August Archives

The deadline for signatures on the congressional letter to CMS asking to permanently exclude CRT manual accessories from the competitive bidding program has been extended to Sept. 18.

The letter, spearheaded by Reps. John Larson (D-CT) and Lee Zeldin (R-NY), urges CMS to use administrative authority to permanently exclude CRT manual accessories from Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) pricing. This request would require CMS to use the same payment policies for accessories on manual chairs...

Today CMS announced efforts underway to support Louisiana and Texas in response to Hurricane Laura

The announcement offers waivers and flexibility options, special enrollment opportunities to hurricane victims, disaster preparedness toolkits as well as information for medical equipment and supply replacement.

Click here to read the full announcement.

Our thoughts go out to those directly affected by hurricane Laura. Please reach out to...

The deadline to apply for the HHS Provider Relief Fund for Medicaid/CHIP providers who did not receive any relief payments during the Medicare-based General Distribution has been extended until September 13th, 2020. Providers who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19, meet all of the other eligibility requirements, and can agree to the terms and conditions associated with the program are encouraged to apply for this relief fund.

Click here to read the original article, “Deadline...

People for Quality Care continues to advocate for your customers and their caregivers. We do so by giving those directly receiving home medical equipment or services a place to reach out with their great stories or challenges.

Here is a simple postcard you can hand out to your customers if they would like to share their story with us. As a reminder, we are not affiliated with CMS or Medicare but can listen and try to make an impact by sharing stories.

Download the postcard...

From the Desk of Mark Higley

Many DMEPOS stakeholders, including VGM, have been actively monitoring this rule as it was titled Medicare Program; End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System, Payment for Renal Dialysis Services Furnished to Individuals With Acute Kidney Injury, End-Stage Renal Disease Quality Incentive Program, Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Fee Schedule Amounts, DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) Amendments, Standard...

In Noridian’s latest update, there is a reminder for the final ruling for CMS-1713, which includes information related to “Standard Elements for DMEPOS Order, and Master List of DMEPOS Items Potentially Subject to a Face-to-Face Encounter and Written Orders Prior to Delivery and, or Prior Authorization Requirements.” The information related to the Standard Written Order and Prior Authorization appears to be unchanged. Currently, it appears as if there are just a few minor...

In Noridian’s latest update, there is a reminder for the final ruling for CMS-1713, which includes information related to “Standard Elements for DMEPOS Order, and Master List of DMEPOS Items Potentially Subject to a Face-to-Face Encounter and Written Orders Prior to Delivery and, or Prior Authorization Requirements.” 

The information related to the Standard Written Order and Prior Authorization appears to be unchanged. Currently, it appears as if there are just...

Reps. John Larson and Lee Zeldin are spearheading a Congressional sign-on letter to CMS urging that the agency use its administrative authority to permanently exclude CRT manual accessories from Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) pricing. This request would require CMS to use the same payment policies for accessories on manual chairs as it does for power chairs.  

We need you to reach out to your members of Congress today and ask that they show their support of this by adding...

As you may already know, VGM and AAHomecare are working together with each state association to revamp the Grassroots Accountability Project (GAP) to enhance the resources and bolster grassroots efforts nationwide. The goal of this project is to have an HME spokesperson in every congressional district of the country. This person will be responsible for relaying the issues and asks of the industry to their member of Congress and/or Senators.

If we ever want improvements made in the...