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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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CONGRESS RECOGNIZES CMS INCOMPETENCE - 8/15/2008
(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 GRASSLEY DEFEND
(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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STOP Act Aims to Curb Medicare Fraud - 8/12/2008
WASHINGTON--In a Senate conference on Monday, Sens. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, discussed the need for the federal government to s (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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CANCELED - 7/21/2008
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 new law has (more...)
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This is It! - 7/15/2008
Call your Legislators: 202-224-3121
Bush Vetoes H.R. 6331
Ho (more...)
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House Will Vote to Override Veto at 3:30 PM EDT - 7/15/2008
The House is meeting RIGHT NOW consider the Veto Override of H.R. 6331 - Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.
Next votes: (more...)
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HOUSE OVERRIDES PRESIDENT BUSH`S VETO 383-41 - 7/15/2008
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 2008 by a mar (more...)
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WE WON – CONGRATULATIONS! SENATE OVERRIDES PRESIDENT BUSH`S VETO 70-26 - 7/15/2008
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 overwhelmi (more...)
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Here We Go! The President to Veto H.R. 6331, the “doc fix” as Early as Tuesday - 7/14/2008
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 override on the s (more...)
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We Won the Battle
But Not the War - 7/10/2008
While the DME industry has won a huge battle, providers should be reminded that the war is not over.
(more...)
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THE NOISE LEVEL IN CONGRESS IS RAISING
Be sure you’re adding your voice to the noise! - 7/9/2008
The Senate will vote once again for cloture on the House Medicare package, H.R. 6331, as early as Wednesday, July 9. A cloture vote will c (more...)
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Secretary Leavitt sends a hatchet op-ed piece to the Wall Street Journal - 7/9/2008
In an effort to silence DME providers and beneficiaries we serve, Secretary Leavitt sent a scathing op-ed piece to the WSJ. His attacks could not be (more...)
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WE WON!
Clarification on the Senate Cloture Vote on H.R. 6331 - 7/9/2008
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" includes: (more...)
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DME INDUSTRY RALLIES ONE MORE TIME FOR VOTE EXPECTED ON LATE TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY - 7/7/2008
The DME industry must rally one more time by going to the phones or sending faxes to their Republican senators, urging them to support H.R. 6331 (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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New Tip Sheet for Referral Agents under the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program - 5/30/2008
Medicare providers in the 10 Competitive Bidding Areas (CBAs) who order or refer Medicare beneficiaries for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS (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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ACTION ALERT! - 5/20/2008
Contact your Representative TODAY!
NCAMES member Heath Sutton with Mountaineer Oxygen Services; NCAMES/VGM member Casey Hite with Aeroflow; and MAMES/VGM member Julie Weideman (more...)
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Mother`s Day Meeting with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen - 5/19/2008
By Rob Brandt, President of Accredited Medical Equipment Providers of America, Inc. (AMEPA)
Some people spend their Mother’s Day enjoying the company of their paren (more...)
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DMEPOS Accreditation Deadline Round 2 Announcement - 5/16/2008
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 meet quality (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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 |
