Part B must obtain accreditation by September 30, 2009. (more...)
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ACTION ALERT: Call the Capitol and the Obama Administration - 3/9/2009
Let them know that DME is the solution – not the problem!
Congress and the president are looking to overhaul and reform the U.S. health care system. On Thursday, March 5, the president hosted a White House forum on health care where he indicated that h (more...)
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ACTION ALERT: Attend the Forum in Your Area - 3/9/2009
White House to Hold Health Care Forums across U.S.
Following last week’s White House Health Care summit, the Obama Administration has announced that it will hold regional health care forums across the United States (see Reuters article be (more...)
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REMINDER: Deadline to Submit Comments on Competitive Bidding IFR is Next Week - 3/9/2009
The last day to submit comments on the competitive bidding interim final rule is Tuesday, March 17, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. (more...)
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CMS Special Open Door Forum - 3/6/2009
Surety Bond Requirement for DMEPOS Suppliers
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 2:00PM – 3:30PM ET (more...)
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Obama Picks Sebelius, Deparle to Oversee Health Reform - 3/4/2009
By George E. Condon, Jr., CongressDaily, 3/2/09
Girding for a titanic struggle to overhaul the nation`s healthcare system, President Obama this morning officially named the two women he expects to lead the effort he has called critical to reducing (more...)
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Chairman Baucus Seeks to Offset Healthcare Overhaul - 3/4/2009
By Anna Edney,CongressDaily, 3/3/09
Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus changed course on how to pay for universal health coverage today, telling reporters this morning that healthcare overhaul legislation would be fully offset. "We (more...)
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Important Oxygen Updates - 3/3/2009
Includes Q&A, sample beneficiary letters, and VGM analysis. (more...)
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OBAMA TO TARGET HOME HEALTH AND COVER DOCS! - 3/2/2009
The following two articles discuss President Obama’s 2010 budget proposal that targets home health in order to "implement comprehensive health reforms." The DME industry shou (more...)
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Industry Efforts Garners 123 Co-Signers on Price-Ross-Shuler-Emerson Oxygen Letter - 2/26/2009
(more...)
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ACTION ALERT: Contact Your Congressmen to Repeal the Cap - 2/23/2009
Almost 60 Signers on Oxygen Letter - MORE ARE NEEDED!
Call for Support for the 36 Month Cap to be Repealed (more...)
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`No Ifs, Ands or Buts` on Competitive Bidding - 2/23/2009
From HomeCare Monday
Despite a 60-day delay of the competitive bidding interim final rule, the Medicare bidding project will move forward and Round One will be rebid this year. That was the word from CMS’ Joel Kaise (more...)
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OTS Direct Mail Program makes marketing Easy for Members - 2/18/2009
VGM Members who would like to use direct mail as part of a smart and effective marketing campaign will appreciate vgm creative’s brand new (more...)(go to source...)
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VGM Postpones Competitive Bidding Seminar Series - 2/18/2009
VGM Group Inc.’s National Competitive Bidding Services has postponed its series, “Competitive Bidding Round 1.2: The Rules Have Changed” originally scheduled to begin in March. (more...)
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CMS Delays Competitive Bidding Rule 60 Days - 2/16/2009
Just a day after comments regarding the notice of delay for the Interim Final Rule on competitive bidding were due, CMS announced that the effective date of the rule (CMS-1561-IFR) (more...)
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The Deadline to Submit Your Comments to CMS on the Contemplated Delay of the Competitive Bidding Interim Final Rule is TODAY! - 2/12/2009
CMS Considers Delay of the Effective Date of Interim Final Rule on Competitive Bidding.
In accordance with the Jan. 20 memorandum from President Obama’s Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanu (more...)
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Chairman Shuler Calls for an End to Competitive Bidding - 2/12/2009
During today’s House Small Business Committee hearing on competitive bidding, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Entrepreneurship and Trade Chairman Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) called for an end to co (more...)
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House Small Business Committee Hearing is TODAY - 2/11/2009
NCAMES Works with Congressman Shuler to Hold Small Business Hearing about Competitive Bidding
Thanks to the efforts of NCAMES, a House Small Business Committee hearing to address competitive bidding has been set for Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 10 am EST. Providers are stron (more...)
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VGM Enters Home Modification Market - 2/9/2009
VGM Group said Friday it has entered the exploding home modifications market with a new company called Accessible Home Improvement of America.
(more...)
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Oxygen Questions Remain Unanswered - 2/5/2009
Alan Morris, Regulatory Analyst, VGM
I recently asked a CMS representatives a few questions about some currently pressing issues for oxygen providers. Please see the questions and answers below. (more...)
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Daschle Withdraws as Nominee for Health Post - 2/3/2009
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, 2/3/09
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Tom Daschle has withdrawn his nomination to be Health and Human Services secretary. (more...)
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ACTION ALERT: DMEPOS Accreditation Deadline is September 30, 2009 - 1/30/2009
Have you submitted your applications?
CMS has recommended that providers have their applicati (more...)
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Grassley Introduces Bill that Exempts Rural Areas from Competitive Bidding - 1/28/2009
Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has announced the introduction of his bill, the Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement Act of 2009, S. 318. According to his statements, this legislation would & (more...)
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Grassley Introduces Bill that Exempts Rural Areas from Competitive Bidding - 1/28/2009
Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has announced the introduction of his bill, the Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement Act of 2009, S. 318. According to his statements, this legislation would & (more...)
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Discussion Board for the New Payment Rules for Oxygen is Available on VGM Web Site - 1/27/2009
Oxygen providers are invited to discuss the problems that they or their patients are experiencing with the new payment rules for oxygen on the VGM discussion board. Please CMS, in preparation for the September 30 accreditation deadline, has recommended DMEPOS suppliers apply for accreditation no later than January 31. (more...)
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Obama`s Administration Halts New Regulations until Reviewed - 1/26/2009
White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel has informed all federal agencies that any pending rules will not move forward until Obama’s administration can review each one. This means that the new (more...)
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VGM Requests Braley to Send Letter to Daschle asking for a Rescission of Final Rule for Competitive Bidding - 1/26/2009
Today, VGM sent a letter to Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) requesting him to send a letter to Secretary-designate Tom Daschle that urges him to rescind the interim final rule for competitive biddin (more...)
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CMS to Process Some Supplier Numbers in November - 1/22/2009
CMS to review new numbers on case-by-case basis
BALTIMORE-- Responding to concerns regarding the NSC provider-number moratorium, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Tom Scully said the agency will process some provide (more...)
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Government Pushes for Keychain Medical Records - 1/22/2009
However, privacy advocates concerned Wired for Health Care Quality Act lacks privacy protections
The Senate recently passed a bill that encourages the DHHS to find ways to improve the information technology used in health care.
(more...)
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DMEPOS Accreditation Deadline Round 2 Announcement - 1/22/2009
GET ACCREDITED FOR DMEPOS COMPETITIVE BIDDING!
In order to participate in the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program, suppliers must mee (more...)
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Mother`s Day Meeting with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen - 1/22/2009
By Rob Brandt, President of Accredited Medical Equipment Providers of America, Inc. (AMEPA)
Some people spend their Mother’s Day enjoying the company of t (more...)
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ACTION ALERT! - 1/22/2009
Contact your Representative TODAY!
NCAMES member Heath Sutton with Mountaineer Oxygen Services; NCAMES/VGM member Casey Hite with Aeroflow; and MAMES/VGM member Juli (more...)
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New Tip Sheet for Referral Agents under the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program - 1/22/2009
Medicare providers in the 10 Competitive Bidding Areas (CBAs) who order or refer Medicare beneficiaries for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Suppli (more...)
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DME INDUSTRY RALLIES ONE MORE TIME FOR VOTE EXPECTED ON LATE TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY - 1/22/2009
The DME industry must rally one more time by going to the phones or sending faxes to their Republican senators, urging them to support (more...)
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THE NOISE LEVEL IN CONGRESS IS RAISING
Be sure you’re adding your voice to the noise! - 1/22/2009
The Senate will vote once again for cloture on the House Medicare package, H.R. 6331, as early as Wednesday, July 9. A cloture v (more...)
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Secretary Leavitt sends a hatchet op-ed piece to the Wall Street Journal - 1/22/2009
In an effort to silence DME providers and beneficiaries we serve, Secretary Leavitt sent a scathing op-ed piece to the WSJ. His attacks co (more...)
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WE WON!
Clarification on the Senate Cloture Vote on H.R. 6331 - 1/22/2009
The cloture vote on H.R. 6331that passed today by 69-30 means that based on a ruling, the actual bill itself did pass (see story below).
H.R. 6331, The Medicare "doc fix" (more...)
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We Won the Battle
But Not the War - 1/22/2009
While the DME industry has won a huge battle, providers should be reminded that the war is not over.
< (more...)
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Here We Go! The President to Veto H.R. 6331, the “doc fix” as Early as Tuesday - 1/22/2009
Continue to contact your legislators to ask that they vote to override the president’s veto. If Bush vetoes the bill tomorrow, the House could vote to overrid (more...)
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This is It! - 1/22/2009
Call your Legislators: 202-224-3121
Bush Vetoes H.R. 6331
(more...)
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House Will Vote to Override Veto at 3:30 PM EDT - 1/22/2009
The House is meeting RIGHT NOW consider the Veto Override of H.R. 6331 - Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.
N (more...)
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HOUSE OVERRIDES PRESIDENT BUSH`S VETO 383-41 - 1/22/2009
At approximately 4:50 PM EDT, the House voted to override the president`s veto on H.R. 6331 - the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 200 (more...)
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WE WON – CONGRATULATIONS! SENATE OVERRIDES PRESIDENT BUSH`S VETO 70-26 - 1/22/2009
Late this afternoon, the Senate voted to override the president`s veto of H.R. 6331 - the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 - by an (more...)
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CANCELED - 1/22/2009
ACCREDITATION Deadlines FOR DMEPOS Competitive Bidding
A message from CMS…
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 was enacted on July 15, 2008. This n (more...)
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STOP Act Aims to Curb Medicare Fraud - 1/22/2009
WASHINGTON--In a Senate conference on Monday, Sens. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, discussed the need for the federal gover (more...)
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CONGRESS RECOGNIZES CMS INCOMPETENCE - 1/22/2009
(AARP Bulletin Today, 8/12/08, Jay Weaver)
- AARP ARTICLE THAT IS BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE TOWARDS DME AND CONGRESS’ EFFORTS TO REIN IN FRAUD
- SENATOR GRASS
(more...)
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Danger, Opportunity Await Respiratory Suppliers Who Contract with Medicare Oxygen Patients After 36 Months - 1/22/2009
(more...)
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Changes to Competitive Bidding Final Rule are Minor, Suppliers Urged to Comment - 1/22/2009
Alan M. Morris, Regulatory Analyst, VGM
CMS released its much-anticipated interim final rule for the DMEPOS competitive bidding program this morning. As feared by many in the supplier community, the new regulations offer little in the way (more...)
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TAKE ACTION: Providers and Beneficiaries - Make a Wave Now! - 1/16/2009
Providers are urged to make a wave and get their voices heard on the Hill. Congressional members such as Reps. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.), Tom Price (R-Ga.) and Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) have state (more...)
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CMS Releases Interim Final Rule for Competitive Bidding - 1/15/2009
VGM has received notice that CMS has released the interim final rule for competitive bidding. (more...)
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CMS to Assess Providers’ ‘Potential for Fraud’ - 1/13/2009
HomeCare Monday, January 12, 2009
In a transmittal issued on New Year’s Eve, CMS said the National Supplier Clearinghouse Medicare Administrative Contractor will begin a “fraud potential analysis” of all DMEPOS applicants an (more...)
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VGM Insurance Introduces Surety Bond Hotline - (866) 497-0472 - 1/12/2009
A new CMS rule mandates virtually all HME providers will be required to have a surety bond in place later this year. VGM Insurance has established a Surety Bond Hotline t (more...)
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Congressman Bruce Braley Joins VGM and Providers for Community Health Care Discussion - 1/12/2009
By Carolyn Cole, Vice president-corporate communications, VGM Group, Inc.
Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) braved blizzard conditions in his hometown to attend a town hall discussion on health care at VGM Group, Inc., headquarters Mo (more...)
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National Health Expenditure Data Released for 2007: DME Proves Once Again to be Cost-Effective Form of Health Care - 1/9/2009
By Mike Mallaro, CFO/CIO, The VGM Group, Inc.
CMS has released the annual report on National Health Expenditures for 2007, which shows that expenditures grew at a rate of 6.1 percent, indicating a slight sl (more...)
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Congressman Bruce Braley will Attend Community Health Care Discussion at VGM on January 12 - 1/9/2009
REMINDER: Community Health Care Discussion is Monday, Jan. 12
VGM is pleased to announce that Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) (pictured with VGM COO Jim Phillips) will be attending the rescheduled community discussion on health care on Monday, Jan. (more...)
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Senate Democrats Look to Include SCHIP Legislation in Stimulus Package - 1/7/2009
According to a report from the Kaiser Network (see below), the Senate Democrats are looking to add SCHIP legislation to an economic stimulus package. The advantage to this is that (more...)
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George F. Will column rife with errors about bidding program - 1/7/2009
ACTION ALERT: Send your letter to the editor about erroneous information (more...)
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Summary of Surety Bond Requirement Provisions - 1/6/2009
Alan M. Morris, VGM
As mandated by section 4312(b) of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA), CMS is implementing section 1834(a)(16) of the Social Security Act (the Act), requiring the major (more...)
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CMS to Host Special Open Door Forum on DMEPOS Accreditation - 1/6/2009
REMINDER: CMS Recommends Suppliers Apply for Accreditation No Later Than January 31, 2009 to Ensure Completion by the September 30, 2009 Deadline (more...)
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VGM Seeks Information from Providers about Oxygen Service - 1/6/2009
As providers are aware, Jan. 1 marked the first day of the post-capped payment rules for oxygen. In an effort to track any issues or problems that may be encountered after the payment cap, (more...)
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NOTICE: COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE DISCUSSION RESCHEDULED - 1/2/2009
The community discussion on health care has been rescheduled from Jan. 5 to Monday, Jan. 12 at 10:30 am. Originally scheduled for Dec. 19, the event was postponed to Jan. 5 because of inclement weath (more...)
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Update and Instructions on How to Submit Comments about CMS` Final Rules for Oxygen Payments - 12/31/2008
Submit Your Comments Today!
NOTE: SUBMIT YOUR OXYGEN CAP COMMENTS TODAY! To date, a minimal number of comments have been submitted. It is imperative that CMS hear from all industry stakeholders. (more...)
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CMS` DMEPOS Surety Bond Final Rule Published - 12/29/2008
CMS has released its Final Rule regarding the DMEPOS Surety Bond. VGM is currently reviewing the 206-page document, and will provide a summation of provisions in the very near future. (more...)
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Oxygen cap: Industry pumps up efforts - 12/23/2008
By Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor, HME News
Two "dear colleague" letters that ask CMS to delay the 36-month oxygen cap were making the rounds among departing lawmakers last week. (more...)
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Senators Send Letter to CMS Requesting Oxygen Cap Delay - 12/23/2008
Last Friday, seven senators sent a letter to CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems requesting CMS to “revise and, if necessary, delay the final rule” for oxygen payments. (more...)
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Call for Cap Delay Grows as Senators Write CMS - 12/22/2008
HomeCare Monday, December 22, 2008
A contingent of seven Republican senators on Friday called on CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems to “revise and, if necessary, delay” the Jan. 1 implementation of the 36-month oxygen rental cap.
(more...)
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New Study: Oxygen Providers to Lose $850M in 2009 - 12/22/2008
HomeCare Monday, December 22, 2008
Oxygen providers who bill Medicare will be about $850 million short in reimbursement in 2009, according to a new study on Medicare payment policy and home oxygen therapy. (more...)
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SBA Backs O2 Providers on Cap Complaints - 12/22/2008
HomeCare Monday, December 22, 2008
On Wednesday, the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy filed comments with CMS asking that the agency do a better job analyzing the economic impacts of the 36-month O2 cap on s (more...)
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Shuler-Price Letter Receives 90-plus Signatures - 12/22/2008
Thanks to the efforts of DME providers, state associations and industry stakeholders, the Shuler-Price letter to CMS requesting a delay of the new payment rules for oxygen received over 90 signatures (more...)
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Join VGM in a community health care discussion in Waterloo, Iowa on Friday, Dec. 19. - 12/19/2008
According to President-elect Barack Obama’s transition Web site (www.change.gov), Obama has made health care a “top priority” and is asking for Americans to (more...)
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TAKE ACTION NOW! Senator Roberts to Send Letter to CMS - 12/19/2008
Because of the efforts of the Midwest Association of Medical Equipment Services (MAMES), Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) is sending a letter, similar to the Shuler-Price letter to CMS, asking for a delay in (more...)
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Community Health Care Discusssion to be Held at VGM January 5th - 12/19/2008
Due to the weather, the community discussion on health care has been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 5 at 10:30 am. VGM thanks those who had made plans to attend and apologizes for the inconvenience. (more...)
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SBA Agrees with AMEPA and other Industry Stakeholders - 12/19/2008
Oxygen Payment Rules Do Not Comply with Regulatory Flexibility Act (more...)
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Medicare Open Enrollment Reminder - 12/18/2008
HME providers have likely received Medicare`s annual "Open Enrollment" letter from Palmetto GBA dated November 15, 2008. This letter has to do with “participation” status (more...)
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ACTION ALERT: News to Share with your Congressional Members - 12/18/2008
The following USNewswire article is about a network of home medical equipment providers in New England who have joined forces to help oxygen patients survive in a “deadly ice storm.” Provid (more...)
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Obama Sets the Stage for Health Care Reform - 12/15/2008
The rebuilding of the nation’s health care structure will be led by former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle in a dual role as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and director of the (more...)
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CMS Offers Written Clarification on Accreditation Exemptions - 12/11/2008
MIPPA section 154(b) added a new subparagraph (F) to section 1834(a)(20) of the Social Security Act. This subparagraph states that eligible professionals and other persons are exempt from meeting t (more...)
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ACTION ALERT: Pelosi Announces Government Reform Chair and Other Committee Memberships - 12/11/2008
House speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has announced new House committee members. Providers are urged to contact these members of Congress to both congratulate them and attempt to set up meetings with (more...)
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Congressman Shuler sends letter to Protect Home Oxygen Suppliers - 12/11/2008
Congressman Heath Shuler (D-NC) has sent a letter to his colleagues on the Hill, asking them to join him in sending a request to CMS to refrain from implementing the new payment rules for oxygen. (more...)
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TAKE ACTION NOW: Price Joins Shuler on “Dear Colleague” Letter to Delay New Payment Rules - 12/11/2008
In the Dec. 10 Legislative Update, VGM urged all providers to contact their representatives to ask them to sign on to Congressman Heath Shuler’s (D-NC) letter to CMS requesting a d (more...)
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OIG Opens the Door on DME-Hospital Closet Deals - 12/8/2008
HomeCare Monday, December 8, 2008
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, in an advisory opinion issued Nov. 19, gave the go to two HME providers to place equipment in hospital supply closets and have (more...)
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CMS Representative Recommends Providers Contact Their Congressman - 12/8/2008
On Dec. 8, many providers and industry stakeholders tuned into the CIGNA “Ask the Contractors Teleconference” (ACT) that addressed the new oxygen regulations. CMS’ Joel Kaiser joined listeners on the (more...)
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Medicare Web Site Posts Questions and Answers - 12/1/2008
Medicare has addressed beneficiaries’ concerns regarding the new payment rules for oxygen in the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section of the Web site. The following is a list (more...)
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Some Surprises as Oxygen Payment Rates are Released - 11/26/2008
CMS this week released new information regarding oxygen equipment and contents payment rates for 2009. As most providers are aware, the Medicare Improvements for Patient (more...)
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Sen. Wyden, 14 Other Senators Send Letter to President-Elect Obama Touting Healthy Americans Act - 11/25/2008
Kaiser Network, 11/24/08
Rep. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and 14 co-sponsors of Wyden`s Healthy Americans Act (S 334) on Friday sent a letter to President-elect Barack Obama asking him to consider the plan as a model for universal hea (more...)
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Overhauling Health Care System "Integral" to Economic Recovery Effort, President-Elect Obama Says - 11/25/2008
Kaiser Network, 11/25/08
VGM NOTE: As the story below eludes, a health care overhaul package will be sold to the American public as an “integral” part to the economic recovery effort. Because of (more...)
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Cost of Living Increase for DME? - 11/24/2008
The following is from the National Journal regarding the Cost of Living:
Getting a Raise: Here`s some good economic news for a change. Social Security benefits for about 50 million retirees will go up 5.8 percent next year (more...)
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ACTION ALERT! - 11/24/2008
Election season is over and it is time once again to start contacting your Congressional members! The Senate Democrats are making plans to “overhaul” the health (more...)
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HME Advocates Hopeful about Daschle’s HHS Leadership - 11/24/2008
From HomeCare Monday
In a move that sparked some cautious optimism among home medical equipment stakeholders, President-elect Barack Obama last week named former Sen. Tom Daschle of South Dakota to head up the Department (more...)
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Industry Girds for Battle over Oxygen Regs - 11/24/2008
From HomeCare Monday
Last week CMS issued a special edition MLN Matters article explaining changes in Medicare payment for oxygen that brought a fresh outcry from HME advocates about the new rules and provider responsibil (more...)
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SOURCE: DASCHLE TO RUN HHS - 11/20/2008
Hill Briefs, 11/19/08
White House - Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle is President-elect Obama`s choice to be HHS secretary, a source close to Daschle said today. Daschle, an early backer of Obama`s candidacy, has
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Baucus Plan: Kudos and Cautions - 11/17/2008
HomeCare Monday, November17, 2008
Signaling the new Congress’ intention to tackle the issue of health care early on next year, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., last week unveiled a comprehensive reform plan that drew both kudos and cautions (more...)
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RACs Ready to Rack Up Improper Payments - 11/17/2008
HomeCare Monday, November 17, 2008
CMS held a Special Open Door Forum Thursday to introduce its new Recovery Audit Contractors, tabbed in October to ferret out Medicare overpayments and underpayments. The RACs will be paid a contingenc (more...)
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For HME Providers, Medicare Home Sleep Testing Bites the Dust - 11/17/2008
HomeCare Monday, November 17, 2008
Along with a slew of new oxygen payment rules, Medicare`s 2009 Physician Fee Schedule put the final nail in the Medicare home sleep testing coffin for HME providers. (more...)
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REMINDER! - 11/10/2008
The “Lunch Bucket” is tomorrow at 12:30 pm CST
Join VGM’s John Gallagher, Mark Higley and Bob Hoffman for “lunch” and listen in as they discuss the new payment rules for oxygen that CMS released last week. The three will al (more...)
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Impact of Obama, New Congress a Question Mark for HME - 11/10/2008
HomeCare Monday, November 10, 2008
Last week’s election of Sen. Barack Obama as the next president of the United States and a stream of new Democrats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate could bode well for the home medi (more...)
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Outcry Grows Over New O2 Regs - 11/10/2008
HomeCare Monday, November 10, 2008
Following CMS’ Oct. 30 release of regulations involving changes to Medicare home oxygen policy and payment, some stakeholders involved in the sector said they believe the new rules (more...)
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Submit Your 0xygen Regulation Comments - 11/10/2008
CMS is accepting comments on the oxygen regulations until 5 p.m. EST Dec. 29. In commenting, refer to file code CMS-1403-FC. Comments can be submitted in one of four ways: (more...)
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The Oxygen Payment Rules and Supplier Responsibilities Required by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA): - 11/4/2008
Summary, Analysis and Commentary from Industry Stakeholders
Compiled by Mark J. Higley
Vice President – Development
VGM Group, Inc. (more...)
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CMS Announces Changes in Medicare Payments for Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment - 11/3/2008
(more...)
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More Cuts in 2009? - 11/3/2008
From HME Today Friday Report
Panelists in Atlanta (pictured) this week agreed that despite a 9.5% cut for many products on Jan 1, 2009, HME could still be a ripe target for reimbursement cuts in the (more...)
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Get Them Before They Go Back to D.C. - 11/3/2008
From HME Today Friday Report
VGM’s John Gallagher hammered a familiar theme this week, telling Medtrade attendees that regardless of who wins next week’s election, providers must establish contact with members of Congress, and pr (more...)
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Oxygen Answers Not What Industry Wanted to Hear - 11/3/2008
HomeCare Monday
For months, providers and other industry advocates have been asking CMS for guidance on numerous issues surrounding the 36-month oxygen rental cap, which becomes effective Jan. 1. (more...)
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Watch Those Emails: Oxygen Info Could Come This Week - 10/27/2008
(more...)
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VGM Announces Round 1.2 Competitve Biddng Seminar Series - 10/23/2008
VGM Group Inc.’s National Competitive Bidding Services will offer “Competitive Bidding Round 1.2: The Rules Have Changed” throughout the country during 2009. (more...)
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ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Other Part A and Part B Providers - 10/22/2008
ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Other Part A and Part B Providers may now register for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ICD-10-CM/PCS Nati (more...)
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JOIN Monty Lankford at MEDTRADE! - 10/22/2008
An invitation to join VGM at Medtrade in support of Monty Lankford. (more...)
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CMS Releases Final Quality Standards - 10/21/2008
Commentary from Mark Higley, VGM
CMS has issued its revised quality standards. Last week the agency held a 4 1/2-hour conference directed to DMEPOS providers that had not yet obtained accreditation. The Medicare Improvements for Pa (more...)
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It`s Official: Medicaid Spending Spirals Out of Control - 10/20/2008
HomeCare Monday, October 20, 2008
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services warned policymakers late Friday that Medicaid spending is projected to grow much faster than the economy over the next 10 years. With expenditu (more...)
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OIG Aims at DME in 2009 Work Plan - 10/20/2008
From HomeCare Monday, October 20, 2008
In its Work Plan for 2009, issued earlier this month, HHS` Office of Inspector General said it will take on a number of DME investigations. (more...)
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Accreditors Warn Stream of Late Applications Could Result in Flash Flood - 10/20/2008
HomeCare Monday, October 20, 2008
Accreditors who geared up for a flood of fall applications from home medical equipment providers are facing the same old same old, they said last week: a steady, but very slow, tri (more...)
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VGM Hosts Successful Fundraiser for Congressman Braley - 10/17/2008
The VGM PAC, along with the AAHomecare PAC, Cara Bachenheimer of Invacare, Van Miller of VGM, and Jim Walsh of VGM, hosted a fundraising reception for Congressman Bruce Braley at VGM Headq (more...)
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OIG to Examine CPAP Payments - 10/17/2008
From HME Today Friday Report
As part of its Work Plan for FY 2009, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) will investigate Medicare payments for both sleep studies and CPAP devices. “Medicare payments for polysomnography (more...)
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RESCHEDULED: Congressman Braley Reception - 10/14/2008
The Fundraising Event Honoring
Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa)
has been Rescheduled (more...)
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U.S. Supreme Court Sides with CMS in Maximum Comfort Case - 10/14/2008
HomeCare Monday, October 14, 2008
The U.S. Supreme Court refused last week to review an appeals court decision that further documentation beyond a CMN could be required for Medicare to pay a claim for a power wheel (more...)
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CMS Rolls Out Host of New Anti-Fraud Measures - 10/13/2008
HomeCare Monday, October 13, 2008
On Oct. 6, CMS unveiled a host of “aggressive new steps” to prevent fraud and abuse, including the launch of a national recovery audit contractor (RAC) program. (more...)
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DME Pricing on MedPAC Agenda? - 10/10/2008
From HME Today Friday Report, October 10, 2008
According to this week’s edition of Elis Home Care Week, the Medicare Advisory Payment Commission may again be examining DME pricing this year. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is an (more...)
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Weems Targets ‘Rotten’ DME Suppliers - 10/8/2008
Medicare Expands Its Crackdown on Fraud, by Julie Applebee, USA Today, 10/7/08
Acting Medicare chief Kerry Weems on Monday announced new efforts to combat fraud in seven states, focusing on companies that improperly provide patients with medical equipment such as wheel (more...)
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CMS Enhances Program Integrity Efforts to Fight Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Medicare - 10/8/2008
From CMS Office of Media Affairs, 10/6/08
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced aggressive new steps to find and prevent waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare. CMS is working closer with beneficiaries and providers; (more...)
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CMS Conference on DMEPOS Quality Standards - 10/7/2008
On October 14, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will conduct an on-site conference that will provide guidance to the DMEPOS suppliers on how to comply with the DMEPOS (more...)
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Fundraising Event for Congressman Braley is POSTPONED - 10/1/2008
VGM would like to inform its members that due to circumstances beyond our control, today`s fundraising event honoring Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) has been postponed. VGM wil (more...)
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CMS Calls for PAOC Nominees - 10/1/2008
A HomeCare Monday Special Alert, Wednesday, October 1
Earlier this afternoon, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued the following notice soliciting nominees for panel members to serve on the Program Advisory and Oversight Commit (more...)
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PAP LCD: Comparison of Latest Revisions, Initial Provisions - 9/29/2008
From HomeCare Monday
While the DME MACs` re-issued PAP local coverage determination still prohibits HME providers` involvement in home sleep testing, the new LCD has been (more...)
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Medicare Spending Billions of Dollars on Questionable Claims for Medical Equipment, Report Finds - 9/25/2008
KaiserNetwork, 9/24/08
CMS in recent years has paid more than $1 billion in questionable Medicare claims for medical equipment with minimal or no relation to the conditions of beneficiaries, according to a report released o (more...)
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Join VGM in Supporting Monty Lankford - 9/24/2008
Monty Lankford (R-TN) is running for the United States Congress (more...)
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JOIN OUR EFFORTS IN SUPPORTING AN INDUSTRY CHAMPION! - 9/24/2008
VGM to Host Fundraising Event for Congressman Braley
The VGM PAC, along with the AAHomecare PAC, Cara Bachenheimer of Invacare, Van Miller of VGM, and Jim Walsh of VGM will host a fundraising event honoring Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA). (more...)
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DME MACs Revise PAP LCDs - 9/24/2008
From Sleep Review, Wednesday, Sepember 24, 2008
The Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) have released revised Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for PAP devices for the (more...)
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DME MACs Issue ‘Kinder’ Sleep LCD - 9/22/2008
From HomeCare Monday
Weeks after tabling the Sept. 1 implementation date for the local coverage determination for PAP devices, the DME MACs last week issued a revised LCD that eased at least (more...)
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Post-Ike, HME Providers Remain for the Long Haul - 9/22/2008
From HomeCare Monday
With the death toll at 60 as of Friday and more than a million people still without power in Texas alone, residents across nine states moved into recovery mode last week in the aftermath of Hurricane (more...)
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CMS Cautions Providers on Oxygen Equipment Rules - 9/22/2008
From HomeCare Monday
In an Open Door Forum Wednesday, CMS included a caution on repeal of the oxygen equipment transfer called for under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act--althou (more...)
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Thank You to Those Who Joined John Gallagher for the Luch Bucket - 9/19/2008
VGM sincerely apologizes for the technical difficulties you may have encountered in attempting to view the Lunch Bucket. Rest assured, we will conduct another Lunch Bucket in the very near (more...)
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Emergency Declarations in the Wake of Gustav, Ike - 9/16/2008
HHS has delcared Public Health Emergency and released Waiver of Modification Requirements for both Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. (more...)
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Hurricane Information – Ike and Gustav - 9/16/2008
From Cigna Government Services, September 2, 2008 - REVISED 09.15.08
Public health emergencies have been issued in several states affected by the recent Hurricanes Ike and Gustav. CIGNA Government Services is committed (more...)
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Senate Passes ADA Amendments Act - 9/16/2008
From HomeCare Monday
On Thursday, the Senate unanimously approved a bill that would clarify the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act and “ensure that all Americans with disabilities are protected from discriminat (more...)
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HHS Offers Assistance in Wake of Gustav, Monitors Hanna and Ike - 9/13/2008
CMS Press Release, August 31, 2008
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today declared a public health emergency to ensure that individuals, including those enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid and the State Chi (more...)
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VGM to Host Fundraising Event for Congressman Braley - 9/9/2008
The VGM PAC, along with the AAHomecare PAC, Cara Bachenheimer of Invacare, Van Miller of VGM, and Jim Walsh of VGM will host a fundraising event honoring Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA). Th (more...)
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Hurricane Info from HHS, CMS - 9/8/2008
From HomeCare Monday
On August 31, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt declared a public health emergency in response to Hurricane Gustav to ensure that individuals, including thos (more...)
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Alphabet Soup of Storms Spells Trouble for Patients, Providers - 9/8/2008
From HomeCare Monday
Floridians are still cleaning up after Tropical Storm Fay. As of Friday, 700,000 Louisianans were still without power after Hurricane Gustav, and the federal government had issued a temporar (more...)
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VGM & Associates, along with its members and vendors, support the fight against DMEPOS Competitive Bidding - 9/5/2008
VGM, Invacare and numerous valued VGM Members donated to the Defeat Competitive Bidding Fund, created by AAHomecare to support litigation challenging CMS’ DMEPOS Competitive (more...)
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AASM: CPAP Reimbursement Unnecessarily Prohibitive - 9/5/2008
From HME News
While applauding CMS’ attempts to prevent fraud, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) called CMS’ 1403-P proposal “unnecessarily prohibitive, and one that ultimately compromises patient care. (more...)
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CMS Issues Hurricane Answers - 9/5/2008
From HME News
If you or your patients were affected by Hurricane Gustav, there are special condition codes for disaster-related claims. CMS provided the new information this week for providers who need to bill Medi (more...)
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Whistle-blowers help US recoup $9.3 billion - 9/3/2008
Associated Press, By Kevin Freking
Whistle-blowers helped authorities recover at least $9.3 billion from health care providers accused of defrauding states and the federal government, according to an analysis of Justice Department reco (more...)
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Senator urges review of Medicare payment errors - 8/27/2008
By Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, Aug. 27, 2008
The ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee overseeing Medicare has demanded a ``full accounting`` of how the agency underestimated (more...)
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Report Faults Medicare Audits - 8/26/2008
The Washington Post, August 26, 2008, by Christopher Lee
The rate of improper payments, including fraud, in Medicare`s purchases of wheelchairs and other home medical equipment is significantly higher than the government has estimated, according to a federa (more...)
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NCB ‘Round 1.2’ in the Works - 8/25/2008
HomeCare Monday, August 25, 2008
According to press reports, Joel Kaiser, CMS’ Deputy director of DMEPOS policy, told members of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council the agency is busy planning the ramp-up of national (more...)
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CMS Sets Call on Accreditation Exemptions, Answers Question on Hospice Rule - 8/25/2008
HomeCare Monday, August 25, 2008
The “drop dead” date for mandatory DMEPOS accreditation has been set for Sept. 30, 2009, but last week, CMS announced a Special Open Door Forum to address exemptions to the deadlin (more...)
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DME MACs Put a Hold on PAP LCDs - 8/25/2008
HomeCare Monday, August 25, 2008
In the latest development on PAP testing and policy, last week the four DME MACs delayed the Sept. 1 implementation date of their recent local coverage determinations on positive airway pres (more...)
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Investigators call for more audits of drug plans` fraud fighting efforts - 8/25/2008
Orlando Sentinel, August 22, 2008
By Kevin Freking, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Nearly three years into the Medicare drug benefit, federal officials have yet to ensure t (more...)
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Medicare’s Claims - 8/22/2008
The New York Times Editorial, August 22, 2008
Medicare is an enormously popular and effective insurance program for older Americans that faces a daunting array of financial problems. Its escalating costs threaten to devour frightening amounts of (more...)
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Report Rejects Medicare Boast of Paring Fraud - 8/21/2008
From The New York Times, by Charles Duhigg
Medicare’s top officials said in 2006 that they had reduced the number of fraudulent and improper claims paid by the agency, keeping billions of dollars out of the hands of people trying to (more...)
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Legislative Update - August 20, 2008 - 8/20/2008
CMS Special Open Door Forum: DMEPOS Accreditation - MIPPA 2008 Guidance
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
2pm-3:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time
Conference Call Only (more...)
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Positive Airway Pressure Devices LCD - Delayed Implementation - 8/19/2008
From CIGNA Government Services
In July, the DME MACs published a Local Coverage Determination (LCD) on Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Devices for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Some criteria in that policy were to take (more...)
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Republican and Democratic Voters View Home Care as a Solution to Rising Medicare Spending, Harris Survey Finds - 8/19/2008
From Market Watch
ARLINGTON, Va., Aug 19, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Four Out of Five Voters Favor Stronger Coverage for Wheelchairs, Oxygen, and Other Home Medical Equipment and Services
< (more...)
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CMS` Open Door Mantra: `Send an E-Mail` - 8/18/2008
From HomeCare Monday
BALTIMORE--Industry stakeholders seeking answers to questions about accreditation, compensation for competitive bid winners and other home medical equipment issues for the most part came away empty-ha (more...)
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GAO Report on DME Fraud Points Finger at CMS - 8/15/2008
(Homecare Monday, August 11, 2008)
WASHINGTON--Strong words from the Government Accountability Office are again focused on DME fraud--but this time, the blame is not falling solely on providers but rather on CMS and (more...)
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Oxygen Questions Remain Unanswered - 8/15/2008
(HME Today, Friday, August 15, 2008) by Rob Brant
Three weeks ago, AMEPA Board Member Barry Johnson, asked CMS how maintenance and other aspects of oxygen service would be covered in 2009 after the oxygen is capped (paid (more...)
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Jim Phillips named COO of VGM Group, Inc. - 8/12/2008
WATERLOO, Iowa -- VGM Group, Inc. has appointed James L. Phillips chief operating officer effective Aug 29. He will report to Chief Executive Officer Van G. Miller.
“Jim Phil (more...)
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Follow-Up to Lunch Bucket - 8/4/2008
Call to Action - Support HR 6252 / S 3144
Keep making those calls to support HR 6252/S 3144
U.S. Capitol Switchboard - (202) 224-3121 (more...)
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Senate Republicans To Begin Campaign Against Medicare Fraud - 7/29/2008
(Kaiser Network, 7/28/08)
Senate Republicans have begun "piecing together a crusade" against Medicare fraud in an effort to make the issue an impo (more...)
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Suppliers Report Problems in the New Competitive Bidding Program - 7/3/2008
VGM members have begun to report various incidents relating to the implementation of competitive bidding this week. (See “CALL TO ACTION”, below.) (more...)
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CMS Goes Full Speed Ahead! - 7/2/2008
CMS has notified both the House and the Senate that they will move forward with the (more...)
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We lost the skirmish - not the battle and certainly not the war. - 6/27/2008
We haven’t lost! This morning, CEO and founder of the VGM Group, Inc. Van M (more...)
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Lunch Bucket Follow Up - 6/26/2008
CONTINUE CONTACTING YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS!
Those who missed the June 18 “Lunch Bucket with John Gallagher,” may view a recording of the Webcast beginning June 19 at www.vgm (more...)
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Keep Up the Pressure in the Senate! - 6/26/2008
Keep Up the Pressure in the Senate!
Contact your senators today and urge them to oppose the additional cuts to oxygen!
US Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 (more...)
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Today is the Vote - 6/26/2008
The senate will vote on cloture, which is a method of closing a debate and causing an immediate vote to be taken. If the vote to end the debate is successful, Senate Majority Leader Harry R (more...)
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This Just In... Your Calls are Having an Effect, Don`t Let Up Now! - 6/26/2008
The Democratic Leadership has just announced that the cloture vote on HR 6331 will take place tonight at around midnight. A cloture vote (requires 60 votes to pass) will end the debate and (more...)
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HR 6331 Passes House! - 6/25/2008
We`re Halfway to a Full Delay of Competitive Bidding
The Senate Finance Committee is close to finalizing their version of the “doc fix,” which could be voted as early as tomorrow. While the Baucus-Gr (more...)
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Rangel, Dingell introduce H.R. 6331 - The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 - 6/24/2008
NOTE: HR 6331, The Medicare Improv (more...)
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VGM SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO DELAY COMPETITIVE BIDDING! - 6/18/2008
The following is a note from Ron Bendell, president of VGM & Associates and John Gallagher, vice-presiden (more...)
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Due to severe flooding in the Waterloo, IA area... - 6/12/2008
VGM Heartland Conference Sessions Canceled
(more...)
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Baucus Agrees to Add 18-month Delay to Competitive Bidding to “Doc Fix” - 6/12/2008
On Wednesday, June 11, Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont. agreed to include the 18-month delay of the competitive bidding program into his “doc fix” bill (more...)
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Lawsuit to Challenge Competitive Bidding Filed in Texas - 6/12/2008
A lawsuit to challenge the Competitive Bidding Program for DME was filed on June 11, 2008 in the federal court in Dallas, Texas. Funded by Last Chance for Patient Choice, the lawsu (more...)
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Due to severe flooding in the Waterloo, IA area... - 6/11/2008
VGM Heartland Conference Sessions Canceled
Due to the rising flood waters in downtown Waterloo, we regretfully have to cancel the remaining Heartland Conference activities, with the exception of the Wednesday evening "Gala" (more...)
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Members of the House Sends “Dear Colleague” Letter Urging a Delay in the Competitive Bidding Program - 6/4/2008
On June 2, 2008, Congressmen John Tanner, D-Tenn.; Dave Hobson, R-Oh.; and Jason Altmire, D-Penn., along with 132 co-signers sent a letter to the Ways and Means and the Ways and Means Health (more...)
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Highlights from the Small Business Hearing on You Tube - 5/29/2008
The Small Business Subcommittee on Urban and Rural Entrepreneurship hearing on Competitive Bidding that was held today earned a “favorable response” from the members of the (more...)
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MAY 14: LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR ROUND TWO ACCREDITATION! - 5/13/2008
CMS will not accept bids from HMES that have not applied.
VGM is urging all homecare providers who are considering submitting a bid in "Round Two" of the competitive bidding program to verify that their facility has applied for DMEPOS acc (more...)
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Important Information about the Upcoming DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program! - 4/29/2008
VGM highly encourages providers to participate in this call. It appears as though CMS has every intention of sticking to t (more...)
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Important Information for Medicare FFS Providers Regarding NPI - 4/29/2008
May 7 is "Legacy Free" Day - An opportunity to check your NPI readiness! (more...)
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URGENT! COMPETITIVE BIDDING UPDATE - 3/20/2008
CMS Announces New Payment Rates for Round 1
MEDICARE TO SAVE AVERAGE OF 26% FOR SOME DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, PROSTHETICS, ORTHOTICS, AND SUPPLIES (more...)
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Brightree and The VGM Group Announce Exclusive 10-Year Partnership to Deliver a New Breed of Services - 3/13/2008
Press Release
Strategic alliance of industry leaders promises to revolutionize the operational effectiveness and profitability of Home Medical Equipment, Durable Medical Equipment, Orthotics & P (more...)
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VGM Member remembered as Katrina survivor - 2/7/2008
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in 2005 and VGM headed South through Mississippi to document how our members went above and beyond to take care of patients, one of our special m (more...)
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vgm creative rolls out unique educational marketing tool - 1/30/2008
Most likely the first of its kind in the home medical equipment industry, the brand new “Know Your Options, A Guide to Home Care Products and Home Accessibility” is a unique marketing tool for members (more...)
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Bob Wagner, President and Owner, Wagner Medical Supply - 1/21/2008
As Seen In Respiratory Management, January/February 2008
Dealers Discuss
Reprinted with permission
Editor’s Note: Bob Wagner has worked as an HME provider since 2001. In 2005, (more...)
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Next 70 MSAs, Round Two Product Categories (Finally) Announced - 1/8/2008
CMS Office of Public Affairs Posts Media Release
CMS has announced the 70 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and eig (more...)
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Re: CMS "Bid Evaluation" and Documentation Deadline January 7 - 1/7/2008
IMPORTANT UPDATE!
On January 2, VGM posted information regarding an important deadline for all "Round One" bidding companies who (more...)
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The VGM Group Wishes All A Happy, Safe & Prosperous New Year - 12/31/2007
You BELONG with VGM -- Especially Now!!!
(more...)
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Special Open Door Forum Announces September 30, 2009 Accreditation Deadline - 12/25/2007
Some providers still appear unclear on issues
(more...)
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VGM, Last Chance for Patient Choice Continue NCB Judicial Fight - 12/17/2007
Second lawsuit filed in Ohio
On December 14 the action was filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (Cleveland) Eastern Division, alleging violations of the Regulatory (more...)
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Competitive Bidding Update: House Small Business Subcommittee Seeks CMS Delay - 12/13/2007
...until economic impact on small businesses can be assessed
"Dear Administrator Preston:
As members of the House Committee on Small Business, we are writing to request that you intervene with Centers for (more...)
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Dems Back To Square One After Omnibus Plan Scuttled - 12/11/2007
"If anybody thinks there`s any longer a chance for getting out of here by the 14th, they`re smoking something,"
Democratic leaders headed back to the drawing board this week on a massive spending bill covering every Cabinet agency except the Pentagon, after a White House veto threat this wee (more...)
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Action Alert - Call Members of Senate Finance and Ways & Means Today! - 12/5/2007
A Peeved Baucus Holds Up Provision On Renal Care ... MEDICARE PACKAGE TO BE COMPLETED THIS WEEK!
(more...)
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NPI Warning! Some providers have inadvertently disclosed their social security numbers - 11/27/2007
Check now...and delete SSN immediately if applicable
CMS reports that some health care providers have reported their Social Security Numbers (SSNs), or the SSNs of other health care providers, in their NPPES records in fields that the Freedom (more...)
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DMEPOS Enrollment vs. Accreditation - 11/20/2007
Is There a Difference?
There has been some confusion over whether DMEPOS enrollment is different from CMS accreditation. If an HME company is enrolling as a DMEPOS supplier, (more...)
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Senator Roberts notifies VGM Members SCHIP compromise may include additional cuts to DME “Cap on Oxygen” & elimination of first month purchase on P&P - 11/7/2007
Senator Roberts recommends members contact their reps to ensure additional cuts are not part of SCHIP Compromise.
MAMES received this message from Sen. Roberts’s aide Jennifer Swenson.
(more...)
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NPR`s Greg Allen conducts follow-up interview - 11/6/2007
NPR`s "Morning Edition" host Greg Allen interviewed Raul Lopez as a follow-up for the original story "Medica (more...)
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Medicare Bidding for Durable Medical Equipment Will Harm Small Businesses and Seniors` Access to Care - 11/1/2007
American Association for Homecare Testifies
The Medicare bidding program for durable medical equipment will hurt small providers and "undermine the nation`s homecare infrastructure" unless Congress modifies the program. (more...)
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New NPI Rejections Effective October 29, 2007! - 10/29/2007
Medicare is rolling out its NPI crosswalk "tough love" program
Since October 2, 2006, providers have been encouraged to submit both the NPI and Medicare legacy identifier (PIN) on their claims. During this timeframe providers were not penalized for invalid NPI/le (more...)
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VGM Responds to Respiratory Trade Publication Suggesting HMEs Circumvent Rules, Engage in Fraud - 10/23/2007
"Article is large on opinion and short on facts"
Teresa Tetrick, a traveling therapist and freelance writer, recently submitted a guest editorial to Advance for Respiratory Care Practitioner, a trade publication "offering articles rele (more...)
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Public radio compares DME providers to drug dealers - 10/15/2007
Contact them now and tell them they’re very wrong!
The story, which ran Oct. 11, was reported by Greg Allen on “Morning Edition.” The full text is available below.
(more...)
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OIG Releases 2008 "Work Plan" - 10/9/2007
Includes "areas and issues that will be focused on in the coming year through audits, evaluations, and inspections"
The HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has posted its 2008 Work Plan. In the plan, the OIG addresses health care fraud, and includes a statement that t (more...)
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The NSC "Top Ten" - 9/27/2007
Goal: Decrease processing times
80% of the enrollment documentation received by the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) requires development for missing or incomplete information.
Most of this development is avoidable. The NSC en (more...)
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Bidding Deadline Passes With Little Fanfare - 9/26/2007
Next step: Bidders should visit their individual CBSS home page to check on status
Reports from various industry groups, including VGM, suggest that the September 25 first round competitive bidding cutoff passed with very few reports of glitches with the Competit (more...)
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IMPORTANT COMPETITIVE BIDDING REMINDER - 9/25/2007
First-Round Bid Deadline Tonight; Official WebSite "Very Slow"
VGM reminds all HME providers participating in "round one" of the the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program that all bids are due by 9 p.m. EDT tonight (September 25, 2007). (more...)
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House SCHIP Supporters Standing Firm On Their Medicare Provisions - 9/7/2007
Provisions eliminate first-month purchase option for power wheelchairs and cap oxygen rental at 18 months
House leaders and the chief architects of a House children`s healthcare bill held firm Wednesday, insisting that the measure retain Medicare portions that are not included in a smaller Senate package. (more...)
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VGM Members Take Advantage of the August Recess - 8/31/2007
A special "thank you" to VGM`s Triangle Aftercare, A-1 Home Healthcare, Clay Home Medical & Seeley Medical
These four companies have demonstrated that home medical equipment providers can be pro-active in the fight against competitive bi (more...)
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VGM Schedules 2008 Competitive Bidding Seminars - 8/31/2007
“Competitive Bidding: Preparing for Round Two”
WATERLOO, Iowa – The VGM Group, the nation’s largest member service organizations for Home Medical Equipment (HME) providers, has announced a new seminar series designed to assist (more...)
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NSC Updates: Introducing the PTAN - 8/22/2007
Also: The DMEPOS Enrollment Process v. The Accreditation Process
Just when you thought there could not possibly be another acronym to memorize, here comes the PTAN. (more...)
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Seniors should prepare now for hurricane season - 8/22/2007
As Hurricane Katrina made painfully clear, older adults are among the most vulnerable when disaster strikes.
That`s why it`s critical that older people, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies. Help
may not be immediately available in the wake of a disaster. And pharmacies, (more...)
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SCHIP: Grassley Calls for Preconference Talks To Limit Scope - 8/7/2007
VGM, industry leaders, to host Grassley reception in Waterloo August 21.
According to an aide, Senate Finance Committee ranking member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) would like to use the August Recess to begin preconference committee talks with the (more...)
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NPI Registry Now Set to Begin September 4, 2007 - 8/7/2007
CMS extending time for providers to view/edit NPPES data
NPPES health care provider data that are disclosable under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) will be disclosed to the public by CMS via the Internet. Data will be available in two forms: a query- (more...)
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CALL TO ACTION!: H.R. 3162, “CHAMP Act of 2007” - 7/26/2007
New threats to Medicare policy for power wheelchairs and home oxygen therapy!
The House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees have released H.R. 3162, the "Children`s Health and Medicare Protection Act," (CHAMP) which would eliminate the first-month purcha (more...)
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CMS Extends Bid Deadline To July 27 - 7/20/2007
VGM notified earlier by Senate Finance Committee
"The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is extending the bid submission deadline for the first round of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Su (more...)
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LEGISLATIVE ALERT - CALL TO ACTION - 7/16/2007
Please Persuade Your Legislators to Sign On to the Johnson-Allen Letter
The Johnson-Allen Letter is being circulated for signatures, and it is imperative that we make immediate attempts to get our legislators to sign on. Even those who are not in the (more...)
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CMS Special Bidders Conference on Competitive Bidding Addresses Technical Difficulties - 7/16/2007
Last Monday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted a special bidders conference to address some technical issues with the Competitive Bid Submission System (CBSS).
(more...)
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HHS Fights Durable Medical Equipment Fraud - 7/3/2007
Demonstration Project Targets Fraudulent Business Practices in South Florida and Southern California
On July 2 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced a two-year effort designed to further protect Medicare beneficiaries from fraudulent suppliers of DMEPOS. (more...)
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Legislative Update on H.R. 1845, 621 & 2231 - 7/3/2007
Please urge your Congressional representative to cosponsor; talking points available.
VGM urges all HME providers to contact your Congressional representative’s office in your district and ask for their support of these three bills (more...)
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CMS: National Provider ID info delayed a month - 6/28/2007
"CMS believes that health care providers need additional time"
Federal officials say they will not give providers and others looking for National Provider Identifier data the information they seek until Aug. 1. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Servic (more...)
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VGM`s Last Chance For Patient Choice Files Competitive Bidding Lawsuit - 6/18/2007
Hewitt, et al v Michael O. Levitt & Leslie V. Norwalk
A lawsuit was filed June 12 in Federal court against CMS seeking to stop competitive bidding for durable medical equipment. The suit was filed June 12, 2007, in the Dallas Division of the U. (more...)
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Senator Grassley`s comments on Homecare Services - 6/13/2007
Click here to view Senator Grassley`s comments on Video. (50MB file) (more...)
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CMS releases NPI data notice - 5/30/2007
Providers may review information on Internet
CMS released a display copy of the much-anticipated National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) Data Dissemination Notice (CMS-6060-N), which describes the policy for making NPPES (more...)
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Senate Companion to Tanner-Hobson Bill Introduced - 5/24/2007
Senate bill lacks some provisions of House measure
On May 17, Sens. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, introduced the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2007 to soften some effects of national competitive bidding.
(more...)
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BIDDING FOR DMEPOS IS OPEN! - 5/15/2007
All bids are due by 9:00 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time on July 13, 2007
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is now soliciting bids for the first round of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotic (more...)
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Support Tanner-Hobson ... NOW - 5/14/2007
The Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2007
On March 29, 2007, Congressmen John Tanner (D-TN) and David Hobson (R-OH) introduced H.R.1845, the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2007. This bill would amend the competitive acquisit (more...)
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Washington Post Article Reports HME Fraud; 38 Arrested in South Florida - 5/11/2007
VGM, AAHomecare take action to ensure press, policymakers cognizant of industry`s efforts
"Calling South Florida a particularly ripe area for Medicare fraud, federal prosecutors Wednesday announced a crackdown on sham medical care companies, inc (more...)
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Veteran official to be New Medicare Chief - 5/4/2007
WASHINGTON — Kerry N. Weems, a longtime federal health official, is President Bush`s choice to oversee the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
If confirmed by the Senate, Weems would suc (more...)
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Invacare and VGM join forces - 5/1/2007
Formal announcement at Medtrade Spring in Las Vegas
"The multi-year agreement, with the largest full line manufacturer in the industry, is a major achievement for VGM", said VGM Group Inc. president Jim (more...)
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VGM creates National Competitive Bidding Website - 4/23/2007
Find out what steps are needed for bidding
Whether you will bid as an individual provider, join a network or become a subcontractor, VGM has the tools to assist you.
Visit the site now
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Accreditation Completion Deadline Announced - 4/17/2007
"First round" bidders must be accredited by August 31, 2007
CMS has verified that an HME provider (supplier) who is in the "application process" for accreditation may submit a bid, but must be accredited by August 21, 2007 to be (more...)
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First 10 MSAs target poor, minorities - 4/12/2007
Dear VGM Group Member:
I am writing this letter to all VGM Group Members in the first 10 Metropolitan Statistical Areas that will be affected by Competitive Bidding, and hope you will take the (more...)
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Competitive Bidding "Final Rule" Released - 4/9/2007
UPDATE: Registration Now Open
CMS issued on April 2 a final rule "that will reduce beneficiary out-of-pocket costs, improve the accuracy of Medicare’s payments for c (more...)
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Tanner-Hobson Bill (H.R. 1845) Introduced - 4/2/2007
Would allow any HME provider to participate in Medicare at selected award price
H.R. 1845 was introduced in Congress on March 29 by U.S. Representatives John Tanner (D-Tenn.), David Hobson (R-Ohio), and Mike Ross (D-Ark.). (more...)
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COMPETITIVE BID MSA LIST RELEASED!! - 3/30/2007
VGM Offers ZIP Code File for Probable Bidding Areas
The CMS competitive bid website posted, albeit for a short t (more...)
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Senate Budget Committee discussion suggests continuing HME "scams" - 3/24/2007
Senator Conrad calls for "crackdown"
Below you will find AAHomecare’s write-up highlighting Senate Budget Committee Chairman and Senate Finance Committee member Kent Conrad`s fraud and abuse comments related to HME du (more...)
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CMS Developing Competitive Bidding Implementation Website - 3/23/2007
Multi-purpose site designed for suppliers, referral sources, beneficiaries
CMS announced on Thursday its newly established DMEPOS Competitive Bid (more...)
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"Why they won`t be accredited " - 3/6/2007
HME News Poll Results
Accreditation is too expensive, irrelevant, a waste of time and a problem to deal with on another day. So say providers who have yet to become accredited and don`t plan to begin the process in the for (more...)
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vgm creative presents Off The Shelf Marketing - 3/6/2007
vgm creative presents Off The Shelf Marketing, an innovative suite of marketing materials designed to help VGM Members promote their businesses easily, effectively and efficiently. (more...)
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Don`t waste your time and money on generic P&P manuals! - 3/5/2007
VGM has developed a Policies and Procedures Manual that is specifically designed for compliance with the imposition of quality standards and accreditation requirements of the Medicare Prescr (more...)
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NSC Releases Updated "Model Forms" - 2/28/2007
Some confusion among providers results in updated forms required by supplier standards
"The attached model forms were created in an effort to educate suppliers regarding certain supplier standards listed in 42 C.F.R .424.57(c)." (more...)
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Former Rep. Bill Thomas Bill Thomas joins conservative think tank - 2/19/2007
"... he plans to continue to be involved in politics"
The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) announced that Bill Thomas, the recently retired chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, has joined AEI as a visiting fellow.
(more...)
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NSC Site Visit: What Should Suppliers Expect? - 2/19/2007
"Site visits, to many suppliers, seem to be one of the more daunting events that occur during the enrollment process"
The site visit along with the application and supporting documentation are considered in making a determination to issue, deny or revoke a supplier’s billing privileges. The answer (more...)
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Georgia Congressman Tom Price, M.D Reintroduces O2 Legislation - 2/15/2007
UPDATE: New Cosponsors!
Thirteen more members of the U.S. House of Representatives have cosponsored the Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act (H.R. 621), which was introduced last month by Congressman Tom Price, MD (R (more...)
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Georgia Congressman Tom Price, M.D Reintroduces O2 Legislation - 2/15/2007
UPDATE: New Cosponsors!
Thirteen more members of the U.S. House of Representatives have cosponsored the Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act (H.R. 621), which was introduced last month by Congressman Tom Price, MD ( (more...)
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Charlie Norwood Dies at 65 - 2/13/2007
Georgia Congressman was supporter of homecare issues
After a long battle with a debilitating lung disease and subsequent lung cancer, Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-Ga.) died this morning at his home in Augusta. He was 65.
(more...)
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VGM Group to become employee-owned - 2/12/2007
Employee Stock Ownership Program Announced
WATERLOO, Iowa – For a moment, it resembled a political convention, complete with balloon drops from the two-story atrium, confetti shot from a cannon and lots of people dressed in red, whit (more...)
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Homecare Medicare Cuts in Proposed ’08 Budget - 2/8/2007
Healthcare lobbyists not comforted by Dems’ bashing of Bush budget
Although congressional Democrats quickly rejected the White House’s budget proposals calling for about $100 billion in spending reductions in Medicare and Medicaid, the healthcare providers (more...)
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CMS Accreditation "Mandate" Officially Rescinded - 1/31/2007
HQAA confirms with CMS representative
Note to Contractors: "The CR 5415, Transmittal 188 is rescinded and will not be replaced at this time. CR 5415 was sent via RO-4721 dated January 26, 2007. Please discard a (more...)
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DME Region A/B PSC Announce Power Mobility Device Update - 1/26/2007
TriCenturion releases update concerning the Basic Equipment Package
The highlights of this update follows. Industry analysts expect the other PSCs to issue a similar release shortly.
(more...)
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As Many Seniors Choose Alternatives to Traditional Long-Term Care, Demand for Nursing Homes Declines - 1/23/2007
Where have these people gone?
A report published November 21, 2006 by the Lewin Group indicates that the percentage of very senior adults (aged 85 or older) in nursing homes has sharply declined over the past two decades. (more...)
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200 Miami HMEs Lose Provider Numbers, Homecare Magazine Reports - 1/23/2007
"Those actions...have put beneficiaries at risk"
Some 200 HME providers in the Miami area have received letters from the National Supplier Clearinghouse suspending their provider numbers--and many, if not all, are without appropriate cause, attorney (more...)
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Noridian "Taking Steps To Reduce Claim Inventory" - 1/16/2007
July 1 transition from Cigna (Region D contractor) results in backlog
Last week Noridian Administrative Services (NAS) posted on its website an update on the claims backlog "and also provide some background". NAS became the DME MAC for Jurisdiction D on Octob (more...)
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Growth in U.S. Health Care Spending Slows - 1/16/2007
Medicare spending rose 9.3% to $342 billion in 2005, following growth of 10.3% in 2004
The growth in U.S. health-care spending has declined to its slowest rate since 1999, largely because of a dramatic dip in the growth of prescription drug spending, government economists have reported. (more...)
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The New Revised CMS 1500 (08-05) Claim Form is Now Available - 1/16/2007
The new revised CMS 1500 Form, which is the 08-05 version is effective January 1, 2007, but will not be mandated for suppliers to utilize until April 2, 2007. (more...)
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CALIFORNIA: Schwarzenegger Announces Health Insurance Proposal - 1/9/2007
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on Monday announced a proposal that would require all state residents to obtain health insurance and would share the cost among employers, individuals, health (more...)
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FIFTH CIRCUIT HOLDS PATIENT CANNOT BRING SUIT TO ENFORCE HIPAA - 1/3/2007
“HIPAA limits enforcement to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.”
On November 13, 2006, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a decision in Acara v. Banks, confirming that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 19 (more...)
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House Democrats To Offer Ethics Details - 1/3/2007
Rules may require new tax cuts or spending increases to be offset by other cuts
With last-minute details still being hashed out, Democratic leaders plan to start voting on their much ballyhooed rules and ethics package for the 110th Congress Thursday afternoon, following the elec (more...)
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Medicaid Whistle-Blower Law Goes Into Effect Jan. 1 - 12/27/2006
Health care accounts for 72% of all government fraud
Many healthcare providers will have to teach their employees how to ferret out fraud and report it to the government under a federal law that takes effect next month.
(more...)
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CMS Releases Competitive Bidding Instructions, Forms, for Comment - 12/22/2006
Also: CMS meets with new accreditors; MSA information released
CMS has published in the Federal Register "Instructions For Completing Request For Bids (RFB) For Medicare Competitive Bidding Program" and a 30-day request for public comment of four biddin (more...)
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President Bush Signs Bill To Stop Medicare Physician Reimbursement Rate Reduction - 12/21/2006
Maintains current level of Medicare physician reimbursements in 2007
President Bush on Wednesday signed into law a tax, trade and health care bill (HR 6111) that includes provisions to reverse a 5.1% reduction in Medicare physician reimbursements scheduled for 2007 and (more...)
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Med-South Inc. staff steps up to the plate! - 12/18/2006
Van Miller: Donations to Last Chance For Patient Choice much appreciated
Stewart Pace, Senior VP of Med-South, Inc. (Jasper, AL) and staff forwarded an early holiday gift to VGM this week...contributions to Last Chance For Patient Choice (LCPC). (more...)
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Sen. Johnson Responsive After Surgery - 12/15/2006
If Johnson were to leave office, a replacement would be named by South Dakota`s Republican governor
Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson was recovering without complications from emergency brain surgery to repair bleeding in his brain. (more...)
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South Dakota Senator Hospitalized - 12/13/2006
Democrat Tim Johnson Suffers Possible Stroke; Could Senate Control Be Hanging In Balance?
Democrat Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was taken to a Washington hospital this afternoon after suffering a possible stroke, his office said in a statement.
(more...)
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VGM works with Senate Finance Chairman - 12/8/2006
A Letter to the Senator from VGM`s Jim Walsh, President and General Counsel
Dear Senator Grassley:
We don’t get all the news about legislative activity in the U.S. Congress out here in Iowa, but what we do get at this time of the year makes us very nervous. (more...)
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Capitol Hill Update - 12/8/2006
Congress To Vote on Bill To Reverse Scheduled Reduction in Medicare Physician Reimbursements
House leaders are schuled to vote on Friday plan to hold a vote on a bill (HR 6408) that includes the reversal of a scheduled reduction in Medicare physician reimbursements, but "passage in the S (more...)
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CALL TO ACTION! - 12/5/2006
Call your Senators and your Representative in Congress today.
There is still a chance that the HME industry will be utilized as an offset to the reduction to physician payments. Providers need to be vigilant and contact their elected officials
(more...)
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VGM and Jane W. Bunch join forces in Atlanta for Billing Boot Camp - 11/30/2006
December 12, 2006
VGM Education is pleased to host an exceptional educational training event in Atlanta. Jane Bunch will be presenting her acclaimed Billing Boot Camp for employees focused in customer service, billing (more...)
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CMS ANNOUNCES DEEMED ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATIONS FOR SUPPLIERS OF DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, PROSTHETICS, ORTHOTICS AND SUPPLIES - 11/22/2006
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced the names of eleven national accreditation organizations that will accredit suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orth (more...)
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CALL TO ACTION! - 11/20/2006
Oxygen reductions could still be included in a lame duck session "Doc Fix"
Last week VGM executives initiated a conference call with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) of which the ensuing discussion suggested that, regardless of Congress passing a con (more...)
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Pride Meets with HHS Secretary Leavitt to Discuss PMD Fee Schedules - 11/15/2006
CMS to make Additional Corrections to Fees that will be Retroactive to Nov. 15
Representatives of Pride Mobility Products Corp. met Thursday with HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt and Senator Arlen Specter to discuss the PMD Fee Schedules. (more...)
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Airline Oxygen Council of America Sets Its Sights on Improving Access to Air Travel for Supplemental Oxygen Users - 11/14/2006
"...Much more work remains to be done"
COPD patients and others who depend on supplemental oxygen have traditionally faced tough barriers when it comes to air travel. (more...)
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CMS-1304-F: Final rule - DRA changes to Medicare oxygen; capped rental items - 11/7/2006
Rule also includes 3.3 % market basket increase for home health services
The final rule implements Section 5101 of the DRA that requires suppliers to transfer title of oxygen equipment to the beneficiary after 36 months of rental payments and capped rental items after 13 m (more...)
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NOVEMBER LAME DUCK SESSION "101" - 11/7/2006
Q & A Summary, Oxygen Talking Points, For All HME Providers
What is a Lame Duck Session?
A Lame duck session is when the United States Congress (or only one chamber thereof) meets following the November general elections (and before the ina (more...)
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Government Data Refutes CMS Claims that Utilization of Mobility Benefit Is on the Rise - 10/27/2006
Utilization Sharply Declined Since 2003; No Support for CMS Claims of Increases
The power mobility industry said on October 26 that Medicare claims for power wheelchairs have declined significantly since reaching a peak in 2003, and that government data directly refutes the Cente (more...)
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Cuts in Medicare hurt wheelchair users - 10/19/2006
By MARY CLARE JALONICK
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON -- Patricia Meier, a 63-year-old quadriplegic and Medicare recipient, needs to replace the wheelchair she has used for five ye (more...)
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OIG Squelches Manufacturer- Provider Partnerships - 10/17/2006
Proposed relationship poses `substantial risk`
Durable medical equipment manufacturers must be wary of partnering too closely with suppliers, says the HHS Office of Inspector General in a new advisory opinion.
(more...)
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Medicare PMC Cuts May Force Lay-Offs - 10/12/2006
Cuts of 21 Percent to 41 Percent Will Restrict Access, and Put Some Suppliers Out of Business
VGM/U.S. Rehab member Black Bear Medical, the region`s leading supplier of durable medical equipment, said today that the 21 percent to 41 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements for power wheelchairs (more...)
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Medicare Issues New Fee Schedule for Power Mobility Devices - 10/3/2006
Industry looking at a 34% cut
CMS has released the Fee Schedule amounts (ceiling and floor) for the new Power Mobility Device HCPCS Codes scheduled to take effect on November 15, 2006. (more...)
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VGM Forms Homecare Providers of America - 9/28/2006
Member companies will have the opportunity to participate as either a network member or a subcontractor
VGM has submitted an application to become a Network Primary Supplier on behalf of VGM/US Rehab/Nationwide Respiratory Members under the provisions of the Medicare Modernization Act and the proposed r (more...)
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Medicare Issues Revised Local Coverage Determinations (LCD) for Power Mobility Devices - 9/27/2006
Implementation Date of New Codes and LCD delayed until November 15, 2006
As a result of significant industry efforts to obtain modifications to the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Power Mobility Devices (PMDs) that was released on August 15, 2006, the Medicare Durab (more...)
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Senate companion bill to H.R. 3559 introduced - 9/26/2006
Hatch, Conrad: Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act
Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Kent Conrad, D-N.D., have introduced a companion to the Hobson-Tanner bill in the Senate. The complete statement follows.
(more...)
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Senator Grassley pulls consideration of 13 month O2 cap - 9/25/2006
VGM, Iowa HME provider community cited as "effective"
ATLANTA - At the AAH Humanitarian Dinner held Tuesday evening at Medtrade, Mal Mixon, CEO of Invacare, reported that Iowa Senator Charles Grassley “had heard from his constituents” regarding his Sept (more...)
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American Association for Homecare Disputes Oxygen Therapy Study by HHS - 9/25/2006
Current Medicare Oxygen Policy and Further Erosions of Benefit Put Patients at Risk
A government study about the costs of providing oxygen therapy in the home is deeply flawed according to the American Association for Homecare. Moreover, the further erosion of the oxygen benefit reco (more...)
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HIPAA Privacy Law Nets No Fines - 9/13/2006
Job of enforcement up to HHS; about 5,000 cases remain open
In the three years since Americans gained federal protection for their private medical information, the Bush administration has received thousands of complaints alleging violations but has not imposed (more...)
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Contact your elected officials! - 9/8/2006
"Please Cosponsor H.R. 5513 & S. 3814, The Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act"
VGM and the American Association for Homecare enthusiastically support the Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act (HOPP Act). The bill may help a million oxygen patients to breathe easier by easing the bu (more...)
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White House: Medicare chief McClellan to resign - 9/5/2006
Effective in October; a successor has not been named
Mark McClellan, who oversaw the biggest change in Medicare since its inception, said Tuesday he is resigning and will likely go work for a think tank.
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Diabates: "Raise awareness about detection and management" - 8/31/2006
Diabetes Aware Generational Surveyevaluated 2,000 across three generations
A groundbreaking national survey released today looking at three generations of diabetes sufferers revealed that adults ages 18-40, who are at risk for or living with type 2 diabetes, are lagging behi (more...)
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Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-GA) visits VGM Member Hi-Tech Healthcare - 8/31/2006
"...to learn more about the effect the caps on home oxygen and medical equipment will surely have on constituents..."
Congressman and Physician Phil Gingrey and staffers Jenifer Healy and John O’Keefe visit Hi-Tech Healthcare’s Marietta office to discuss legislation that will negatively impact seniors receiving home (more...)
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Census report: Number of elderly in U.S. tops 12% - 8/29/2006
Elderly people make up about 12.1% of the nation’s household population, according to an update of the 2000 Census. (more...)
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Medicare To Reduce Payments to Pharmacies Compounding Inhalation Drugs - 8/28/2006
FDA previously "warned" three large pharmacies
Beginning in January 2007, CMS will make "significantly lower" Medicare payments to pharmacies that make compounded inhalation drugs for patients with respiratory needs, according to a lette (more...)
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DRA 9-Day Payment Hold - 8/25/2006
Affects all providers & suppliers who bill Medicare contractors.
A brief hold will be placed on Medicare payments for all claims during the last 9 days of the Federal fiscal year (Sept 22 through Sept 30, 2006). (more...)
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MEDICARE PROPOSED RULE REVAMPS O2 REIMBURSEMENT - 8/24/2006
CMS:“…this equates to an average reduction in (oxygen/equipment) payment…of approximately 22 percent.”
On July 27, CMS released proposed rule 1304-P, which effectively revamps the oxygen classification system by splitting stationary and portable oxygen contents into two separate payment classes. (more...)
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CMS PUBLISHES FINAL QUALITY STANDARDS - 8/22/2006
And...accreditation organization application solicitation now published
CMS has published new quality standards for suppliers of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS). "Issuing these new quality standards is an important step in ou (more...)
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VGM Member Profile: Black Bear Medical - 8/21/2006
The following is a reprint of an interview with Black Bear co-owner and president Jim Greatorex, of Portland, Maine.
(more...)
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Study, commissioned by VGM, supports Hobson-Tanner Bill - 8/15/2006
Would preserve patient choice, benefit small businesses and still allow CMS to save money via competitive bidding
WATERLOO, Iowa - A university economist released a study last week that bolsters the industry`s argument against competitive bidding as envisioned by CMS.
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NCB: VGM members active in Atlanta with legislators; educating hospitals - 8/15/2006
Todd Tyson (Hi Tech Healthcare Inc) - "Medicare: Reducing Benefits and Eliminating Choices"
"The Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 and the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 are about to introduce Metro Atlanta Medicare beneficiaries to further reductions in their benefits and a (more...)
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HME providers encouraged to submit NPRM comments - 8/11/2006
Deadline remains June 30, 2006; sample issues, talking points offered.
VGM, AAHomecare, state and regional associations and other industry stakeholders encourage all HME providers to review key issues within the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding competitive bidding (more...)
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CMS on July 27, 2006 posted a proposed rule change for Home Health Services and Certain Medical Equipment. - 8/11/2006
In response to the Deficit Reduction Act CMS is proposing many changes to the Oxygen Therapy Benefit. In its attempt to answer many questions providers have had relating to the DRA. CMS in its propos (more...)
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FINAL RULE ON ACCREDITATION OF DME SUPPLIERS RELEASED - 8/11/2006
314 page document also includes PPS rule; VGM offers "DME only" condensed version
The final rule implements requirements for DME suppliers to be accredited by independent accrediting organizations and to meet new quality standards in order to bill the Medicare program for various e (more...)
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HME supporter Schwarz defeated in primary election - 8/11/2006
Comments from VGM`s John Gallagher
Congressman and physician Joe Schwarz, a Republican from Michigan, was defeated Tuesday in his party’s primary. (more...)
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Senate Companion Bill to H.R. 5513 Introduced - 8/7/2006
S. 3814 would repeal DRA oxygen provisions
Pat Roberts (R-KS), and four co-sponsors introduced legislation in the Senate last Thursday that would reverse the DRA provisions of capped Medicare oxygen rental at 36 months and transfer of equipmen (more...)
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Advance Determination of Medicare Coverage – Wheelchairs - 7/12/2006
Certificates of Medical Necessity for Manual and Power Wheelchair Bases were discontinued effective April 1, 2006
As a result, questions have arisen about what information ought to be submitted to support an ADMC request.
(more...)
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NSCAC develops format to facilitate site inspection concerns - 7/11/2006
"Tracking Form" to document events with Overland Solutions
The National Supplier Clearinghouse Advisory Committee (NSCAC) is an organization comprised of individuals that are representing their respective DMERC Advisory Committees/Councils (DAC) in all four r (more...)
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Study supports collection of patient race, ethnicity data - 7/5/2006
The government should encourage healthcare providers to collect information on patients’ race and ethnicity, according to a new study.
Collecting this kind of data, when used in a context to improve healthcare quality, “does not violate federal or state laws or increase the risk of race-based malpractice claims,” according to a polic (more...)
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Last Chance for Patient Choice sends message to Congress - 6/20/2006
Kick-off for July 28-Aug. 7 Congressional HME Marathon Event
Eighty percent of Congress reads Roll Call magazine, so that is where Last Chance for Patient Choice ran an ad June 19 explaining what the oxygen cap and competitive bidding will do to peo (more...)
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Last Chance for Patient Choice plans Congressional HME Marathon Event - 6/5/2006
Please contact John Gallagher for more information!
Last Chance for Patient Choice, a non-for-profit organization to support the fight against so-called “competitive” bidding and other onerous health-care legislation, will sponsor a series of Congressi (more...)
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HIPAA: Changing your notice of privacy practices? - 6/1/2006
These tips will help ensure compliance!
Since the privacy rule’s compliance date, organizations have had a chance to see their programs in action. Today’s better understanding of the rule and its requirements—as well as changes in state law (more...)
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VGM members seek Hatch`s aid to prevent competitive bidding implementation - 6/1/2006
Alpine Home Medical Equipment, Peterson Medical receive "promise to study the issue" from Utah Senator
Local providers of home medical equipment set aside their competitive interests Tuesday and joined forces to lobby for help in stopping legislation deemed detrimental to the industry from taking effec (more...)
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Rep. Joe Schwarz (R-MI), a physician, introduces bill to reverse oxygen provisions of DRA - 5/26/2006
"Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act" (H.R. 5513)
As virtually all HME providers are aware, language was inserted into the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) calling for Medicare beneficiaries to assume ownership of their oxygen equipment after 36 m (more...)
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We’re fighting for a principle - 5/16/2006
and for those who can’t fight for themselves
Editor’s note: The following commentary by the president of Last Chance for Patient Choice appeared in the May issue of HME News (page 19). The points raised by Mike Mallaro are ones that need to be m (more...)
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Hobson-Tanner Bill Tops 100 Co-Sponsors - 5/1/2006
Next Priority: Getting a companion bill in the Senate
The Hobson-Tanner Bill is now up to 101 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives, enough to introduce a Senate companion bill, observers say.
The bill, officially known as H.R. 3559, was introd (more...)
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Medicare Competitive Bidding Information - 5/1/2006
Update! VGM Offers Legislative & Regulatory PowerPoint Presentation
As virtually all HM providers are now aware, CMS has published its proposed rule to phase in the competitive acquisition program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DM (more...)
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COMPETITIVE BIDDING NPRM RELEASED BY CMS - 4/24/2006
60-day comment period -- Proposed MSA Selection Methodology Included -- "Small Business", "Opportunity To Bid Via Network" Defined & Discussed
The long awaited NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rule Making for the national competitive bidding for DMEPOS has been released. (more...)
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Portland Hospital Gives Acutely Ill A Homecare Option - 4/20/2006
To Free Up Valuable Beds Care Is Brought to Patient; An Alternative for Elderly
PORTLAND, Ore. - Paul Willer, who recently suffered his second heart attack, looked away as a nurse gingerly stepped over a mound of unwashed clothes on the floor to administer an intravenous drug. If (more...)
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Feeling Lost? Let our Member Orientation Program Point you in the Right Direction! - 4/14/2006
FREE to VGM Members
VGM is now offering a Member Orientation Program via teleconference. This program was developed by VGM Education with the primary purpose of educating all of VGM`s members about the products and servi (more...)
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Sales Training Headed to Houston - 4/4/2006
Still time to register!
Sales Training University focused on training home medical equipment sales professionals is being presented by nationally known speaker, Louis C. Feuer, MA, MSW, in Houston, April 17-18, 2006. Louis i (more...)
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VGM produces new catalog for patients, referral sources - 4/3/2006
Options, a new catalog for patients, caregivers and referral sources, is hot off the press, just in time for Mother’s and Father’s days.
It can be mailed, left behind at setups, dropped in phys (more...)
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VGM HEARTLAND CONFERENCE 2006 - 3/31/2006
The Countdown has begun!
The Heartland Conference, produced by The VGM Group, is a three-day educational conference that offers VGM members the opportunity to further your knowledge, learn what’s new in the industry, earn CEU (more...)
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Billing & Reimbursement Road Show enroute to the Music City! - 3/30/2006
Sponsored by MedForce Technologies
Does Medicare billing have you singing the blues? The VGM Group Billing and Reimbursement Road Show is traveling to Nashville on April 11, 2006. Presented by, Peggy Walker, RN, Billing and Reimburseme (more...)
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Information and FAQs Regarding Changes in HME Ownership - 3/15/2006
Tips from VGM and the National Supplier Clearinghouse
While there may be a variety of legal definitions and purchase options, most of the changes of ownership received by the NSC are completed using one of the following methods, which are defined as foll (more...)
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California VGM Members Featured in PMD Article - 3/13/2006
"...some dealers took advantage of loopholes...to put patients into more powerful chairs than they needed..."
Longtime VGM Members Ehlers Health Supply (1990) and Lodi Sick Room (1998) were interviewed by the Stockton (CA) Record whose feature story reviewed government scrutinizing distribution of powe (more...)
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The Jersey Association of Medical Equipment Services says YES to VGM`s plan! - 3/6/2006
"We stand with VGM and urge every other state association to do the same"
The Jersey Association of Medical Equipment Services (JAMES) would like to express its enthusiastic support for VGM`s Last Chance for Patient Choice initiative. It has become clear that the HME indust (more...)
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NEWS FLASH – THOMAS TO RETIRE - 3/6/2006
“Today, I am announcing that I will not seek reelection to the United States Congress”
Rep. Bill Thomas (R-CA), the fiery chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced his retirement today, ending the Congressional tenure of one of Capitol Hill’s most polarizing yet effectiv (more...)
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Wall St. Journal Article Focuses On Capped Rental Issue - 3/1/2006
"`Ownership` for Elderly`s Oxygen Equipment"
By DAVID ROGERS February 28, 2006; Page A6 WSJ:
WASHINGTON -- President Bush`s "ownership society" is coming to one corner of Medicare: Live long enough, and a patient could have his (more...)
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U.S. Health Spending Will Continue To Rise, Reaching 20% Of GDP By 2015 - 2/27/2006
Home health spending growth "expected to remain strong"
U.S. health care spending will increase by an average of 7.2% annually until 2015, when spending will reach $4 trillion and account for 20% of the gross domestic product, according to a report release (more...)
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VGM Member Freeport Medical Equipment Featured In Medicaid Series - 2/21/2006
Carolyn Sluiter: "Illinois Medicaid system in disarray"
That`s what Carolyn Sluiter told sympathizers at a recent gathering where vendors, patients and care providers brainstormed how to get the government`s attention about how slow the Medicaid reimbursem (more...)
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House Democratic Leader Wants Budget Probe - 2/17/2006
One lawsuit has been filed challenging the bill`s constitutionality.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi demanded an ethics investigation Thursday into the passage of deficit-reduction legislation that President Bush recently signed, a new twist in an episode of Capit (more...)
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DEFICIT REDUCTION ACT FACES “thorny constitutional issues” - 2/15/2006
Lawsuits requesting declaratory judgment filed in Alabama
A federal judge in Mobile, Alabama was asked Monday to rule that the Deficit Reduction Act is unconstitutional. A request for declaratory judgment was filed Monday by Jim Zeigler a Mobile, Alabama att (more...)
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Clerical Error Jeopardizes Deficit-Reduction Law - 2/14/2006
Morning Edition, February 13, 2006 · The $39 billion deficit-reduction bill signed by President Bush last week was nearly a year in the making. It passed in the House by a mere two votes, and it passe (more...)
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VGM`s Gallagher on Hobson-Tanner bill: `Everything else doesn`t matter` - 2/14/2006
Lobbying efforts focused on competitive bidding
The HME industry has pulled in another nine co-sponsors for H.R. 3559, a bill it believes will lessen the blow of national competitive bidding.
(more...)
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Small Typo, Big Headache For Republicans - 2/9/2006
Oxygen, DME capped rental provision errors in DRA ... Another vote or technical correction??
According to the Senate aide, a "poor woman in the basement" clerk`s office typed in "36 months," instead of "13 months" related to Medicare payments for oxygen within th (more...)
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Sales Training University Coming to Atlanta - 2/8/2006
Still time to register!
Sales Training University is focused on training home medical equipment sales professionals and is being presented by nationally known speaker, Louis C. Feuer, MA, MSW. Louis is a former referral sour (more...)
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House vote 216-214 - DRA now to President´s desk for signature. - 2/2/2006
Vote generally along party lines; attention shifts to HR 3559
The House on Wednesday voted 216-214 to approve the fiscal year 2006 budget reconciliation bill (S 1932), which contains
more than $39 billion in cuts, including $6.4 billion from Medicare and $4.8 (more...)
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Bakersfield rally just the beginning of Last Chance for Patient Choice efforts - 1/31/2006
National momentum building
Last Chance for Patient Choice`s rally outside U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas`s (R-Calif.) Bakersfield office was just the beginning of Last Chance for Patient Choice`s multi-media campaign against congression (more...)
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LCPC rally sheds light on Medicare cuts - 1/30/2006
Last Chance For Patient`s Choice Garners National Media Attention
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Under sunny skies, Last Chance for Patient Choice’s rally at U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas’s office helped shed light on hidden provisions in the Budget Reconciliation Act that will dras (more...)
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Oxygen Cap Issue Continues To Generate Media Interest - 1/30/2006
Top-rated NBC affiliate airs "Cuts To Oxygen Tanks"
Springfield, Missouri KY3 TV aired last week a compelling segment on its evening news that featured provider Ed Getty (Physicians Medical Home Care) and one of his patients, Mary Proffitt, who has bee (more...)
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VGM Commentary: What we think about anti-Thomas rally - 1/25/2006
LCPC running TV commercial in Bakersfield this week
WATERLOO, Iowa – Nobody should be surprised by Last Chance for Patient Choice’s rally at the Bakersfield, Calif., office of U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas, the powerful chairman of the House Ways and Means Com (more...)
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Special Limited Time DVD/VHS Offer - 1/23/2006
VGM, the new exclusive distributor of Belson/Hanwright HME DVDs and videos, is announcing this exciting, new interactive DVD at a special sale price to VGM members. Hurry to get your own copy – offer (more...)
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Sunny Daytona Beach Welcomes Road Show and Tech Training - 1/16/2006
Still time to register!
VGM`s Billing and Reimbursement Road Show will kick off 2006 in sunny Daytona Beach, Florida on February 6. The Road Show is presented by Peggy Walker, RN, Billing and Reimbursement Advisor for VGM`s (more...)
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Hastert Sets Final Budget Reconciliation Vote - Feb. 1 - 1/12/2006
AARP, with 36 million members, "not conceding defeat"
House Speaker Hastert has tentatively set a vote Feb. 1 on a $39.7 billion five-year deficit reduction package to finish action on the bill after a procedural maneuver by Senate Democrats late last mo (more...)
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Another VGM Member Gets Involved! - 1/11/2006
Sunbelt Medical Supply & Oxygen finds Congressional aides "surprised" with oxygen provision
The following is a reprint of a message received by John Gallagher, VGM`s Government Relations VP.
Dear John,
finally picked up the phone yesterday and called my local Congressm (more...)
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MedForce Technologies to sponsor 2006 Road Shows - 1/5/2006
Next Road Show Coming to Daytona Beach!
Esther Apter, CEO of MedForce Technologies, Inc., has announced they will be sponsoring VGM’s 2006 Billing and Reimbursement Road Shows, presented by Peggy Walker, RN, Billing and Reimbursement Adviso (more...)
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Budget Bill S. 1932: Respiratory Care Associates Takes Action - 1/5/2006
VGM Member, Home Care Alliance of Virginia associate provides good example
"I just wanted to let you know that my company sent out over 400 letters to Medicare beneficiaries we are currently serving or had recently served to inform them of the pending cap on oxygen in t (more...)
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Owner`s Strategic Forum Will Launch in January - 12/29/2005
Owners and General Managers Won`t Want to Miss This One!
The VGM Group and REACH Development Services announce the first “Owner’s Strategic Growth Forum,” a half-day workshop designed for HME business owners and general managers who are serious about growin (more...)
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Budget Bill S. 1932: Many COPD Caucus Members Voted "Yea" - 12/29/2005
VGM urges letter writing campaign to these members of Congress
Within this article you will find the list of Senators and Representatives who voted for the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, (S. 1932) and who serve on the COPD Caucus. Because they serve on this caucu (more...)
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Proposed Decision Memo For Home Oxygen Below Current Requirements - 12/27/2005
Beneficiaries must be enrolled in approved clinical trial.
CMS is seeking public comment on the agency`s proposed determination that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that the home use of oxygen is reasonable and necessary for Medicare beneficiaries wi (more...)
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Points Of Order Return Budget-Cutting Package To House - 12/22/2005
But most likely under procedures that will prevent revisiting the homecare provisions
The Senate approved a $39.7 billion deficit reduction package Wednesday. The legislation represents the first attempt at restraining the growth of entitlement spending since 1997, but Republicans w (more...)
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"IT’S NOT OVER TILL IT’S OVER" - 12/21/2005
Reconciliation bill passes Senate narrowly
The Senate voted 51-50 on Wednesday, December 21, to approve the fiscal year 2006 spending cut package (S 1932), with Vice President Dick Cheney returning from a trip in the Middle East to cast a tie- (more...)
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Budget recon conference report passes House: $2.9 billion cut from DME - 12/19/2005
Capped Rental Provision Now Includes Oxygen Equipment
Early Monday morning the House of Representatives passed the budget reconciliation bill, (aka the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, S. 1932). Provisions in the final version approved by House-Senate conf (more...)
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NUSSLE COMES TO AID OF DME INDUSTRY - 12/19/2005
Extends O2 capped rental, removes tank repair provisions
In November, VGM met with Chairman Jim Nussle (R-IA) and his chief of staff to emphasize that DME should "not be hammered" within the upcoming budget reconciliation bill. (more...)
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Owner`s Strategic Forum Will Launch in January - 12/15/2005
Owners and General Managers Won`t Want to Miss This One!
REACH Development Services and The VGM Group announce the first “Owner’s Strategic Growth Forum,” a half-day workshop designed for HME business owners and general managers who are serious about growin (more...)
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TIME TO SCHEDULE A “MEET & GREET” WITH YOUR CONGRESSPERSON - 12/12/2005
Winter break continues into later January
Currently both the House of Representatives and the Senate plan to meet for final votes this Friday (December the 16th) and then head home for the holiday break. Now is the time to contact your congre (more...)
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Aging baby boomers face "drastically increased" out-of-pocket health care bills - 12/9/2005
Insurers likely to reap billions in new profits
Now that the Medicare Modernization and Improvement Act of 2003 is in force, large US health insurers are eagerly competing to sign up current retirees for new Medicare products, including the Part D (more...)
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Holidays a “challenging time” for diabetics - 12/9/2005
However, people with diabetes can enjoy family feasts with little harm
Holidays are a time when it seems every gathering includes a favorite family dish to savor or a new, rich dessert to taste. The only calculation most people have to make is to guess how long they`ll (more...)
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Hurricanes Katrina and Rita – Transportation of Evacuees with Medical Needs - 11/29/2005
HHS develops "Fact Sheet" & FAQs for providers
As you receive inquiries from other providers or beneficiaries seeking to discharge a patient (or to help those patients return home), you should provide them with the information contained in this sp (more...)
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Sales Training University Coming To St. Louis - 11/29/2005
Sponsored by Kendall, Access Point Medical and VGM Forbin
The final stop in 2005 for VGM`s Sales Training University will be in St. Louis, December 6-7, 2005. Louis Feuer, MS, MSW, will present a day and a half conference dedicated to meeting the training ne (more...)
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OIG Review of Home Oxygen Services Survey Due November 28 - 11/22/2005
Providers Should Consider Filing 30-Day Extension
Many HME providers have contacted VGM recently with questions and concerns regarding their receipt of the "OIG Review of Services for Home Oxygen Equipment" Survey, which requests supplier i (more...)
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OIG Unveils 2006 Work Plan - 11/21/2005
Excerpts from DME, Part B Drugs- "Medical necessity", pricing, to be scrutinized
The OlG Work Plan sets forth various projects to be addressed during the fiscal year by the Office of Audit Services, Office of Evaluation and Inspections, Office of Investigations, and Office of Coun (more...)
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VGM To Offer Policies & Procedures/QI Electronic Manual - 11/21/2005
Developed for compliance with MMA quality standards
VGM has announced the development of comprehensive, electronic (editable/CD ROM) Policies & Procedures and Quality Management/Performance Improvement manuals. These products were specifically designe (more...)
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House Passes Budget Bill With Two-Vote Margin - 11/18/2005
HME effect: capped rental provision in Senate reconciliation bill now back in play
After an unusually long buildup and a heated floor debate, House Republicans passed a $50 billion spending reconciliation bill with relative ease Friday morning following a final round of legislative (more...)
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Medicare drug plan worries families - 11/16/2005
Sign-ups began Tuesday; many confused
Enrollment in Medicare`s new prescription drug benefit began Tuesday, but the nuts and bolts of the program remain a mystery to many senior citizens and their families despite months of promotion and (more...)
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Congress stalls on spending, tax cuts - 11/11/2005
Grassley ( R-IA), citing no progress in getting moderate Republicans on board, tables vote on $68.8 billion tax-cut package
Efforts to cut spending for social programs and extend tax cuts that benefit wealthier Americans hit roadblocks in Congress on Thursday. (more...)
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VGM Meets With Rep. Jim Nussle, Chairman - House Budget Committee - 11/11/2005
Requests "fair treatment for the many small businesses involved in this service-based business"
On Friday afternoon a contingent of VGM executives, Iowa healthcare providers and guests hosted Congressman Nussle and his staff at the home of Van Miller, CEO and founder of the VGM Group.
(more...)
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Power Mobility Devices – Grace Period for Implementation of the IFR - 11/9/2005
And...VGM offers template physician letter and "education tool"
On August 26, 2005, CMS published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) in the Federal Register that established documentation requirements for the coverage of power wheelchairs and power operated vehicles. (more...)
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Senate Approves $36B in Spending Cuts - 11/7/2005
Senate Approves Amendment to Discontinue Capped Rental Option; Power Wheelchairs Exempt
The Senate on Thursday voted 52-47 to approve the fiscal year 2006 Senate budget reconciliation bill (S 1932). The legislation, approved on Oct. 26 by the Senate Budget Committee, includes about $10 (more...)
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CMS: 2006 Dispensing Fees for Inhalation Therapy Drugs Drastically Reduced - 11/3/2005
"...care management activities...do not fall within the scope of a dispensing fee"
On November 2 the final rule was released that updates the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The final rule modified Medicare payment for dispensing fees for inhalation therapy drugs provided using ne (more...)
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WHITE HOUSE THREATENS VETO OF SENATE RECONCILIATION BILL - 11/2/2005
Rx drug coverage is concern, but veto would affect DME capped rental provision
The White House has threatened to veto the Senate budget reconciliation bill (S 1932) if lawmakers do not remove a provision that would phase out a fund created two years ago to encourage insurers to (more...)
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GRASSROOTS ACTION NEEDED! - 11/2/2005
Urge Congress to strike the capped rental provision from budget reconciliation
The Senate version of the budget reconciliation package includes a section that would discontinue the capped rental option for home medical equipment, eliminating the Medicare beneficiary’s choice of (more...)
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GRASSROOTS ACTION NEEDED! - 11/2/2005
Urge Congress to strike the capped rental provision from budget reconciliation
The Senate version of the budget reconciliation package includes a section that would discontinue the capped rental option for home medical equipment, eliminating the Medicare beneficiary’s choice of (more...)
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Finance Committee Passes $10 Billion in Cuts for Medicare, Medicaid - 10/27/2005
And...House Energy and Commerce Committee To Vote Thursday on Budget Package With Medicaid Cuts
The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday voted 11-9 along party lines to approve a fiscal year 2006 budget reconciliation package that would reduce Medicaid and Medicare spending by $10 billion over fi (more...)
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Jim Smith of Texas DME Wins Big at Medtrade - 10/27/2005
New VGM Vendor Access Point Medical "Draws" Attention
“What’s new, fun to buy and low-cost?” was the riddle on the entry blank, and the right answer soon became clear: Access Point Medical products and the hip new Scion from Toyota. (more...)
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SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO VOTE ON BUDGET RECONCILIATION - 10/25/2005
Homecare Community Responds to Capped Rental, Service Issues; VGM Personally Delivers Letter to Grassley
The Finance Committee acts Tuesday on its $10 billion Medicare and Medicaid savings plan, although early indications are that Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, might not have the vo (more...)
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Medtrade Update - 10/19/2005
VGM takes off gloves in NCB fight...and more
BOOTH 1941 - The VGM Group announced an aggressive campaign yesterday to stop competitive bidding by contributing $50,000 to a non-profit group it created to lobby against the Medicare reimbursement c (more...)
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I have decided to fight . . . Have you? - 10/19/2005
Comments from Van Miller at Medtrade
We appear to be at a "tipping point" in the world of HME. We can go one way from here or we can go the other. I won`t try to be overly dramatic. No matter what happens in the delivery or pay (more...)
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Johns Hopkins: Longer hospital stays doesn`t mean better care - 10/6/2005
..."Most patients would rather not be in a hospital, preferring to return home as quickly as possible...to finish recuperating in the comfort of their own surroundings...."
According to Hopkins` chief of surgery, Julie Freischlag, M.D., "Heading home from the hospital after a traumatic illness is a very emotional time for patients and their families. It is a major s (more...)
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Senators want delay of power wheelchair rules enactment - 10/4/2005
Grassley: "It seems as if CMS is trying to finish a puzzle with some essential pieces missing"
Three Republican senators have asked Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mark B. McClellan to delay implementation of new Medicare rules for power wheelchairs. Finance Committee Cha (more...)
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VGM becomes the exclusive distributor of Belson/Hanwright HME training videos - 9/23/2005
Special Limited Time DVD/VHS Offer - Accreditation of HME Services: 2006
VGM, the new exclusive distributor of Belson/Hanwright HME DVD`s and Videos, is announcing this exciting, new interactive DVD at a special sale price (40% off) to VGM members. Order your copy today - (more...)
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Hurricane Katrina: Respironics Responds - 9/8/2005
Hurricane Katrina is one of the biggest and most devastating natural disasters to hit the United States in recent history. The impact of the storm has left a path of destruction that is difficult to c (more...)
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Homecare Providers and Patients Alike Hit Hard by Katrina - 9/6/2005
"...homecare providers often join the ranks of emergency first responders along with police and firefighters"
Mike Hamilton, executive director of the Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association, said, “The biggest problem we have right now is the lack of communication. Even cell phones aren`t working in ma (more...)
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VGM Announces "Hurricane Katrina Program" - 9/1/2005
VGM offers array of support services including "HME Hotline", www.HMEhurricane.com & Member dues waiver option
VGM wishes to express its concern and support to all homecare providers affected by Hurricane Katrina. We recognize the severe challenges and difficulties you are experiencing in the storm`s aftermath (more...)
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CMS considering expanding coverage criteria for home oxygen - 8/29/2005
VGM members urged to comment on reconsideration of 12-year-old policy
The reconsideration will determine whether there is enough evidence to include beneficiaries with arterial oxygen partial pressure measurements in the range of 56 to 65 mm Hg. The present policy, whi (more...)
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Medtrade is coming! - 8/29/2005
Reserve your hotel room now!
VGM has a limited number of rooms available under the VGM block until Sept. 28th. You must hurry to get these rooms and rates!!
These rooms are at The Hyatt for (more...)
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Owner`s Strategic Growth Forum - 8/22/2005
September 12 - Atlanta, GA
This forum is designed for OWNERS and GENERAL MANAGERS who are serious about growing their health care business. Presented by Mike Mallaro, CFO, The VGM Group and Vince Crew, Founder, REACH Developme (more...)
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VGM Member has Congressman Visit his Business During August Recess - 8/15/2005
Samuel Clay of Clay Medical, Inc (Petersburg, VA) reports that he was able to schedule a meeting with his congressman (Rep. Randy Forbes, R-VA) during this last week. VGM asked Sam to put in his own w (more...)
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Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle Meets With VGM to Discuss H.R. 3559 - 8/9/2005
"We`ve met with our Congressman...have you??"
As most are now aware, on July 28 Congressmen David Hobson (R-OH) and John Tanner (D-TN) introduced The Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2005. The bill would remedy many of the “compet (more...)
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Grassley Bill Addresses Accessibility, Cost - 8/4/2005
S.1602: "promotes keeping beneficiaries in their homes and not in `the home`"
Senate Finance Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has introduced a bill (S 1602) that is intended to help reduce the cost and increase the accessibility of long-term care for elderly U.S. residen (more...)
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Reps. Hobson & Tanner Introduce HME Bill - 7/29/2005
"Urge Congressional Support"
On July 28, 2005, Congressmen David Hobson (R-OH) and John Tanner (D-TN) introduced The Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2005. This bill would remedy many of the “competitive acquisiti (more...)
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Billing and Reimbursement Road Show Travels to Denver, Colorado! - 7/29/2005
There is still time to register.
Confused By Medicare Billing? Get the answers to your questions at the Billing and Reimbursement Road Show Coming to Denver, Colorado, August 9, 2005.
Presented by Peggy Walker, RN, Billing Advise (more...)
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Senate HELP Committee Approves Joint Measure To Expand Use of Health IT - 7/26/2005
Establishes a "quality measurement system"
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Wednesday approved by voice vote a measure (S 1418) intended to expand the use of information technology among health care providers (more...)
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Portable oxygen OK for airline passengers-FAA - 7/18/2005
New rule permits, but does not require, airlines to allow O2.
The rule is an especially significant victory for more than one million Americans who have medical conditions -- such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ), which includes emphysema and ch (more...)
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VGM’s EZ Design is Back Online! - 7/11/2005
Announcing Version 2
The VGM Group is excited to rollout the updated and improved EZ Design! EZ Design, a member exclusive online brochure generator, empowers you to better market your business. Now, with the choice of (more...)
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Sales Training University Visits New York - 7/7/2005
There`s Still Time to Register!
For the first time a Sales Training University focused on training home medical equipment sales professionals is being presented by nationally known industry consultant and speaker, Louis C. Feuer, MA (more...)
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CALL TO ACTION! - 7/7/2005
Visit With Your Members of Congress This Summer
Members of both the House and Senate are now home for the July Fourth Recess. Many members of Congress will be spending time in their home districts until the 11th, and then again the entire month of (more...)
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ASCA Enforcement of Mandatory Electronic Medicare Claims Effective July 1, 2005 - 6/29/2005
"Unless you meet specific exception criteria"
CMS is reminding all providers to make sure their billing staff submits all Medicare claims electronically. However, if you believe that your facility meets one of the exception criteria, you may ne (more...)
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Region B & D FAQs: Mobility Assistive Equipment (MAE) - 6/29/2005
New national coverage determination covers medical necessity of all MAE
Q1: I heard that CMS has just released a new power wheelchair policy. Is this true?
(more...)
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Patient Entrapments Prompt Recall of Enclosed Beds - 6/28/2005
Vail Products` "canopy-like" padded beds
The FDA is notifying consumers that Vail Products, Inc., Toledo, Ohio, is initiating a nationwide recall of approximately 5,000 "enclosed" bed systems. The Vail Products enclosed bed systems (more...)
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Congress Clears Bill to Modify Ban on Junk Faxes - 6/28/2005
Senate had passed "Junk Fax Prevention Act" ( S. 714) on 6/24
On Tuesday the House cleared legislation that would ensure businesses can continue to send unsolicited faxes to customers with whom they have an established relationship. The measure now heads to the (more...)
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Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) "Strongly Opposes" NCB - 6/24/2005
Responds to VGM Member Allcare Medical
Excerpts from the June 9, 2005 letter included:
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about competitive bidding for durable medical equipment (DME)...I am strongly opposed this mis (more...)
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U.S. Home Healthcare Products Market to Surpass $7.5 Billion by 2009 - 6/22/2005
However, some dispute researcher`s findings
According to a new study released last week from Kalorama Information, the U.S. market for home healthcare products will show steady growth through the end of the decade to pass the $7.5 billion mark (more...)
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Putting the boom in spending - 6/22/2005
Baby boomers power pegged at $2 trillion, research says
The annual spending power of baby boomers is estimated at more than $2 trillion, according to new research by the MetLife Mature Market Institute, a unit of MetLife Inc, an insurance provider. It foun (more...)
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As HIPAA Securty Rule Deadline Passes, Many HME Providers Not Yet Compliant - 6/17/2005
VGM offers help: complete Security Rule "Toolkit"
Is your HME or Re-hab facility ready for the HIPAA Security Rule? If not, you should consider ordering VGM`s HIPAA Security Toolkit. This complete policy and procedure manual (CD) will guide all VGM G (more...)
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Governors` Group Proposes Medicaid Curbs - 6/16/2005
"State officials should be able to establish different benefits packages for different Medicaid recipients"
The National Governors Association offered sweeping bipartisan proposals on Wednesday to rein in the growth of Medicaid, saying states should be allowed to charge higher co-payments to beneficiaries a (more...)
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Congressman Mike Ross Revs Up Providers on Advocacy, Competitive Bidding - 6/13/2005
"Most Members of Congress don`t understand what you do"
“It`s time to restore some common sense to CMS,” Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR) told the American Association for Homecare conference last week. “And a good place to start is getting rid of competitive bidding (more...)
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DMERCs Explain Transition for Coverage of Mobility Equipment - 6/13/2005
Applies on or after May 5, 2005
Last week the DMERCs released the anticipated transition article for the new National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Mobility Assistance Equipment (MAE). The article explains the new NCD and how it (more...)
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VGM commits $500,000 to new accreditation entity - 6/6/2005
Plus..VGM plans third building expansion
A new accreditation body, specifically created for the HME industry, debuted Wednesday evening at The VGM Group’s Heartland Conference.
(more...)
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"A Red Carpet Affair!" - 6/6/2005
Comments and thanks from Heartland Director Christa Miehe
The Industry’s Premier Educational Event, Heartland Conference 2005, was indeed a red carpet affair! Nearly 500 VGM Members attended the conference along with more than 200 VGM Vendors.
(more...)
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Heartland Festivities, Educational Seminars Begin - 6/1/2005
More than 750 attend Tuesday's golf tournament/hog roast & Wednesday exhibit hall grand opening
Billed as the HME industry’s “premier educational event,” 62 speakers from throughout the U.S. have begun presenting 90 sessions in five tracks: HME, respiratory, Rehab, Products/technology and Execut (more...)
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Heartland Is Here! - 5/31/2005
HME industry’s “premier educational event" begins today
The VGM Group is expecting more than 750 independent home medical equipment providers and HME vendors at its annual Heartland Conference May 31-June 3. (more...)
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Heartland Announcements: HOMELINK Signs New Contracts - 5/31/2005
And...New VGM Insurance Programs!
With the signing of several new contracts in the first quarter of 2005, HOMELINK, The VGM Group’s managed care division, has 125 contracts that cover more than 75 million lives with either group healt (more...)
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Ten Tips for NSC Compliance - 5/25/2005
Courtesy of the Health Law Center
The NSC tells us they are here to help. But it helps them help you if you know some of their secrets. The NSC is charged with issuing provider numbers, monitoring compliance with the Supplier Standard (more...)
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New AARP Study on Quality of Life - 5/23/2005
"The State of 50+ America 2005" examines well-being of older Americans
Against the backdrop of a shifting economy, a new study by AARP examining the health and welfare of America`s 50+ population shows an increased reliance on Social Security among other significant fact (more...)
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CMS Announces the National Provider Identifier (NPI) - 5/19/2005
VGM offers instruction about the NPI & how and when to apply for one
All providers (including HME/DME, Re-hab, O&P, etc.) conducting electronic transactions will be required to comply with the NPI standards within 24 months after the adoption of the Final NPI Rule. (more...)
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RESNA Grants CEU Approval for 2005 Heartland Conference! - 5/16/2005
16.5 hours approved
The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) and VGM & Associates have agreed that RESNA will provide IACET (International Association for Continuing Educat (more...)
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University of Pittsburgh grants CEU Approval for 2005 Heartland Conference! - 5/12/2005
16.5 hours approved
The Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology at the University of Pittsburgh granted a total of 1.65 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for attendance of 16.5 hours of instruction at the upc (more...)
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Act Now and SAVE! - 5/10/2005
For a limited time only, take advantage of incredible financing
12 month NO INTEREST
(30 day deferment followed by 12 equal payments). Pay no interest on all new orders $20,000 or more! All product qualifies.
(more...)
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AARC grants CEU approval for 2005 Heartland Conference! - 5/9/2005
Also - See Who's Speaking at Heartland
The Continuing Respiratory Education (CRCE) system of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) granted Category 1 approval for the 2005 Heartland Conference
(more...)
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Leavitt to appoint Medicaid commission members, dismaying some Democrats - 5/9/2005
Frist (R-TN) says commission would be "a fair and balanced" group
Some Democrats were irked last week following the disclosure that Michael Leavitt, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, would appoint members of a new Medicaid commission. (more...)
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HME Education at its Best - 4/25/2005
See Who's Speaking at Heartland
See the elite group of experts coming to the 2005 Heartland Conference! (more...)
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AARC grants CEU approval for 2005 Heartland Conference! - 4/21/2005
15 hours approved
The Continuing Respiratory Education (CRCE) system of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) granted Category 1 approval for the 2005 Heartland Conference (more...)
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As HIPAA Securty Rule Deadline Passes, Many HME Providers Not Yet Compliant - 4/21/2005
VGM offers help: complete Security Rule "Toolkit"
Is your HME or Re-hab facility ready for the HIPAA Security Rule? If not, you should consider ordering VGM`s HIPAA Security Toolkit. This complete policy and procedure manual (CD) will guide all VGM G (more...)
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HHS issues proposal on HIPAA penalties - 4/19/2005
Proposed rule has 60-day public comment period
HHS has issued for publication in the April 18 Federal Register proposed regulations establishing procedures for imposing civil monetary penalties on entities that violate the administrative simplific (more...)
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Accreditation Questions - 4/13/2005
MMA quality standards for HME providers are still up in the air, but there are some things we know for sure.
Most HME providers are aware that the Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is required by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 (more...)
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VGM Now Offers Complete HIPAA Security Rule Compliance "Toolkit" - 4/13/2005
Available now on CD; VGM Member price $100
Is your HME or Re-hab facility ready for the HIPAA Security Rule? If not, you should consider ordering VGM`s HIPAA Security Toolkit. This complete policy and procedure manual (CD) will guide all VGM G (more...)
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VGM Member Opinions Wanted: Supplier Standards - 4/11/2005
GAO requests input from industry representatives
The GAO would like your comments and opinions regarding the 21 Medicare supplier standards. (more...)
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Information for HME Providers & Their Staffs About Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage - 4/8/2005
"You and your staff are trusted sources of information for your patients"
On January 1, 2006, a new benefit will be available to the 41 million Americans who receive health insurance coverage through the Medicare program. Medicare Prescription Drug Plans will help reduce th (more...)
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Provider Reaction Mixed on 2005 Home Oxygen Fees - 4/8/2005
New fees implemented "as soon as possible and by no later than April 8"
Providers who had braced for big reimbursement cuts expressed quiet relief last week when Medicare announced it is reducing home oxygen fees by an average of less than 9 percent. (more...)
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Home Oxygen Fees Announced - 3/31/2005
Monthly payments range from $194.48 to $200.41 for stationary; $30.57 to $32.08 for portable equipment
On Wednesday the DHHS Office of Inspector General released its revised report on Medicare fee schedule amounts for home oxygen for 2005.
(more...)
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Small Supplier Medtrade Focus Group Spaces Now Filled - 3/30/2005
CMS: "...overwhelming interest and enthusiastic responses"
(Was your facility selected? If so, please review this article!)
VGM, who attempted to assist several VGM members who expressed interest in attending one of the four 90-minute focus groups (Ap (more...)
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Medicare's Financial Outlook Improves Slightly - 3/28/2005
Program Still Faces More Financial Problems Than Social Security, Trustees Say
Medicare`s financial outlook has "improved slightly," and its hospital trust fund will be insolvent by 2020, one year later than previously projected, according to the Medicare trustees` ann (more...)
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Mandatory Accreditation: CMS Affirms Requirement Of All HME Providers - 3/28/2005
CMS Small Supplier Medtrade Focus Groups Deadline Also Extended
All HME providers will be required to demonstrate that they meet quality standards by becoming accredited, affirmed CMS staff during the Home Health, DME, and Hospice Open Door forum on March 24. (more...)
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MMA: CMS "...considering alternatives for the protection of small DMEPOS suppliers" - 3/22/2005
Focus group sessions planned at spring Medtrade
Via its contracted research group RTI, CMS plans to conduct 4 focus groups at the
Spring Medtrade Conference to "facilitate CMS`s understanding of the impact of quality standards, financial st (more...)
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Report: Obesity cuts U.S. life expectancy - 3/21/2005
"...unless aggressive efforts are made to slow rising rates of obesity"
It`s been assumed that U.S. life expectancy would rise indefinitely, but a new data analysis, published as a special report in the March 17 New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that this trend is (more...)
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VGM Member Takes Issue With Barton's (R-TX) Support of NCB - 3/8/2005
"We are honest about how we deal with the Medicare System"
Brian E. Meloy, operations manager of the the Harrisburg, PA Central Medical Equipment Co. (V9003) "has stepped up to the plate" by taking action and responding to House Energy and C (more...)
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PAOC Panel, CMS, Focus On Quality Standards - 3/7/2005
Small provider participation also discussed
The 22 members of the Program Advisory Oversight Committee (including VGM HOMELINK president Dave Kazynski) met with CMS officials for the thrid time on Feb. 28 and March 1-2.
(more...)
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Do You Understand the Facts Regarding the Medicare Prescription Drug Plans That Will Become Available in 2006? - 2/25/2005
As a trusted source, your patients may turn to you for information about this new coverage
This special "primer" provides updated information regarding the Medicare Prescription Drug Plans that will be available to your Medicare beneficiaries in 2006. You and your staff may want t (more...)
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Simple, affordable efforts make small HME providers HIPAA Security-ready - 2/24/2005
VGM offers free and/or low cost tools for compliance
With the HIPAA security rule deadline only a few months away, you need to pick your compliance efforts up a notch. Regardless of your size, all covered entities (which includes almost all DMEPOS provi (more...)
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Improvements in Health Care Quality, although Disparities Remain - 2/23/2005
"Quality is improving in many areas, but change takes time"
HHS` Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released its second annual reports on the quality of and disparities in health care in America. The 2004 National Healthcare Quality Report finds (more...)
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STU travels to San Diego - 2/18/2005
Register Today - Time is Running Out!
Don`t miss this much demanded educational event, taking place in San Diego on March 1 and 2. Sponsored by VGM University, presented by Louis Feuer. (more...)
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Analysis: Medicare fix most difficult - 2/18/2005
In hearings this week on Capitol Hill, lawmakers debate programs
All three major U.S. entitlement programs -- Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid -- are in financial trouble as the baby boomer generation heads into retirement, but fixing Medicare might be the mo (more...)
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VGM Proudly Sponsors Billing & Sales Boot Camp - 2/15/2005
Medtrade Spring 2005
Presented by Jane Bunch and Louis Feuer on Monday, April 4, at the Las Vegas Convention Center (one day prior to the opening of Medtrade). (more...)
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HME Power Management Series - 2/11/2005
Getting ready to launch in April 2005
VGM and REACH Development Services have teamed up to deliver 12 strategic elements to help you and your business survive and thrive. Regardless of size, geography, or number of locations, we`ll tackle (more...)
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BUDGET: Bush Proposal Includes 1.2% Decrease for HHS for FY 2006 - 2/8/2005
Proposal provides $50B increase for Medicare in FY 2006
President Bush on Monday sent to Congress his fiscal year 2006 federal budget proposal, which includes a 1.2% decrease in discretionary funds for HHS -- with "big cuts" for CDC and other ag (more...)
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CMS PROPOSES NEW COVERAGE CRITERIA FOR PWCs, SCOOTERS - 2/4/2005
New set of codes effective 1/1/2006
"CMS has revised the power wheelchair codes to more accurately reflect the products that are on the market today to ensure that our beneficiaries receive the product most appropriate for their co (more...)
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The NSC TOP TEN - 2/1/2005
"Reoccuring issues" that delay HME provider enrollment
The NSC has compiled a list of the top ten reoccurring issues provider enrollment analysts face when processing documentation submitted by the HME community.
These issues are a cause for unnece (more...)
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VGM Now Offers HIPAA Security Rule Compliance Tools - 2/1/2005
Most homecare providers must comply by April 21, 2005
Currently, a "HIPAA Security Toolkit for HME & Re-hab Facilities", a "Security Handbook" , and other tips are available for VGM Group members. Additional documents will be ad (more...)
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ASCA Enforcement of Mandatory Electronic Submission of Medicare Claims for DMERC - 1/25/2005
CMS reminding HME suppliers that they must submit Medicare claims electronically unless they meet specific exception criteria
HIPAA`s Administrative Simplification Compliance Act now requires you, with limited exceptions, to submit all your initial claims for reimbursement under Medicare electronically. Further, ASCA amendm (more...)
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Support for Leavitt Nomination Comes from Both Sides of Aisle - 1/24/2005
HHS Secretary Nominee Says Medicaid Needs Reform
Max Baucus (D-Montana), ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, last week predicted that Michael Leavitt, President George Bush`s nominee to take the reins as secretary of the Department of (more...)
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STU Travels to Texas - 1/20/2005
Time is running out. Register today!
Sales Training University, which focuses on training home medical equipment sales professionals, is being presented by nationally known industry consultant and speaker, Louis C. Feuer, MA, MSW. Don`t (more...)
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VGM Execs Invited To Attend Inauguration - 1/19/2005
Iowa Lawmakers Sen. Charles Grassley and Rep. Jim Nussle offer VGM "priority" seats
"I welcome the opportunity to be that close to an event that could be history," said Jim Walsh, a self-described history buff, Republican, Waterloo`s city attorney, and president of VGM Mana (more...)
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VGM SENDS LEGAL LETTER TO CMS TO ADDRESS OXYGEN ISSUE - 1/16/2005
VGM demands “CMS act quickly and decisively in…its intention to pay for oxygen and oxygen supplies” or face potential injunction
Following lengthy discussions with CMS and the Senate Finance Committee, VGM felt it necessary to notify CMS of its intent to file an injunction seeking emergency relief in federal court, if it did no (more...)
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CMS TO BEGIN PAYING OXYGEN CLAIMS - 1/14/2005
To: DMEPOS-SUPPLIERS-L@LIST.NIH.GOV
Subject: CMS Update Regarding Oxygen Payments for 2005
You were previously notified that Medicare claims for oxygen and oxygen equipment and portable oxy (more...)
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Health care costs see slower growth - 1/11/2005
Disadvantaged lost benefits, report says
Policies that make it harder for the poor, the elderly and the disabled to get treatment have curbed the increase in the nation`s galloping health spending, a report by the Centers for Medicare & Medi (more...)
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CMS seeking public comment on home sleep testing device decision - 1/10/2005
Home devices, as an alternative to facility-based polysomnography, would remain uncovered
"The evidence is not adequate to conclude that the use of unattended portable multi-channel sleep testing with a minimum of 7 monitored channels including EEG, EOG, EMG, ECG or heart rate, airflo (more...)
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REP. MIKE ROSS (D-AR) APPOINTED TO HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE - 1/6/2005
Ross and spouse own and operate an independent pharmacy/HME business
HME`s own Representative Mike Ross has been appointed to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Contact Rep. Ross at mike.ross@mail.house.govor at his Was (more...)
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We Will Never Forget You Tom… - 1/3/2005
Former VGM president Tom Fitzgerald, “a true VGM original”, dies at 70
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired VGM president Tom Fitzgerald. “Tommy”, a 19-year veteran of Van Miller’s Miller Medical Service and VGM & Associates died 5 (more...)
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VGM University - 1/3/2005
Initial 2005 Schedule Announced
VGM University (VGMU) has scheduled a variety of sessions during 2005. For more information call VGMU at 1.866.227.8171, go to http://www.vgm.com/learn/, and cli (more...)
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! - 12/27/2004
Best wishes for a wonderful, happy, and safe holiday season
I would like to wish all of our valued VGM Group members, participating vendors, business consultants, the state, regional, and national industry associations and groups, and to all the other many fri
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Happy New Year! - 12/27/2004
Best wishes for a wonderful, happy, and safe holiday season
I would like to wish all of our valued VGM Group members, participating vendors, business consultants, the state, regional, and national industry associations and groups, and to all the other many fri
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Merry Christmas! It's that time of the year again! - 12/23/2004
Best wishes for a wonderful, happy, and safe holiday season
I would like to wish all of our valued VGM Group members, participating vendors, business consultants, the state, regional, and national industry associations and groups, and to all the other many fri
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Stationary and Portable Oxygen Claims to be Held in January - 12/17/2004
Pending Receipt of Additional Information from the Office of Inspector General
Section 302(c) of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 mandates reductions in Medicare`s monthly payment amounts for oxygen & oxygen equipment effective January 1, 2005. (more...)
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HR 4491 WAS A GREAT SUCCESS - 12/15/2004
Comments from John Gallagher, VP Government Relations
Despite what you are hearing from some in the trade press, HR 4491 was a tremendous success for the HME industry. For the first time in the history of this industry we were out developing relationship (more...)
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Bush names EPA's Leavitt for HHS - 12/13/2004
President picks ex-Utah governor to replace Thompson
President Bush has chosen Environmental Protection Agency administrator Mike Leavitt to head the behemoth Health and Human Services Department.
(more...)
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HME NewsWire: "FEHBP cuts...Here they come" - 12/13/2004
Industry leaders resigned that legislation will not pass
A full court press by the HME industry to repeal Medicare reimbursement cuts based on Federal Employees Health Benefit Plans (FEHBP) appears headed for certain failure.
(more...)
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Woes persist for Medicare reform - 12/9/2004
Iowa Senator Grassley: “…problems must be fixed immediately, before the drug benefit goes into effect”
The Bush administration celebrated the one-year anniversary of its $534 billion Medicare prescription-drug law December 8, although the heaviest lifting in implementing the new drug benefit lies ahead (more...)
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VGM Members: Did You Receive & Complete Your Survey? - 12/9/2004
CEO Van Miller requests members to assist in negotiating efforts for better vendor pricing
VGM`S "WE`RE NEGOTIATING BETTER PRICING FOR YOU!" member survey was distributed this week via fax and email to all VGM, U.S. Rehab and HPC members. (more...)
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CMS releases first of seven security white papers - 12/6/2004
Papers are meant to assist providers in understanding the HIPAA security rule—not provide sure-fire compliance methods
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released last week one of seven guidance papers on the HIPAA security rule. This paper, "Security 101 for Covered Entities," offers a basic (more...)
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GAO: Medicare payments for cancer drugs to exceed costs - 12/2/2004
Reimbursements for other services will be more than double
Medicare payments for cancer drugs will decline next year but will still exceed what doctors pay for them, congressional investigators said Wednesday.
(more...)
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VGM Hosts Road Show Presented in Spanish - 12/1/2004
Reimbursement Rules
VGM University hosted the first Spanish Reimbursement Rules road show on November 9 in Fort Lauderdale. The event, Reimbursement Rules, or Las Reglas de Reembolso, is the first traveling educational (more...)
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CMS releases 2005 fee schedule for DMEPOS - 11/23/2004
MMA requires cuts for several popular items; oxygen rates to be posted in December
Effective January 1, 2005 CMS will reduce reimbursement by basing payment on the percentage difference between median 2002 Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) amounts and Medicare amoun (more...)
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Sales Training University for the Homecare Industry - 11/19/2004
Time is Running Out! Register Today!
Sponsored by VGM & Associates - Presented by Louis Feuer.
For the first time a Sales Training University focused on training home medical equipment sales professionals is being prese (more...)
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Researchers: Long-term nurse shortage ahead, despite growth in workforce - 11/18/2004
Workforce will peak at about 2.3 million in 2012
Nurses re-entering the workforce between the ages of 50 and 65, and younger nurses gaining employment for the first time drove a sharp rise in the number of registered nurses in the healthcare for the (more...)
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VGM Announces Heartland Conference Dates - 11/17/2004
May 31 - June 3, 2005
VGM will host the industry`s premier educational event, the fourth annual Heartland Conference, in Waterloo, Iowa, May 31-June 3, 2005.
(more...)
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Congress in February To Consider Medicare Payment Reduction - 11/16/2004
Federal budget deficit could exceed $450 billion by next year
Congress in February might begin to discuss proposals to decrease Medicare reimbursements to hospitals and other health care providers as part of an effort to reduce the federal budget deficit, Congre (more...)
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Puritan Bennett's New GoodKnight 425 Bi-Level(R) Sleep Therapy Device Delivers Power, Saves Space - 11/16/2004
Latest Technology Development Joins PB's Line Of Innovative Homecare Solutions
Puritan Bennett is unveiling the GoodKnight® 425 Bi-Level® Device, the smallest, lightest bi- level device on the market. The GoodKnight 425 device gives clinicians a new choice in treating obstructiv (more...)
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What are the implications or repercussions of a provider giving discounts on their employees' co-pays and deductibles? - 11/12/2004
Question of the week
Many healthcare facilities offer discounts to employees. Offering a discount to employees is not encouraged, but is possible. The waving or discounting of co-payments and deductibles as an employee be (more...)
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OPGA, POINT Health Centers of America To Merge - 11/12/2004
POINT stockholders voted Nov. 9 to become part of The VGM Group
The provider-owned network, POINT Health Centers of America, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, and The VGM Group, parent company of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) have merged.
(more...)
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URGENT - Request For Information - 11/11/2004
Meeting with Grassley, staff re: "In the home" rule
In keeping with our commitment to provide government relations services for our members, an opportunity that has risen for us to meet with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R- IA, Chairman of the Committee (more...)
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EDI Update: Maintain your ability to submit timely claims to Medicare! - 11/11/2004
New instruction issued to clarify and remind providers of existing CMS requirements and prohibitions concerning access to and use of EDI numbers and passwords
Failure to abide by Medicare security requirements for EDI access could lead to suspension of EDI capabilities. The following article clarifies and reminds providers and suppliers of existing Medicare (more...)
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Average Weight for Americans Growing Heavier - 11/8/2004
Adults Are Almost 25 Pounds Heavier than 40 Years Ago, says CDC
If you could go back in time to 1960, you might notice that men, women, and children were a bit shorter then and had a lower average weight than today.
Americans of all ages are "dramatica (more...)
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Industry moves on HIPAA standards, but transition will be slow - 11/8/2004
Numerous interpretations of the guidelines make uniformity in electronic transmissions elusive, but work is under way to meet that goal -- likely still a decade away.
Healthcare providers may view the federal electronic data interchange standards as a broken promise. But private groups are working together to put the simplification back in this part of the HIPAA ad (more...)
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SADMERC Requests Timely Physician Completion of CMNs - 11/5/2004
"A message for Physicians from the (DMERC) Medical Director regarding Certificates of Medical Necessity"Stacey V. Brennan, MD, Region C medical director, released an information dispatch this week directed to all physicians to assist DMEPOS suppliers with cash flow concerns and to remind them that timel (more...)
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VGM Group Forms Nationwide Respiratory Division - 11/2/2004
New company, set up similarly to U.S. Rehab, officially unveiled at Medtrade
"Providing members the marketing tools necessary to thrive in today`s Home Respiratory Care Environment."There are many issues facing the provider today. After performing a careful (more...)
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VGM Top 10 Medtrade Exhibitor - 11/1/2004
Ties for 6th with 4000 sq. ft. booth; 50 VGM staffers greet attendees
(Note: Reprinted from the October 28, 2004 edition of the Medtrade Show Daily, published by HME News).
BOOTH 2619 -The VGM Group wants, its Medtrade booth to be a safe haven for attende (more...)
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Van G. Miller and Joan A. Cross Receive Homecare Magazine 2004 HomeCaring Award - 10/22/2004
VGM CEO & founder, long time VGM member honored
Co-sponsored by Medtrade and given in recognition of distinguished service to the home medical equipment industry, the awards honor those whose dedication and commitment defines the "caring" (more...)
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HME Excellence Awards: VGM Group Members Receive 8 Nominations - 10/22/2004
Winners to be announced at Medtrade Kick-Off Event
Best HME Provider Nominees include: Healthcare Accessories, Fargo, ND (VGM, U.S. Rehab, OPGA), HomeReach, Lewis Center, OH (VGM), Mon Health Care Equipment & Supplies, Morgantown, WV (VGM, U.S. Rehab (more...)
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Program Advisory Oversight Committee Holds First Meeting - 10/14/2004
CMS lays groundwork for NCB initiative
On October 6 the Program Advisory Oversight Committee (PAOC) met in Baltimore for its initial meeting. Mandated by MMA, the committee will advise CMS on the implementation of national competitive bidd (more...)
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CMS Suggests Monthly Dispensing Fee in $55-$64 Range for Inhalation Therapy - 10/14/2004
"Gap" identified by AAH, Muse and Associates study
AAHomecare commended the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for recommending adjustments to the dispensing fee for inhalation therapies use (more...)
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VGM Staffer Volunteering Time To Assist Hurricane Victims - 10/5/2004
L.E.A.R.N's Steven Douglas is also certified FEMA "Disaster Housing Inspector"
Steven Douglas` cube in the VGM L.E.A.R.N. department has been empty for over a month. But he`s not AWOL...
Steven, who, among other things, is the Spanish translator for L.E.A.R.N ( (more...)
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U.S. home healthcare products and services market to double by 2012 - 10/4/2004
Medtech Insight releases 2004 U.S. Markets for Home Healthcare Products
The expense and reduced length of acute care hospital stays, the availability and evolution of new healthcare technologies, the aging of the U.S. population, and the fact that most patients prefer to (more...)
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VGM Well Represented on Competitive Bidding Commitee - 9/27/2004
PAOC includes VGM Members Handi Medical, Wright & Filippis and VGM HOMELINK president Dave Kazynski
On Friday, CMS announced the appointment of a committee to advise the agency about the implementation of competitive bidding for equipment provided to Medicare beneficiaries, and about establishing st (more...)
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Sales Training University For the Homecare Industry - 9/17/2004
Sponsored by VGM & Associates - Presented by Louis Feuer
For the first time a Sales Training University focused on training home medical equipment sales professionals is being presented by nationally known industry consultant and speaker, Louis C. Feuer, MA (more...)
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OIG Report: Home oxygen equipment reimbursement rules should be changed - 9/15/2004
Sept 13 report says "Medicare could have saved $499 million"
Medicare expenditures for home oxygen equipment could be reduced by hundreds of millions yearly if reimbursement rules are changed to establish payment rates similar to Federal Employee Health Benefit (more...)
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FEHBP Fee-for-Service Payment Rates for Home Oxygen Are Virtually Same as Medicare Rates, Study Shows - 9/13/2004
Morrison Informatics collects data from 107 FEHBP plans
A comprehensive study of home oxygen pricing found virtually no difference between Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) fee- for-service plans and Medicare.
(more...)
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Muse and Associates Study Finds Medicare Reimbursement for Inhalation Drug Therapies Must Rise Dramatically - 9/3/2004
Requires Service Fees to Ensure Continued Care for Patients
The inhalation drug therapy services study found the new 2005 Medicare reimbursement formula based on average sales price (ASP formula) would under-reimburse the actual cost of providing two key drug (more...)
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HELiOS® System helping cyclist’s dream come true - 8/31/2004
VGM's Freedomlink division, VGM members assisting
When Mark Junge (pronounced “Youngee”) found out he had to go on oxygen more than a year ago, he thought his dream of biking across America had evaporated. Thanks to the HELiOS® Portable Liquid Oxygen (more...)
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U.S. home healthcare products and services market to double by 2012 - 8/23/2004
Medtech Insight releases 2004 U.S. Markets for Home Healthcare Products
The expense and reduced length of acute care hospital stays, the availability and evolution of new healthcare technologies, the aging of the U.S. population, and the fact that most patients prefer to (more...)
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Consumers Voice Concern Over Unjustified Denial of Medicare Power Mobility Claims - 8/18/2004
PMC August 16 Press Release
For many years, Medicare has reimbursed 80 percent of the cost of electric wheelchairs and scooters for people with disabilities who cannot safely move about without technology to assist them. That (more...)
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MEDICARE: OP-EDS EXAMINE BENEFICIARIES' OPINIONS OF NEW LAW - 8/16/2004
66% of beneficiaries say Congress should change the law
Two opinion pieces examine a recent Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard School of Public Health survey examining seniors` perceptions of the new Medicare law. The survey, released August 11, found th (more...)
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VGM To Offer HIPAA Security Rule Compliance Assistance - 8/11/2004
Most homecare providers must comply by April 21, 2005
Once again, the VGM Group will offer HIPAA training to all members of VGM & Associates, U.S. Rehab, OPGA and HPC. Similar in scope to the widely popular "HIPAA Self-Assessment and Compliance Res (more...)
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CMS Publishes Discussion of New Codes For Power Wheelchairs - 8/11/2004
CMS to hold public meeting regarding codes on September 1
CMS has proposed new codes for power wheelchairs to help “more accurately reflect the actual need for and use of power wheelchairs.” Stating that the the codes are based on requirement of a “detailed (more...)
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Supplier Numbers: Hearings & Appeals Update - 8/9/2004
NSC offers options to refute denial or revocation decisions
Recently, there have been many questions regarding the Hearings & Appeals (H&A) process. As there have been some changes since the last NSC update, this article provides some details and answers to q (more...)
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NEW MS. WHEELCHAIR AMERICA CROWNED - 8/3/2004
Juliette Rizzo of Maryland Crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2005
Following a week-long competition with women from around the country, Juliette Rizzo of Rockville, Maryland, was crowned July 31 as Ms. Wheelchair America 2005, in Richmond, Virginia, at the 32nd annu (more...)
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The POWER of PowerWeb® - 8/2/2004
VGM’s web hosting division introduces
You wouldn’t dream of running a business without a telephone, fax machine, or a store location where customers can see your products and experience your service. So why do without a website? PowerWe (more...)
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"No Good News in CMS Draft Respiratory Drug Regulations" - 7/29/2004
Major investment advisory service Legg Mason provides a summary of MMA "ASP+6%" impact; comments on effect to nationals' stock ratings
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued draft regulations on physician payments that included proposed respiratory drug reimbursement rules.
YOUR COMMENT (more...)
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VGM Welcomes Tim Pontius - 7/28/2004
Pontius, owner and CEO of Young Medical Services and Toledo IV Care in Toledo, Ohio is current chair of the American Association for Homecare board of directors.
A tour of the Waterloo corporate facilities, meetings with a contingent of VGM executives, dinner at Van Miller’s home, and, of course, a little golf make up the schedule this week as VGM throws out t (more...)
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Protect Patient Data With A Facility Security Plan - 7/28/2004
Providers have until April 21, 2005, to comply with the final security rule.
Mandatory compliance of the HIPAA privacy regulations, including the training requirement on your organization`s policies and procedures, took effect on April 14, 2003. However, it is now time for al (more...)
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Medicare Redefines Obesity As an Illness - 7/27/2004
DHHS' Thompson: "Treating obesity-related illnesses results in billions of dollars in health care costs"
Medicare now recognizes obesity as an illness, a change in policy that may allow millions of overweight Americans to make medical claims for treatments such as stomach surgery and diet programs.
(more...)
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Commentary from VGM's Jim Walsh: CMS Gets Nasty Judicial Surprise - 7/7/2004
A Temporary Escape from Wonderland for Providers
As I sat listening to a CMS administrator at a Washington D.C. meeting last month, it occurred to me that we must be, truly, living in Alice’s Wonderland. This well dressed, articulate gentleman was (more...)
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Federal Court Upholds CMN as Medicare Document of Record - 7/6/2004
U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Karlton Ruling Favors PWC Providers
On June 28, the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of California ruled that the Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) is the Medicare document of record and that the Centers for Medicare (more...)
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As of July 1, Noncompliant HIPAA Claims Subject To Payment Delay - 7/1/2004
Affects all Medicare providers, and suppliers who submit electronic claims to Medicare.
As reported by VGM last March, Medicare is modifying its Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) contingency plan. The modification continues to allow submission of non-compliant e (more...)
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Email Spam & Virus Update - 6/28/2004
VGM taking virus concerns seriously
Recently, emails have been delivered to inboxes with the familiar info@vgm.com return address. We are aware of these fraudulent emails, and wanted to assure our members that VGM is not the originator (more...)
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VGM Inside Sales Division Announces Sunrise Medical Special - 6/22/2004
Great members-only pricing: Guardian® Homecare beds & Guardian® Aspire power chair
The Guardian® Homecare Bed provides the reliability and compatibility that you demand at an affordable price. With a variety of packages to choose from, Sunrise Medical offers a bed solution to meet (more...)
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VGM Publishes Marketing Survey - 6/18/2004
The VGM Group has published a survey of how 315 independent HME providers market their products and services. Developed and conducted by sales expert Louis Feuer, founder of Dynamic Seminars & Consult (more...)
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Heartland 2004..."A Resounding Success!" - 6/7/2004
Comments and thanks from Christa Miehe, conference coordinator
2600 cookies, 237 pig squeezies, 3715 canned beverages, 18 hours of education and 3 karaoke bars combine to make the best Heartland Conference ever!
Heartland Conference 2004 has come to a clos (more...)
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H.R.4491: "To amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the reduction in Medicare payment for certain items of durable medical equipment" - 6/7/2004
Reps. Hobson, Ford Jr. introduce bill to recind FEHBP cuts
The reimbursement cuts for five DME categories were scheduled for January 2005 by the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA). (more...)
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VGM Welcomes Heartland Guests! - 6/1/2004
Hundreds of attendees, exhibitors, speakers and guests begin to arrive in Waterloo
More than 700 home health care providers, manufacturers and presenters from throughout North American will attend The VGM Group`s Heartland Conference 2004, Tuesday through Friday, at Five Sullivan Br (more...)
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DME Supplier Telemarketing Alert - 6/1/2004
Marketing company obtaining telephone lists of prospective beneficiaries
There have been recent reports of telemarketing companies making unsolicited calls to Medicare beneficiaries and asking the beneficiary about their health, any illness (es), and what type of DME equip (more...)
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Get Ready For Heartland! - 5/27/2004
Important arrival, transportation tips
If you are arriving by air into Cedar Rapids, and have confirmed your itinerary with VGM, we offer complimentary shuttle service to your Heartland hotel. Please review the spreadsheet link on the foll (more...)
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Online Prices for Drug Cards Fluctuate - 5/20/2004
State Programs Focus on Lower Drug Prices
Consumers searching the government`s new Medicare Web site are finding continually changing drug prices under the Medicare drug discount card program, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The fluct (more...)
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A "Mounting Obesity Epidemic" - 5/14/2004
VGM particpating vendor Medline Industries, others offer commentary
The hottest-selling item in a local manufacturer`s new medical equipment catalog is a hospital walker sturdy enough to assist a patient weighing up to 500 pounds. Even though the extra-wide medical wa (more...)
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Medicare Launches Chronic Care Programs - 5/12/2004
Pilot program ordered under last year's Medicare reform law
CMS will launch 10 Medicare chronic care programs by the end of the year, hoping to save money by offering hundreds of thousands of older and disabled Americans coordinated care to manage their chroni (more...)
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VGM member commentary on PWC initiatives - 5/6/2004
VGM has received several letters, faxes and emails from provider-members regarding last week’s article relative to Medicare’s “new initiatives on power wheelchair coverage and payment policy" (more...)
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Time is running out! - 5/6/2004
Come Home to Heartland - June 1 - 4, 2004
Time to Learn
Three full days of continuing education courses
Time for Everyone
Multi-track seminars offer CEUs to HME and respiratory providers, high-tech rehab speci
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Imported drug law called inevitable - 5/5/2004
Health chief downplays potential cost savings for U.S. consumers
The Bush administration’s top health care official said Tuesday that passage of legislation authorizing the importation of prescription drugs is inevitable, despite strong opposition from the White Ho (more...)
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CMS News: Medicare Announces New Iinitiatives On Power Wheelchair Coverage And Payment Policy - 4/29/2004
And Inspector General Dara Corrigan testifies before U.S. Senate Committee on Finance on Medicare Reimbursement: Fraud and Abuse Prevalent
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mark D. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D. announced, on April 28th, a series of further steps on Medicare coverage and payment policies that apply to po (more...)
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Hobson Drafts Legislation to Repeal Reimbursement Cuts - 4/28/2004
Commentary from VGM's VP - Government Relations John Gallagher
VGM has learned that Rep. David Hobson (R, OH) is planning to introduce legislation to strip the FEHBP cuts from the new Medicare Law. During the waning moment of the House vote for passage of the Me (more...)
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CMS wants fees for duplicate / incomplete claims - 4/27/2004
Proposed collecting $5.00 starting April 1, 2005
You better start getting a handle on claims that go out your doors missing information or producing same or similar denials. They could soon cost you more than headaches. (more...)
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Canadian Web Pharmacies Draw Criticism from Health Groups - 4/26/2004
Senators to Introduce Drug Reimportation Bill
Canadian health and pharmacy groups have charged the Canadian Internet drug industry with undermining safety and creating supply problems at home by selling prescription drugs to U.S. patients, the Fi (more...)
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CMS urges Medicare providers to understand HIPAA issues - 4/26/2004
Modified "contingency plan" will delay Medicare reimbursement
In February VGM had reported that CMS is modifying its HIPAA “contingency plan” implemented by Medicare on October 16, 2003. Specifically, CMS had announced on February 27, 2004, that Medicare would c (more...)
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TIPS ON HIPAA TRAINING - 4/23/2004
This article: Basic Requirements of the Security Rule
Mandatory compliance of the HIPAA privacy regulations, including the training requirement on your homecare organization`s policies and procedures, took effect on April 14, 2003. And organizations must (more...)
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Has Obesity Met Its Match? - 4/15/2004
Promising experimental drug garners industry excitement
At the American College of Cardiology annual meeting last month, Paris-based Sanofi-Synthelabo (SYN) caused a stir when it unveiled data on a promising experimental drug for obesity. The drug, rimonab (more...)
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Power Wheelchair Industry Seeks Clarity from CMS on Medicare Coverage Issues - 4/8/2004
Wants to Ensure New Policy Will Restore Coverage Benefits
On April 6 representatives of the power wheelchair industry said that questions still remain regarding the coverage policy for patients requiring power wheelchairs, even though the Centers for Medicar (more...)
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Flying to Heartland? Airfares Remain Low - 4/7/2004
But many routes require purchase by April 30
According to measures from the U.S. government and American Express Co, airline ticket prices remain lower than last year. Most airlines have been cutting prices since the 2001 recession and Sept. 11 (more...)
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New Hampshire Launches Canadian Rx Web Site - 4/6/2004
Controversial Approach: "Violation of Federal Law"
New Hampshire Gov. Craig Benson (R) on Monday introduced a state Web site that connects residents to a Canadian Internet pharmacy for cheaper prescription drugs, the Boston Globe reports. The federal (more...)
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HME Education at Its Best - 3/31/2004
View Who's Speaking at Heartland Online
You can now view the complete list of speakers at Heartland Conference 2004 online at www.heartland2004.com/speakers.asp. Speaker bios, course ob (more...)
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Privacy Policies Burden Business - 3/29/2004
Firms Rush To Meet Health-Privacy Mandate
Many employers don`t realize that the sweeping reforms mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 apply to them.
(more...)
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Update on the Medicare Power Wheelchair Benefit - 3/24/2004
When: Wednesday, March 31 2004 from 2PM to 3:30PM (EST)
In a continuing effort to communicate with beneficiaries, providers and suppliers about the criteria Medicare uses to determine whether to pay for a power wheelchair for an individual beneficiary, the (more...)
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CMS Plans to Announce Actions to Address Power Wheelchair Concerns - 3/22/2004
Pressure from Grassley, industry factions apparently successful
In February several industry groups – including VGM – urged Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to pressure CMS to “preserve Medicare patients` access to necessary medical equipment, such as motorized wheelc (more...)
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Foster: White House Had Role In Withholding Medicare Data - 3/19/2004
Medicare analyst threatened with firing
Richard S. Foster, the government`s chief analyst of Medicare costs who was threatened with firing last year if he disclosed too much information to Congress, said last night that he believes the Whit (more...)
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An innovative and affordable way to manage your HME business online - 3/15/2004
The VGM Group has signed an agreement with Brightree to deliver an Internet-based product for members that will assist with HME billing and inventory control functions.
VGM S.T.A.T. (Secure Tech (more...)
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Modification of CMS’ Medicare Contingency Plan for HIPAA Implementation - 3/15/2004
Providers Affected
All Medicare physicians, providers, and suppliers who submit electronic claims to Medicare.
Provider Action Needed
STOP – Impact t (more...)
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Check Out VGM at Medtrade Spring March 15-18 - 3/11/2004
Visit VGM in Booth 325 during Medtrade Spring
10-5 Wednesday, March 17
10-4 Thursday, March 18
at the Las Vegas Convention Center (more...)
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Senate To Cut $11 Billion Over Five Years From Medicaid Program - 3/9/2004
VGM urges members to contact elected officials
On March 4 the Senate Budget Committee approved a resolution that would cut $11 billion from Medicaid over the next five years. Over 1.2 million children, seniors and people with disabilities may lose (more...)
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CMS Urges States To Adopt Disease Management Programs - 3/5/2004
Agency will match state costs
In A February 26 Office of Public Affairs press release, CMS urged states to adopt programs to help those with chronic illnesses better manage their diseases. In a letter to state Medicaid officials, (more...)
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HME Seller Beware - 3/1/2004
Credit card fraud incidents increasing
VGM has received several member reports of fraudulent equipment orders using stolen credit card numbers, many with overseas delivery addresses. Unfortunately, a few facilities have accepted and shi (more...)
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Informed seniors look askance at drug bill: survey - 2/27/2004
68% say they didn't know it had passed and is now law
Widespread ignorance about the new Medicare prescription drug benefit will spawn plenty of sound-bite opportunities for Republicans and Democrats this election year, but the more senior citizens know (more...)
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VGM partners with Louis Feuer - 2/27/2004
Feuer and VGM LEARN join forces to bring powerful education to the HME industry
One of the HME industry’s best-known educators, authors and speakers has joined The VGM Group as educational adviser.
Louis Feuer, MA, MSW, was director of education for the Medtrade shows for 1 (more...)
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HIMSS' HIPAA “Winter 2004 Survey” Indicates Many Providers, Payers Not Compliant - 2/25/2004
Less than one-half ready for standard transactions
Results are now available from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) quarterly “Winter 2004 Survey”, approximately three months after the October 16, 2003 deadline for Tran (more...)
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Glucose Monitor Supplies: Prepay Review in Region D - 2/24/2004
Third highest ranked DME category for paid claims errors
Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) shows glucose monitor supplies to be the third highest ranked DME category for paid claims errors in DMERC Region D. Medicare contractors are required by the Ce (more...)
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2003 Shows First Slowdown in Healthcare Spending in Six Years - 2/17/2004
Expirations of provisions within 1999 BBR and 2000 BIPA slow growth
For the first time in six years, healthcare spending has slowed down. For 2003, CMS has reported that healthcare spending is projected to grow 7.8 percent, down from the 9.3 percent growth experienced (more...)
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VGM “Letter to the Editor” Campaign - 2/12/2004
Raising public awareness of HME issues may be key
As most members are aware, VGM has expended considerable time and resources since the Medicare Prescription Drug Bill passed last November targeting key Congressional representatives in an attempt to (more...)
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More Senators Seek Reopening Of Medicare Bill Over Cost - 2/12/2004
Thompson repeats administration's resistance to reconsideration
Two more senators who voted for the new Medicare prescription drug law today joined the chorus of those agitating to reopen it this year. (more...)
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VGM Group Commentary: The New “Coalitions” - 2/5/2004
RAMP and NCART Announce Formation
VGM Group (VGM, U.S. Rehab, HPC, and OPGA) members have likely noticed recent press releases and trade publication articles announcing the formation of two new “coalitions” comprised of various organi (more...)
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Guidelines For Filing Paper Claims - 2/3/2004
Eighth in a continuing series
Failure to follow these guidelines can cause providers a delay in processing, denial of their claim, or affect payment accuracy.
The Administrative Simplification Compliance Act (ASCA) mandate (more...)
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Medicare to be $698 billion program by 2014: CBO - 1/28/2004
New reform law, with drug benefit, will add $395 billion to program between 2004 and 2013. Also: "Medicare 101", per member request, on next page.
Medicare spending will reach $698 billion in 2014, up almost 155% from $274 billion in 2003, according to new estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.
(more...)
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"How NCB Will Jeopardize the Entire Home Care Structure in Our Nation" - 1/28/2004
VGM member submits essay regarding “underlying fallacies of NCB”
The following essay is a follow-up to our January 7, 2004 lead article that included commentary from Herb Paserman, of U.S. Rehab/HPC’s Allcare Medical (*).
Occasionally we will reprint (wit (more...)
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Region B Implements Mandatory Electronic Submission of Medicare Claims as of January 20; Waiver Information Now Available - 1/20/2004
However CMS “Contingency Plan” still allows “noncompliant” electronic claims from most providers
HIPAA’s Administrative Simplification Compliance Act required all initial claims for reimbursement under Medicare, except from small providers, be submitted electronically as of October 16, 2003, with (more...)
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Clinton to file EHR bill - 1/19/2004
Proposed new system would enable providers and patients to view medical records and communicate with each other online
On January 12 Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton said she would likely introduce legislation calling for the creation of a nationwide system of electronic health records (EHR). Health Information for Qua (more...)
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DMERCs Update Proof of Delivery Requirements - Revision clarifies and eases the burden of HME providers’ requirements - 1/14/2004
Seventh in a continuing series
One of the requirements for HME facilities (and all suppliers of DMEPOS) is that they must maintain a proof of delivery for all DMEPOS items provided to Medicare beneficiaries. (more...)
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Study: Obesity Raising Disability Rate - 1/8/2004
Disability rates rose sharply in the last two decades among those under 60, and obesity appears to be the main reason, according to a study released Thursday.
The Rand Corp. study — published in the journal Health Affairs — said the health of young Americans is getting worse. It found the number of people ages 30-49 who could not care for themselves or do o (more...)
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VGM Members Speak Out On Medicare Bill - 1/7/2004
Herb Paserman (Allcare Medical): "...the terrain of the fight has now shifted in our favor"
VGM has received several letters, faxes and emails from provider-members regarding the HME provisions of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (DIMA). Occasionall (more...)
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Confirmation: CMS to reimburse albuterol and ipratropium at 80% AWP - 1/6/2004
Final rule of physician payment & outpatient drug reimbursement provisions of DIMA now published
Payment for most outpatient drugs will be reimbursed at 85% of the April 1, 2003 AWP, but “the Secretary retains authority to reimburse some drugs as low as 80% of AWP based on pricing information gen (more...)
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Baby Boomers Expect to Beat the Odds with More Active, Longer Lives - 1/5/2004
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Releases Survey of Baby Boomers’ Outlook on Aging, Activity and Healthcare
At the stroke of midnight, January 1, 2004, the youngest of the Baby Boomers will begin marking their 40th birthdays and the official entrance to “middle age.” Baby Boomers – those born between 1946 a (more...)
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University of Pittsburgh's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Letter to Dr. Hughes - 12/26/2003
Analysis and commentary re "power wheelchair policy clarification"
On December 23, 2003 the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology of the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences released their interpretation and comments r (more...)
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Bill More Negative Than Positive, Especially Among Older Voters - 12/24/2003
Poll takers Wall Street Journal Online & Harris Interactive suggest seniors very skeptical about Medicare reform
Results of a recent Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive Health-Care Poll suggest that President Bush is going to have to work very hard to make the Medicare reform and drug benefit bill a vo (more...)
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Documentation! Tips on Orders, CMNs, DIFs, Patient Medical Records, and More - 12/17/2003
Sixth in a series
You have heard the real estate axiom, “Location! Location! Location!” In the DMERC world it is “Documentation! Documentation! Documentation!” This article will review the four types of general documen (more...)
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Power Wheelchairs and POVs – Policy Clarification and Medical Review Strategy - 12/15/2003
Fifth in a series
In a joint release by the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS) and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) on September 9, 2003, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a 1 (more...)
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President signs law; critics fear confusion - 12/9/2003
Kennedy: "You sold us out, so we're going to go all out to repeal what you've done"
WASHINGTON – President Bush signed into law Monday a sweeping overhaul of Medicare that includes establishing a drug-discount card to be marketed to the program`s 40 million beneficiaries by June.
(more...)
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Members, don’t worry: VGM will continue to fight for HME - 12/9/2003
Commentary and Analysis from Jim Walsh
As we approach year end it seemed appropriate to summarize and review the changes we have seen and their likely effect on the HME business. (more...)
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Senate approves Medicare bill - 11/25/2003
Minority Leader Daschle: "This will not be the last vote, I guarantee you."
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed a landmark overhaul of Medicare that will add a prescription drug benefit and introduce controversial free market reforms to the federal health plan for the elderly. (more...)
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Review of DME Provisions - 11/25/2003
"Even opponents conceded the outcome was not in doubt."
To access the entire 681 page bill, click here. To access the Congressional Budget Office scoring document, click (more...)
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Senate Heads Toward Approving Medicare Overhaul - 11/24/2003
Senate vote set for 12:30 p.m. EST today on whether to halt a Democratic-led filibuster.
The Republican-led Senate seems headed toward giving final congressional approval to one of the biggest overhauls of the Medicare health insurance program for the elderly.
Republicans said the (more...)
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H.R. 1 Update: DME Provisions - 11/24/2003
CBO Scoring Document Released
To access the entire 681 page bill, click here. To access the Congressional Budget Office scoring document, click (more...)
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ALERT! - HR1 and CBO Scoring Released - 11/21/2003
Detail of DME Provisions Available - Download/ Print Here
To access the official CBO scoring document forwarded to William “Bill” M. Thomas Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, click here.
(more...)
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Prescription drug bill heads to a vote - 11/21/2003
Likelihood of a Democratic-led effort to block the bill fades.
WASHINGTON -- Congressional negotiators cleared the way Thursday for votes on landmark Medicare prescription drug legislation. The House was preparing to vote today and the Senate as early as Saturd (more...)
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ALERT! - HR1 and CBO Scoring Released - 11/21/2003
Complete Detail of DME Provisions Available for Download/Print
To access the official CBO scoring document forwarded to William “Bill” M. Thomas Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, click here.
(more...)
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Hobson opposition threatens prescription-drug bill - 11/20/2003
Invacare's Mixon: NCB "would drive small "mom-andpop" operations out of business and leave just a few large companies in their place."
Hobson`s decision will force the White House and Republican leaders to scramble for the votes to pass President Bush`s No. 1 domestic priority - the largest expansion of federal assistance to the elde (more...)
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Pelosi and Daschle Send Letter to AARP - 11/20/2003
..."We believe that the policies being supported by AARP in this bill are severely flawed, not in the best interests of America's seniors, and can and must be improved upon.
Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle sent the following letter to William Novelli, Executive Director and CEO of AARP on November 19: (more...)
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Ohio Congressmen: DME Issues "obstacle to House passage" - 11/19/2003
Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-Ohio) suggests inclusion of the competitive bidding agreement 'could be a deal-breaker.'
Rep. David Hobson (R-Ohio) plans to vote against the final bill unless competitive bidding on DME is dropped from the consensus language in favor of a permanent price freeze, Health News Daily reports (more...)
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Republican Medicare Plan Faces Challenges - 11/17/2003
Report: DME Provision Updated Over Weekend
Republican leaders on Capitol Hill began to detail an agreement that would transform the government`s compact with the 40 million Americans on Medicare, as they embarked yesterday with the White House (more...)
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11/14/03 Update: Medicare Conferees Fail To Agree, Handing Final Decision To Leaders - 11/14/2003
Earlier "tentative" agreement on DME issues included freeze thru 2008, NCB in 2007
House and Senate GOP leaders will be left to determine the final shape of the Medicare bill, after the 12-member negotiating team that has labored over it for months failed to agree Thursday on a tent (more...)
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Will NCB Disproportionately Harm African-Americans? - 11/14/2003
Edolphus “Ed” Towns, D.-N.Y., Four Other Lawmakers Describe "Two Classes"
Conferees on the Medicare Bill still have an issue to consider: whether the national competitive bidding program for DME currently proposed in 2007 would disenfranchise African-Americans. In a letter (more...)
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The Process For The Remaining Days Of Medicare Conference - 11/7/2003
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Senator Grassley indicated that three main issues remain to be decided (1. Premium Support 2. Medical Savings Accounts and 3. Cost Containments). Also not decided is (more...)
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Must my company have a Respiratory Therapist on staff if it sells oxygen? - 11/6/2003
Third in our supplier number/compliance series
In section 2B of the CMS-855S application form, there are 21 Specialty Options. All suppliers must have at least one specialty. Any given supplier may have more than one specialty. Further down, in se (more...)
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"Home Based” HME Information and Check List - 10/31/2003
Second in our supplier number/compliance series
Home-based businesses can have some unique challenges in the DMEPOS business world. The following addresses topics that the owner of a home-based business may not have considered. (more...)
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AARP: "Protect Retiree Health Benefits - Oppose Medicare Reform Bill" - 10/31/2003
Powerful AARP Urges Members to Fax Congress Now
As millions of older Americans anxiously watch and wait, Congress continues to debate the details of legislation to fill the nation`s longstanding need for a Medicare prescription drug benefit. AARP (more...)
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Update! VGM Conducts Conference Call with Members of Grassley's Staff - 10/29/2003
Potential for CPI Freeze and Competitive Bidding Provision Remain
On Thursday afternoon VGM conducted a conference call with members of Senator Charles Grassley’s Senate Finance Committee Staff. During discussions with staff members, VGM became aware of the followin (more...)
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"Jury Still Out" - 10/27/2003
Conferees reportedly still examining mix of two policies: CPI freeze followed by competitive bidding
The combination mentioned most prominently is a one-year DME freeze in FY `04, followed by competitive bidding on a half-dozen or so "Secretarial-determined" list of products in MSAs of grea (more...)
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Democrats Opposition Mounts As GOP Predicts Pact On Medicare - 10/24/2003
Medicare conferees continued talks into the night Thursday (October 23), holding onto their optimism about meeting a deadline for reaching agreement today on major issues. The meetings were going forw (more...)
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Medicare Conferee Current Plans - 10/23/2003
Competitive Bidding and CPI freeze purportedly under consideration
It appears that the House-Senate Medicare Conference is moving on multiple fronts toward completion sometime the first two weeks of November, and in doing so, Conferees and their staffs have broached (more...)
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House, Senate Discuss Medicare Compromise - 10/21/2003
WASHINGTON - House and Senate negotiators are discussing a compromise that would guarantee the elderly access to a government prescription drug benefit under Medicare if they lack a choice of private (more...)
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Heartland Conference June 1-4, 2004 - 10/20/2003
Online Registration Available Now!
You can now register online for Heartland 2004. The third annual education conference, sponsored by The VGM Group, will be held June 1-4, 2004, in Waterloo, Iowa. (more...)
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VGM provides helpful tips to reduce incidence of supplier number deactivations - 10/16/2003
First in the series: Change of Information Guide
The purpose of this Change of Information Guide is to provide helpful instructions for DMEPOS providers to submit changes of information properly and reduce the likelihood of supplier number deactivat (more...)
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VGM Gala Big Hit - 10/14/2003
Missing...One Huge VGM Balloon...Join The Hunt! Reward Now Offered!!
Pictures from the VGM Gala! Click here.
ATLANTA – Under a full moon in Centennial Olympic Park the VGM Gala Get-Together att (more...)
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VGM's Medtrade 2003 Gala - 10/10/2003
Party under a full moon! & a live webcam!!
ATLANTA – The VGM Group forces have invaded Medtrade 2003 armed with new programs, a bigger and better Member Service Center, in-booth demos and a Gala Get-Together Friday evening so big it’s being mo (more...)
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VGM & Medtrade 2003 - 10/9/2003
New programs, new booth (live webcam available!!) and a party under a full moon
ATLANTA – The VGM Group forces will invade Medtrade 2003 armed with new programs, a bigger and better Member Service Center, in-booth demos and a Gala Get-Together so big it’s been moved outside under (more...)
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vgmMESA.net to be introduced at Medtrade - 10/7/2003
Powerful new resource for state and regional medical equipment providers’ associations.
Available at no cost to associations, vgmMESA.net is a Web-based resource library that will be useful to all state association directors and members. (more...)
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Look for vgmMESA.net at Medtrade! - 10/6/2003
VGM to launch powerful new resource for state and regional medical equipment providers’ associations.
vgmMESA.net, available at no cost, is a Web-based resource library that will be useful to state association directors and members. (more...)
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VGM Canada, Motion Group announce merger - 9/29/2003
Association of 24 specialized rehab providers will merge operations with The VGM Group
WATERLOO, Iowa and BRAMPTON, Ontario, Canada – VGM Canada and The Motion Group of Canada have announced a merger that will result in both entities benefiting from each other’s strengths. The Motion G (more...)
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Medicare Announces Plan to Accept HIPAA Non-Compliant Electronic Transactions After October 16 Compliance Deadline - 9/24/2003
Plan ensures continued processing of claims from providers who cannot meet the deadline and would have Medicare claims rejected
"Implementing this contingency plan moves us toward the dual goals of achieving HIPAA compliance while not disrupting providers` cash flow and operations, so that beneficiaries can continue to ge (more...)
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Medicare Bill Remains Stalled - 9/23/2003
No formal meetings scheduled this week
Conferees working to resolve differences in House and Senate versions of legislation providing a prescription drug benefit under the Medicare program scheduled no formal meetings this week. Reportedl (more...)
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CMS Clarifies Reimbursement Rules On Power Wheelchairs - 9/19/2003
Medicare won't reimburse for POV's without written physician order
Just days after announcing a federal campaign to crack down on free power wheelchairs for beneficiaries who don`t need them, CMS issued a transmittal on September 12 stating that it will deny claims i (more...)
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HHS Announces It Will Not Extend HIPAA Electronic Claims Deadline - 9/12/2003
Payers Unprepared for October 16 Compliance Date?
On September 12 HHS announced that it will not seek to extend the Oct. 16 compliance deadline for the HIPAA transactions and code sets rule for electronically submitting health care claims, CongressDa (more...)
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Commentary from VGM President Ron Bendell - 9/11/2003
To all VGM Group Members:
As you now are aware, on September 10th the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a sweeping 10-point plan to crack down on power wheelchair fraud and abuse. This action has been rumored (more...)
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CMS Announces 10 Point Power Mobility "Crackdown" - 9/9/2003
OIG Also Investigating DME Fraud
BALTIMORE 9:00 a.m. 9/9/03 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today announced a 10-point initiative to substantially curb abuse of the Medicare program by unscrupulous providers of pow (more...)
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VGM Attends Rehab And Assistive Technology Council (RATC) Fly-In (4 – 5 September) - 9/5/2003
VGM attended the RATC Washington D.C. Fly-In. VGM met with both Senator Grassley (R-IA) and Congressman Nussle (R-IA). Chairman Nussle indicated that pressure was mounting to finalize a bill prior to
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Marketing and Sales Opportunities Survey - 8/6/2003
What is your ratio of sales to employee? Do you provide your employees with health insurance? What is your average salary?
Many of our members have asked us to provide them with benchmarking data that is derived strictly from independent providers, not publicly held national companies. The reason is so you can compare key (more...)
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VGM University - 8/4/2003
VGMU Virtual University is your best continuing education value
VGMU is the most affordable continuing education tool available to HME/Rehab businesses. The course catalog offers learning for all job functions. Your employees can “attend“ courses to increase th (go to source...)
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Bush backs away from demand to receive final Medicare bill before August recess - 7/22/2003
"If it takes a little more time to get it right, we`ll do that," according to Doug Badger, the special assistant to the president for economic policy. However, industry sources suggest that (more...)
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Medicare Bills Pass Both Senate And House - 6/30/2003
Although both the House and Senate passed legislation adding a new $400 billion prescription drug benefit under the Medicare program at a faster pace than many predicted, Senate leaders said that they (more...)
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Congress launches into final floor debate - 6/24/2003
on Medicare prescription drug benefit legislation
In what is expected to be an intense week of floor debate, lawmakers predict each chamber will pass its version by week's end, though bill supporters will have to address concerns from both ends of th (more...)
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Senate Medicare Reform Bill Contains No NCB Language - 6/19/2003
Last week the Senate Finance Committee began marking up its version of the Medicare reform legislation. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) was instrumental in rejecting any incl (more...)
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The VGM Group Welcomes It's Newest Vendor - 6/2/2003
SecureCMN™, from eClickMD, Inc®, is a secure, Internet-based solution for processing Certificates of Medical Necessity (CMNs) and other medical forms online. (more...)
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Gallagher on Competitive Bidding - 6/2/2003
On May 23, the Senate passed a $350 billion tax cut, which had passed the House the previous day. The final Tax Bill did not include any provisions relating directly to competitive bidding or DME. Tho (more...)
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It's Not Too Late! - 5/22/2003
HC 2003: Deadline Approaching
The monumental gathering of who's who in the DME industry will be taking place
May 28-31. The Registration deadline is fast approaching. Click (go to source...)
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SUNRISE TO INTRODUCE NEW INDUSTRY STANDARD - 5/6/2003
The Guardian Easy Care Wheelchair Family
Sunrise Medical introduces the Guardian Easy Care line of standard wheelchairs….the New Industry Standard! Six Easy Care models, covering the spectrum from basic to high-strength lightweight, provide (more...)
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GAME ON! - 3/26/2003
and it's good for another 3...
...3 years that is. Sunrise Medical and VGM recently announced a 3 year contract renewal coupled with the introduction of a new aggressive program for dealers.
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Are You Registered? - 3/26/2003
HC 2003: Deadline Approaching
The monumental gathering of who's who in the DME industry will be taking place May 28-31. The Registration deadline is fast approaching. Click here to (go to source...)
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