News


Wachovia Survey Shows Sleep Revenue Will Grow; CPAP Pricing Is Stable, But NCB May Hurt Reimbursement Rates

The sleep market is still going strong, and CPAP pricing is currently stable, but reimbursement rates for HME suppliers could be hurt by the upcoming national competitive bidding (NCB) program, say the results of the latest Wachovia HME Sleep & Wound Care Survey. Findings also included expected growth in the negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) market.

Fighting Back: The Industry Responds to Media Coverage of a Medicare Oxygen “Boon”

The HME industry, and the oxygen niche in particular, suffered a tough couple of weeks in the mainstream media, as The New York Times printed what was widely regarded by the industry as a derogatory, politically motivated article on Nov. 30. Then “NBC Nightly News” aired a two-part special report on Medicare fraud on Dec. 10 and 11.

CMS Announces Accreditation Deadline (with Exceptions)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have set the deadline for DME suppliers to be accredited in order to bill Medicare Part B: Sept. 30, 2009. The announcement came at a Special Open Door Forum on Dec. 19.

VGM Group Hosts Advocacy Event on World COPD Day

The VGM Group’s Shut Down the Switchboard day to support COPD and oxygen therapy, resulted in 33,000 hits to its Web site and 8,167 reported phone calls to Washington, D.C. from providers and beneficiaries.

Respironics Becomes Lead Sponsor of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week for the National Sleep Foundation

Respironics Inc. was the lead sponsor of the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, Nov. 5-11. T

New AAA Foundation Study Offers Hope for Improving Senior Drivers’ Performance

Senior drivers 70 years of age or older who take classroom driving improvement courses and behind the wheel training can improve their driving performance, according to a new study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Yale University.

Medtrade Offers Less Traffic, More Decision Makers

Medtrade, the HME industry’s biggest tradeshow of the year, was down in attendance, but several manufacturers reported that the number of attendees making buying decisions on the show floor was up in numbers.

Respironics Acquires Apollo Light Systems, Expands into Circadian Rhythm Device

espironics Inc. has announced that it has acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Apollo Light Systems Inc.

Pride Mobility’s Meuser Announces Congressional Run

Pride USA’s president, Dan Meuser announced that he’ll seek the Republican nomination in the race for Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District.



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