Lately, the oxygen business has sounded like the refrain of a country-western song. We've lost funding thanks to cuts, and further losses are pending as Congress threatens to peel back the rental cap even further to 13 or 18 months. With the announcement of winning bidders in the first round of competitive bidding and the projected savings for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of 22-32 percent in some areas, many providers may well lose their oxygen business altogether, even if they didn't lose the bid.
For the past year, the mantra Work smarter, not harder has been heralded as the solution to reimbursement woes. Manufacturers have rolled out technology to reduce deliveries, and GPS technology bent on improving delivery efficiencies is no longer the domain of meandering travelers. But as providers vie for business-sustaining theories to put into practice, which oxygen avenue makes the most sense for the bottom line?
- By Elisha Bury
- Jun 01, 2008
Respiratory Management asked Tim Hat, Wright & Filippis' director of HME, to talk about how competitive bidding will impact the company.
Oxygen Studies: Providers Talk Oxygen Modalities
Editor's Note
- By Elisha Bury
- Jun 01, 2008
Legal Speak
- By Asela Cuervo
- Jun 01, 2008
There are a number of reasons why these children have a hard time breathing while asleep: impaired muscle tone (either increased, decreased or fluctuating); reduced respiratory function due to distorted chest shape; decreased compliance of the chest wall and muscles involved in breathing; increased saliva function and cough reflex; poor movement control; moving into positions that make breathing difficult and that are hard to get out of; and central apneas that may occur because of disturbed neurological function.
- By Lunzeta Brackens
- Jun 01, 2008
Funding Focus
A historical event in our industry is quickly approaching. Pending any new Congressional changes, effective January 2009, the payment ceiling will be reached for some of your existing oxygen patients, and your company will no longer receive monthly rental fees. January 2009 could be your worst single month in terms of revenue decreases, or it could be the same as any other month. The question is: Do you know?
- By Kelly Riley
- Jun 01, 2008
Eye on Accreditation
- By Gwen Franzgrote
- Jun 01, 2008
Oxygen Studies: Providers Talk Oxygen Modalities
Finally shedding light on the process, CMS has announced the winning providers for round one of its competitive bidding program.
Rehab industry products expert Hymie Pogir has joined NSM as its vice president of product planning.
Phil Cody Joins Fastrack Management Team
Phil Cody, former vice president of sales for Dynamic Energy Systems, has joined Fastrack Healthcare Systems as vice president of sales.
Savvy providers want to get in on the retail sales game, but how can they get started?
- By Lunzeta Brackens
- May 15, 2008
The first installment of the chapter provides additional instructions on competitive bidding policies.
- By Elisha Bury
- May 13, 2008