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Home Health & Hospice Week

OASIS:
Think You Have Home Health Compare Down Pat? Think Again
New measures to focus on surgical wounds, incontinence, discharge and dyspnea. Get ready t... Read more
Coverage:
Wheelchair Coverage Rolls Out Of The Dark Ages
Change would dump bed- or chair-confined standard in favor of functional ambulation. A ray... Read more
Regulations:
Look For New CMN, Face-To-Face Regs Soon
Expanded wheelchair HCPCS codes not far behind. The changes will just keep coming for whee... Read more
Compensation:
CMS Throws One-Two Punch To Favorable PRRB Rulings
HHA will appeal physical therapy compensation in federal court. Two home health agencies h... Read more
HIPAA; HIPAA Confusion Barrier To Information Gathering
 Find out how the GAO plans to get things moving. Is the privacy rule taking up your ... Read more
Compliance:
Protect Confidential Health Information In Patients' Homes
You must take your HIPAA compliance with you. Do you have the tools to guard protected hea... Read more
Industry Notes:
Oxygen Rates Up In The Air Until After Due Date
Cuts to oxygen rates likely lower than anticipated. The feds can't seem to make up their m... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
MedPAC Deflates Industry's Hopes For Inflation Increase
 Influential advisory body wants freeze despite 20 percent of HHAs in the red. You'll... Read more
Quality:
Pay For Performance Waits In The Wings
Are you ready to stake your reimbursement on your patients' outcomes? Now that you've fina... Read more
Competitive Bidding:
Bidding Details Up For Grabs
Which MSAs will see bidding first? The durable medical equipment industry has fought to gi... Read more
Appeals:
Plan Ahead To Dodge Expedited Review Disaster
Avoid Friday and Saturday notice deliveries for questionable cases. Warning: Your requirem... Read more
OASIS:
Draw On DRGs To Sniff Out Correct M0175 Answers
Avoid a $600 mistake with one simple step. One quick question about patients' prior hospit... Read more
Benchmarks:
Use This List To Beat M0175 Blues
Do you know how long your most common patients should have stayed in the hospital? If not,... Read more
Industry Notes:
Contractors To Scrutinize Your Claims More Closely
 Medicare payment error rate increases. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Servi... Read more
Regulations:
New Expedited Review Rules Could Land HHAs In Hot Water
You may be dinged if you do and dinged if you don't on surveys. A massive paperwork burden... Read more
Appeals:
Examine Your New Duties Under Expedited Review
You'll have less than a day to turn around review records. Home health agencies and hospic... Read more
Compliance:
Feds Find Out If You're Naughty Or Nice
Warning: Your business partner could be who you least expect. Durable medical equipment su... Read more
Lawsuits:
Bankruptcy Not Safe Haven For Medicare Providers
HHA loses out on $127,000 repayment in recent court decision. If your home care organizati... Read more
Kickbacks:
No Good Gift Goes Unpunished - If It's Too Good
Feds aren't the 'pizza police,' but too much caviar could set off their alarms. If you don... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Liberty Medical Misdeeds Come To Light
Lack of doc orders, documentation failures head the list. More details about the charges l... Read more
Industry Notes:
Feds Tap HHA For Chronic Disease Management Project
10 CCIP providers named for DM project's pilot phase. Home care will have a place at the ... Read more
NOTICE OF MEDICARE PROVIDER NON-COVERAGE
               ... Read more
Survey & Certification:
Don't Let Drop Sites Torpedo Your Survey
CMS issues new guidelines on the controversial practice. If you let your drop sites cross ... Read more
Regulations:
5 Steps To Compliant Drop Sites
Follow this expert advice to make sure your drop sites are on the up-and-up:1. Check with ... Read more
Reimbursement:
FEHBP Cuts Hurt Nebulizers Most - But Oxygen Yet To Come
CMS announces cuts in 2005 fee schedule. Suppliers anxiously awaiting the final word on ox... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
Abuse Of Outliers in Medpac's Crosshairs
Industry growth alarming, congressional advisors imply.If you're like most home health age... Read more
Budget:
Budget Cuts Likely In Coming Year
Evidence that home care providers will face tough budget times under Medicare next year co... Read more
Assessment:
Cross These Unnecessary Assessments Off Your List
CMS backtracks on requirement for non-medical patients.Much of the extra work brought on b... Read more
Compliance:
Better A Flat Fee Than A Round Target On Your Back
Can you see the danger signs in your billing company contracts? If you're paying ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Pennsylvania HHA Coughs Up Seven-Figure Settlement
Aide training costs agency big. Making sure employees' certification is up to snuff could ... Read more
Reimbursement:
Know Your Medicare Ropes Or Risk A Nasty Fall
Intermediaries don't have to lend HHAs a helping hand, PRRB decision shows.If you don't un... Read more
Eligibility:
Homebound Demonstration Project Off To A Slow Start
Medicaid confusion, lack of resources keep HHAs from participating. The new pilot project ... Read more
Demonstration:
Don't Dismiss Demo Yet
A slow start is typical of many government programs, the Visiting Nurse Associations of Am... Read more
Drugs:
Drug Cuts Hit Small Suppliers Hard
Increased dispensing fee not enough to keep independents afloat. Rather than a victory, th... Read more
Strategy:
Consider Carefully Before Dumping Medication Business
If you say goodbye to furnishing unit dose meds, your patients may say goodbye to your oth... Read more
Referrals:
HHA Wins Settlement In Patient Steering Suit
Health system agrees to training, audits on patient choice. Home health agencies having tr... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Gentiva Pays Price For Insulin Pump Scrutiny
Relationship with CIGNA, pump manufacturer called into question. Gentiva Health Services I... Read more
Industry Notes:
Ohio Supplier Pleads Guilty
Wheelchairs at the center of fraud case. Authorities are continuing their crackdown on fra... Read more
Referrals:
Care Plan Oversight Change Provides Good Marketing Ammo
Contact docs now to let them in on a new way to make money. It's final: Physician practice... Read more
Drugs:
Monthly Dispensing Fee Better Deal For Suppliers
Physicians to determine whether to use 30-day or 90-day prescription. Inhalation medicatio... Read more
Billing:
Hospices Look To New Billing Opportunity On The Horizon
Hospice docs can furnish consultation under new HCPCS code. Starting in January, hospices ... Read more
Hospice:
Two More Years Of Nursing Relief Cushions Hospices
Open Door Forum focuses on hospice issues with nursing homes, drugs. If you rely on contra... Read more
Regulations:
Don't Count On Your Wage Index Just Yet
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will be issuing corrections to the wage i... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Liberty Medical Forks Over $35 Million Settlement
Beef up your compliance plan to withstand fraud charges. Four years of government scrutiny... Read more
Industry Notes:
New Codes Added To Home Health Bundling
Wound care therapy codes top additions. Home health agencies, suppliers and hospitals will... Read more
Quality:
Industry Blasts Proposed Quality Measures
You could have to live up to these burdensome new standards soon.There's no way home healt... Read more
Reimbursement:
Suppliers Declare Victory On Dispensing Fee, Face To Face Exam
$57 monthly dispensing fee for inhalation drugs finalized. The final physician fee schedul... Read more
Conferences:
NAHC Meeting Reflects Industry Health
Disease management, telemedicine were on home care providers' minds.If you weren't able to... Read more
Medical Review:
7 Steps To Make Certain You Survive CERT
Hint: A correct address is vital to avoiding overpayments. If you ignore a medical review ... Read more
Drugs:
MDIs Vs. Nebulizers: Many Medicare Rounds To Go
CMS says it won't dismiss nebulizers altogether under the coming drug benefit.The Centers ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Government Rustles Up More Flu Vaccine Doses
In advance of the presidential election, the Department of Health and Human Services annou... Read more
Reimbursement:
$20 Million Cut From HHA Spending In 2005
Tinkering with inflation factor strips nearly $4.50 from episode base payment rate. Get re... Read more
Drugs:
Suppliers Breathe Sigh Of Relief Over Drug Dispensing Fee
Companies' stock prices surge on word of adequate fee. Although the new dispensing fee for... Read more
Medical Review:
Respond To CERT Requests Or Face Denials
Error rate contractor may refer you to the OIG if you ignore its letters. The Centers for ... Read more
Hospice:
For Better Or Worse, Hospices Face Uncertain Payment Future
CMS could decide hospice rates are too low - or too high. One way or another, changes to M... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Justice Department Investigates Hospice Chain
Odyssey CEO resigns as earnings falter. Is a Department of Justice investigation of Odysse... Read more
Industry Notes:
CMS Takes One More Step Toward Appeals Reform
Eight Qualified Independent Contractors named - finally. If you thought the Medicare appea... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Will The OIG Scare Your Docs Away From CPO?
Annual work plan also targets therapy upgrade, rehospitalizations among hot spots. All you... Read more
Compliance:
Suppliers Face Reduced Payment, Denied Claims Under OIG Scrutiny
Wheelchairs remain a compliance pressure point, OIG work plan indicates. The HHS Office of... Read more
Reimbursement:
Get Your Fair Share Of Medicare payments - While You Still Can
Deadline for correcting 2003 claims approaches. You could be letting thousands of dollars ... Read more
Competitive Bidding:
DMERCs Could Hold The Reins On Bidding
Proposed bidding timeline revealed at first advisory committee meeting. The long-awaited P... Read more
Industry Notes:
Watch Out For OIG Compliance Hot Spots
Government watchdog keeps close eye on home care topics.The HHS Office of Inspector Genera... Read more
Drugs
Dispensing Fee On Deck For Inhalation Drugs Respiratory companies may not be out of busine... Read more
Coding:
HCPCS Coding Could Get Easier For Providers
Open Door Forum on new process slated for later this month. Dramatic increases in the numb... Read more
Billing:
Use Correct Year's Diagnosis Codes On Claims Spanning Oct. 1
You'll face delayed reimbursement if you mix up your fiscal year ICD-9 codes. Quick Test: ... Read more
Appeals:
HHS Transfer Threatens ALJ Independence
Will you get a fair shake once ALJs are under the HHS umbrella? Details on how administrat... Read more
Medicare Reform:
Get Ready For Revamped Appeals Process
New 'QIC' step could bring quicker objective review. While the administrative law judge st... Read more
Studies & Surveys:
Oxygen Suppliers Flounder In Face Of Cuts
Last-minute scrambling expected to be widespread before January reductions. Have you imple... Read more
Reimbursement:
Denied Visits Cost HHA $90,000
Cost-based reimbursement still costing agencies big. An unfavorable decision from the Prov... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Operation Wheeler Dealer Rolls Over Houston Doc, Office Staff
Make sure your wheelchair paperwork can stand up to the increased scrutiny. The Texas frau... Read more
Industry Notes:
Flu Vaccine Limitation Leaves HHAs High And Dry
Suspension of vaccine manufacturer's license halves U.S. supply. If you expected to get yo... Read more
Lawsuits:
Learn These Lessons From Apria's Whistleblower Defense
Qui tam cases on the rise, experts warn. A whistleblower lawsuit attacking your home care ... Read more
Compensation:
CMS Shoots Down PRRB Ruling Favoring HHA
Provider to file appeal in federal court over physical therapist compensation.Home health ... Read more
Competitive Bidding:
HME Industry Represented On Bidding Committee
CMS names committee a week-and-a-half before first meeting. Its duties may not be crystal ... Read more
Competitive Bidding Program Advisory and Oversight Committee
HME Industry Representatives:1. Cara Bachenheimer - Vice President of Government Relations... Read more
Regulations:
Discharge Orders Not Required, CMS To Say In SOM Corrections
Flu vaccines, homebound demonstration details also revealed in forum. Don't start revampin... Read more
Reimbursement:
Some Suppliers May Dodge Drastic FEHBP Cuts
Find out if you are exempt from cuts to oxygen, diabetes supplies, hospital beds, air matt... Read more
Industry Notes:
Medicare Contractor Customer Service Aims To Improve
Scathing GAO report produces results - but will they make a difference? Get ready for an a... Read more
Quality:
PROPOSED QUALITY MEASURES COULD BRING SIGNIFICANT BURDEN
New OASIS-based measures likely to see quick implementation. The National Quality Forum ma... Read more
Outcomes:
HOW WILL NEW OUTCOMES AFFECT YOU?
Experts express misgivings about proposed measures. Some of the new home health quality me... Read more
Coverage:
CONGRESS TO CMS: DON'T LIMIT ACCESS TO WHEELCHAIRS
Forthcoming coverage policy should use functional standard of 'non-ambulatory,' lawmakers ... Read more
Billing:
DON'T LET DUPLICATE CLAIMS DEPLETE YOUR BOTTOM LINE
Follow these expert tips for avoiding some common billing snarls. If you don't keep on top... Read more
Competitive Bidding:
ACCESS, QUALITY PROBLEMS LOOM UNDER COMPETITIVE BIDDING
Beneficiaries won't like Medicare forcing them to switch suppliers. If competitive bidding... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
CHECK THIS LIST BEFORE HIRING, OR YOU'LL BE SORRY
Slacking off on checking the HHS Office of Inspector General's exclusions list can cost yo... Read more
Industry Notes:
USE NEW DIAGNOSIS CODES ON THE DOT NEXT MONTH
ICD-9 updates among HHA changes on tap for Oct. 1. This is a year of firsts for home healt... Read more
Survey & Certification:
Make The Most Of Newly Clarified Assessment Flexibility
HHAs don't have to reassess all Medicaid patients in 5-day window, CMS says. If you've bee... Read more
Assessments:
5 Tips For Compliant Comprehensive Assessments
Don't let surveyors ding your assessments. How confident are you in your non-OASIS compreh... Read more
Quality:
MedPAC Wants HHA Payments Tied To Quality
Advisory commission forges ahead despite industry's concerns. More than your reputation ma... Read more
Reimbursement:
Oxygen Suppliers Gasp Over 20% Cut In 2005
OIG identifies long-awaited reductions to FEHBP levels. Oxygen suppliers will face a serie... Read more
Industry Notes:
You May Be More Liable For Workers' Comp Than You Think
Don't be too sure that your visiting home care staff aren't eligible for workers' compensa... Read more
Referrals:
4 Steps To Improve Your Hospital Referrals
Reach out to hospital execs before you call on the authorities. It's a common complaint - ... Read more
Coverage:
Suppliers Gain Allies In Fight Against Exam Requirement
Docs are on your side when it comes to preventing extra Medicare red tape. There is hope t... Read more
Survey & Certification:
Will Imminent Jeopardy Survey Citations Jeopardize Your HHA?
DAB upholds California HHA's termination from Medicare. If you're not careful it could hap... Read more
OASIS:
Play Detective In Patients' Homes To Crack M0175 Case
The right answer to the OASIS question on prior inpatient stays can mean $600 per patient.... Read more
Industry Notes:
Medicare Increases Beneficiaries' Part B Costs
Enrollees will have to pay more for DME. A sharp increase in Medicare Part B premiums and ... Read more
Reimbursement:
Require Evaluations For Smooth Wheelchair Payments
Choose one of these three paths before generating CMN. If Operation Wheeler Dealer hasn't ... Read more
Regulations:
Help Is On The Way For Homebound Demo
OASIS, SCICs also discussed in latest open door forum. The Oct. 4 implementation date for ... Read more
Coding:
Watch Out For Wheelchair Downcodes With New HCPCS
CMS, wheelchair industry offer competing power wheelchair code proposals.Are you ready for... Read more
Reimbursement:
HHA Wins Favorable Ruling For PT Compensation
But the industry's battle is far from over. Home health agencies may get yet another fede... Read more
Wheelchairs:
Basic Equipment Package Basics
If the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services gets its way, here's what will be requ... Read more
Competitive Bidding:
You Can't Hide From Competitive Bidding
Next step set for much-feared DME payment system. Your first chance to get a glimpse of th... Read more
Drugs:
Would $68 Drug Dispensing Fee Keep You Afloat?
Study shows drastic underfunding of inhalation meds under ASP system next year. If Medicar... Read more
Industry Notes:
Hospice Payments Up Only 1% In 2005
Rural hospices see bigger boost. Hospices won't be getting the 3.3 percent payment increas... Read more
OASIS:
Pressure Ulcer Change Could Cost You $900 Per Patient
Get ready for scrutiny of this high-dollar OASIS coding revision. There will be no more fr... Read more
Coverage:
Are You Headed For Disaster Under Doc Exam Requirement?
Scope of face-to-face exam rule shocks DME industry. Think you'd go unscathed by Operation... Read more
Education:
4 Training Tips For Pressure Ulcer OASIS Accuracy
Don't let the newest policy change catch you flat-footed.Both your bottom line and your co... Read more
Regulations:
Timeline, Exam Limits Add To Burden
Check out these regulatory specifics that could create a bureaucratic nightmare for you. I... Read more
Reimbursement:
Buddy-Up With Hospital Billers To Nail M0175
Check out these experts' tips for getting the crucial OASIS item on inpatient stays right ... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Train On Coding Now To Keep Cash Flowing This Fall
Follow these 6 tips for a seamless transition to new ICD-9 codes Oct. 1. If your staff are... Read more
Industry Notes:
Medicare Cuts Power Wheelchair Spending By 33%
Are you one of the many suppliers caught in the crossfire? The Medicare cuts to power whee... Read more
Medicare Gives Hospitals Leeway In HHA Listing COP
Use the new requirement as a tool to make sure hospital referrals are on the up-and-up.&nb... Read more
Fraud Crackdown On Suppliers Sweeps Across Nation
Wheelchair fraud enforcement actions continue to rack up.Prosecutors are revealing the bon... Read more
Prepare For Battle In Court To Defend Your Compensation
HHAs that can't afford costly legal fees are stuck with unfair compensation for therapists... Read more
Will Reduced Oxygen Payments Knock The Wind Out Of You?
OIG urges strapped states to adopt, enforce payment limits. Medicare has ratcheted down ox... Read more
Use CPO Changes To Your Marketing Advantage
Medicare to allow non-physician practitioners to bill for care plan oversight.If you're lo... Read more
For-Profit Hospice Chain Sees Loss In Second Quarter
Hospice powerhouse VITAS sees another quarter of stellar earnings.VistaCare Inc. is learni... Read more
Regulations:
Check These Steps For Correct NPP Care Plan Oversight Billing
Physician practices that want to secure the reimbursement due to them for home health care... Read more
OASIS:
HHAs To See M0175 Underpayments Returned - At First
CMS relents on assessing only overpayments for OASIS item on prior inpatient stays. How co... Read more
Reimbursement:
Know Your Facts - M0175 Recoupments
Home health agencies are getting a bit of breathing room on coming M0175 takebacks. W... Read more
Drugs:
90% Cut To Respiratory Drugs Could Wipe Out Industry
Will a dispensing fee turn the tide? The average sales price system for drug payments is s... Read more
Coverage:
Think Inhalers Can Solve Medicare's Respiratory Drug Problem? Think Again, Industry Argues
CMS may force beneficiaries onto cheaper equipment - and off your rolls.Heads up, respirat... Read more
Hospice:
Hospice Payments To Increase 3.3% In 2005
Split your claims over Oct. 1 or you'll receive lower payment. Hospices should enjoy the f... Read more
Finance:
Amedisys Sees Banner Quarter With 77% Revenue Increase
Gentiva revenues flat due to state, managed care dips. If you're not increasing profits un... Read more
Industry Notes:
Drug Cuts, Managed Care Take Bite Out Of Apria's Bottom Line
Company not for sale, execs insist. The latest Medicare payment cuts to inhalation drugs a... Read more
Quality Improvement:
YOU COULD FACE NEW QUALITY MEASURES, IF PROPOSALS FINALIZED
Number of process-based measures would replace patient outcomes. An organization you may n... Read more
QUALITY MEASURES FOR PUBLIC REPORTING RECOMMENDED BY NATIONAL QUALITY FORUM
Current Home Health Compare Measures Retained: 1. Improvement in bathing2. Improvement in... Read more
Reimbursement:
GIVE YOUR TWO CENTS ON NEW WHEELCHAIR POLICIES
SNF bundling for DME explained in Open Door Forum.New proposals for Medicare policies on p... Read more
Standards:
NEW 2005 NATIONAL PATIENT SAFETY GOALS FOR HOME CARE PROVIDERS
Goal: Accurately and completely reconcile medications across the continuum of care. Duri... Read more
Accreditation:
ADD 2 NEW PATIENT SAFETY GOALS TO YOUR 2005 TO-DO LIST
JCAHO focuses on medication management, patient falls. Starting next year you may have to ... Read more
Regulations:
TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT YOUR WAGE INDEX FOR NEXT YEAR
Physician stamps, consolidated billing details revealed at Open Door Forum. If you thought... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
FLORIDA SUPPLIER COUGHS UP $1.4 MILLION FOR FALSE CLAIMS
Due diligence could prevent you from having to do the same. If you're thinking about acqui... Read more
Industry Notes:
HOME CARE LEGISLATION MAKES HEADWAY
HHA, DME bills see action. Despite the lack of hope that bills proposing home care improve... Read more
Documentation:
ACE YOUR HOMEBOUND REVIEW WITH THESE 6 TIPS
Make sure OASIS backs up your patients' homebound status. Don't let your preoccupation wit... Read more
Medical Review:
HOW TO SURVIVE A PRE-PAYMENT AUDIT FOR WHEELCHAIRS
With the right documentation, suppliers can get through and get paid. Are you suffering th... Read more
Legislation:
SENATORS PROPOSE RELIEF FOR RURAL HHAS
But don't get too attached to the 5 percent add-on currently in place. It's tough to be a ... Read more
Compliance:
5 STEPS TO BETTER BOARD OF DIRECTOR COMPLIANCE
Can small providers use the OIG's guidance? New federal sentencing guidelines put the task... Read more
Hospice:
UPCOMING REG MAY CUT HOSPICE-SNF CONFUSION
COPs, amendments also on hospice horizon. A condition of participation on how long-term ca... Read more
Industry Notes:
PROVIDER APPEALS PROCESS TO JOIN THE 21ST CENTURY
Association blasts CMS' appeals inaction. The rules could change by the next time you take... Read more
Referrals:
HOSPITAL REFERRALS TO HOME CARE STILL A SECRET
Long delay to hospital referral reg gets even longer. Don't expect to see your local hospi... Read more
Regulations:
COPS RESCHEDULED - AGAIN
The hospital referral regulation wasn't the only home health entry in the Centers forMedic... Read more
Regulations:
EXPECT WHEELCHAIR DOWNCODES AFTER SCOOTER REG FINALIZED
Change in prescribing requirements slated for September. A rule making it easier to order ... Read more
Eligibility:
UNCLE SAM WANTS YOU - FOR HOMEBOUND DEMONSTRATION
Demo results could change the homebound definition forever. More details about the upcomin... Read more
Demonstration:
WILL HOMEBOUND DEMO MAKE YOUR LIFE HARDER?
Industry voices laundry list of concerns about the new project. The upcoming homebound dem... Read more
False Claims:
WHISTLEBLOWERS PROVE SUREST PATH TO FRAUD INVESTIGATION
Every dollar spent on prosecution puts $13 back in federal treasury, new report says. With... Read more
Labor Law:
IF YOU WITHHOLD PAYCHECKS, YOU'RE RISKING THOUSANDS
Follow these experts' tips for a better way to deal with late paperwork. You could be cour... Read more
Industry Notes:
ELECTROMAGNETIC THERAPY BUNDLED INTO HOME HEALTH PPS
Since you can count it toward M0825, you have to pay for it. Add one more service to the l... Read more
Regulations:
NEW FORM ADDS TO ABN BURDEN
Get ready to personally deliver notices every single time services are reduced or end. Hom... Read more
Patient Rights:
NEMB EXCEPTIONS GIVE HHAS BREATHING ROOM
While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services claims home health agencies will ha... Read more
Medical Necessity:
COURT DECISION ON CMNS COULD MAKE LIFE EASIER - EVENTUALLY
Don't give up your additional wheelchair documentation just yet. Suppliers are celebrating... Read more
Reimbursement:
DON'T LET LACK OF DOCUMENTATION COST YOU THOUSANDS
One agency lost $37,000 thanks to spotty record-keeping. How much is enough? That's the pe... Read more
Fraud & Abuse - IT'S FAR FROM OVER:
THE FEDS' POWER WHEELCHAIR CRACKDOWN ROLLS ON
Medicare fraud charges leveled at suppliers in Texas, Pennsylvania. Operation Wheeler Deal... Read more
Marketing:
GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND BOOST YOUR BUSINESS IN ONE STEP
Check out these valuable tips from other providers on how to get involved. It's a classic ... Read more
Industry Notes:
WHISTLEBLOWER RACKS UP $6.1 MILLION HOME HEALTH SETTLEMENT
Qui tam case hinged on medical necessity. Phoenix-based Banner Health will pay $6.1 millio... Read more
OASIS:
CONFIRM M0175 TAKEBACKS WITH NEW CWF OPTION
Get to know 'APP DATE'  field if you want to know whether recoupments are right. How ... Read more
Reimbursement:
LOOK UP PRIOR HHA STAYS TOO
Hospital and nursing home stays aren't the only ones found in the Common Working File. Now... Read more
Compliance:
SUPPLIERS BRACE FOR CONTINUED SCRUTINY BY FEDS
If you're not on your best behavior, it could mean criminal charges. It's not just your im... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
BOGUS ORTHOTICS CLAIMS CRIPPLE DME COMPANIES
Suppliers face possible decades of jail time. If you furnish orthotics, you can bet your c... Read more
Survey & Certification:
BEWARE DROP-OFF SITES CONSIDERED UNAUTHORIZED BRANCHES
End of stepped-up review in sight for Texas wheelchair suppliers? The termination of a Col... Read more
Compensation:
CMS APPLIES THERAPY LIMITS DESPITE LOSSES IN COURT
HHAs without resources to fight court battles lose out on therapist compensation. Once aga... Read more
Recruitment & Retention:
5 TIPS FOR THERAPIST RECRUITMENT & RETENTION
Are your therapists in the game or sitting on the bench? Therapists can help improve your ... Read more
Industry Notes:
MEDPAC RECOMMENDS CLOSE LOOK AT HOSPICE
The burgeoning use of the Medicare hospice benefit is causing congressional advisors to re... Read more
Compliance:
MAKE DOCUMENTATION YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY
Are you covering these two crucial homebound areas in your records? Homebound status might... Read more
Regulations:
EXPECT WHEELCHAIR COVERAGE GUIDELINES BY YEAR'S END
New HCPCS codes slated for fall. Now that the government workgroup on wheelchair clinical ... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
WHEELCHAIR FRAUD COSTS TEXAS SUPPLIERS THEIR OWN WHEELS
Brothers could face 10 years in prison. Two more Texas wheelchair suppliers are facing th... Read more
Coverage:
WILL FUNCTIONAL AMBULATION BE KEY TO WHEELCHAIR COVERAGE?
New CMN likely in the works. Medicare officials may have gotten more than they bargained f... Read more
Marketing:
SEIZE DRG PROPOSAL AS HOSPITAL MARKETING OPPORTUNITY
Make transfer lemons into lemonade. If you let the newest changes to the DRG transfer poli... Read more
Hospitals:
PROPOSED DRGS SUBJECT TO POST-ACUTE TRANSFER POLICY
The DRG for psychoses will be the newest addition to the post-acute transfer payment polic... Read more
Industry Notes:
HHA PROFIT MARGIN ON MEDICARE ONLY 3%, ASSOCIATION SAYS
Medicare payment cuts to blame for decrease. The latest cost report data shows just how fa... Read more
Reimbursement:
PPS RESHUFFLING WILL AFFECT YOUR PAYMENT RATES IN 2005
Outlier, wage index changes most significant in new PPS rule. Outlier patients may be less... Read more
Competitive Bidding:
SUPPLIERS BIDE THEIR TIME AS BIDDING LOOMS CLOSER
Bidding advisory committee nominations due by July. Durable medical equipment suppliers ma... Read more
Referrals:
HHAS HAVE NEW WEAPONS AGAINST PATIENT-STEERING HOSPITALS
New OIG compliance guidance, Medicare COPs head off shady referrals. If hospitals fail to ... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
DME SUPPLIER, DOCTOR ARRESTED IN KICKBACK SCAM
It's not just power wheelchair fraud keeping the feds busy in Texas these days. In the lat... Read more
Industry Notes:
CONGRESSMAN PROPOSES AXING FEHBP CUTS TO DME
Federal health plan's costs aren't the same as Medicare's. Durable medical equipment suppl... Read more
Regulations:
HHAs May Win Relief From MSA Changes
Surveys, M0175 also addressed in forum. Home health agencies will face sometimes-crippling... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Don't Let Ulcer Code Changes Delay Your Reimbursement
Grace period elimination means you'd better be up to speed on the new codes by Oct. 1. The... Read more
Coverage:
Disregard Diabetic Shoe Policy, CMS Instructs
New wheelchair coverage forum set for June. A wave of panic gripped the diabetic shoe supp... Read more
Finance:
Guess Who's Coming To A Wal-Mart Near You - Apria
Company will exit respiratory business if ASP pricing system takes effect as planned. Cust... Read more
Therapy:
Maximize Therapy To Reap Reimbursement, Quality Benefits
Follow this agency's lead to increase your case mix level 20 percent. If you'd like to boo... Read more
Risk Management:
Beware These Pitfalls When Increasing Therapy Utilization
Don't let dollar signs get in the way of quality care. Boosting therapy utilization is a g... Read more
Industry Notes:
Do You Know The DOL's New 'FairPay' Rules For Overtime?
Hourly versus salary is key. Under the new FairPay rules, workers earning less than $23,66... Read more
Referrals:
Brace Yourself For OIG Crackdown On Doc CPO
100% of physician care plan oversight claims denied in preliminary audit.The HHS Office of... Read more
Marketing:
Help Docs Bill Home Care CPO Correctly - Before The OIG Does
Check out these 13 musts for billing physician care plan oversight of home care patients.D... Read more
HIPAA:
Don't Let HIPAA Hinder Your Patient Access
You should track your hospital patients.It's a common scenario since HIPAA reared its ugly... Read more
Survey & Certification:
3 Steps To Follow When Hospitals Are Barring Patient Access
When hospitals are barring your access to patients and their records, what can you do? A l... Read more
Hospice:
Hospice Companies Troubled Despite Surging Earnings
Odyssey defends quality of care.A 28 percent spike in revenues and 32 percent jump in inco... Read more
Reimbursement:
Tough Luck On Incorrect Payment Limits, PRRB Says
You're at the mercy of your FI's errors.A New Mexico home health agency had to eat $60,000... Read more
Industry Notes:
Disease Management Saves Thousands Per Patient
Major insurer to test heart failure DM.Payors seem to finally be wising up that an ounce o... Read more
Eligibility:
Homebound Demonstration Slated For Fall
But will demo patients be a financial liability for HHAs? If your state gets chosen to par... Read more
Coverage:
Wrap Your Brain Around This New Homebound Definition
In its upcoming demonstration project, as mandated by the Medicare Modernization Act of 20... Read more
Legislation:
Drug Cuts To Hit Home Care Pharmacies Hard
Hemophilia drug rates will drive patients into institutions, industry says. Respiratory pr... Read more
Reimbursement:
Claim Only Acquisition Cost For Related Supplies, PRRB Says
Board limits directors' compensation. A South Carolina home health agency struck out on tw... Read more
Hospice:
Reimbursement Changes Could Be On Hospice Horizons
Are you ready for a case mix system? The hospice industry is undergoing major changes, and... Read more
Finance - Experts:
Hospice M&A To Soar
For-profit chain faces shareholder lawsuit over earnings. The consolidation of the booming... Read more
Industry Notes:
ID Number Changes Coming HHAs' Way
Lone Star state sparks provider ID shuffle. If you needed proof the home health agency mar... Read more
OASIS:
Master These CWF Tips To Increase M0175 Accuracy
 Do you know your way around ELGA? The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services h... Read more
Education:
Don't Let 14-Day Window Close On You
$600 per patient at risk to simple counting mistakes. Can you count to 14? You may think s... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Feds Demonize Wheelchair Advertising In Senate Hearing
OIG paints DME industry with broad fraud brush -- make sure your ads aren't on the easel. ... Read more
Studies & Surveys:
Only 13% Of Wheelchair Claims Valid, OIG Says
Wheelchair suppliers can expect even more scrutiny thanks to harsh reports from the HHS Of... Read more
Reimbursement:
Trio Of Pricing Changes Threaten Wheelchair Payments
Prepare for face-to-face requirement. Suppliers have been suffering under Operation Wheele... Read more
Enrollment:
Change Of Address Problems Dog Suppliers
Do Not Forward initiative makes moving a payment nightmare. Medicare needs to work out its... Read more
Regulations:
PPS Payment Changes On Their Way
Home health agencies won't see the same old payment rate updates this summer. The Cen... Read more
Industry Notes:
ALJ Upholds Colorado HHA's Termination
If you don't live up to your correction plan, your Medicare number could be forfeit. If yo... Read more
OASIS:
HHAs' OASIS Loads Lightened By One Assessment
Therapy question could prove tricky. Come this fall, you could save a bit of OASIS work if... Read more
Wound Care:
Top Tips For More Accurate OASIS Coding Of Wounds
Don't let these common mistakes cost you $1,500 per patient. The message is clear: OASIS ... Read more
Reimbursement:
New Codes Just The Beginning Of Power Wheelchair Changes
Planned bright lines should help suppliers figure out coverage. The Centers for Medicare &... Read more
Training:
Brush Up On Wound Care Specifics
If your staff could use a wound care in-service, the recent Centers for Medicare & Med... Read more
Marketing:
Cash In On Expanding Consumer-Directed Care Programs
Patient-directed care the wave of the future, experts say. If you've trapped yourself in t... Read more
Industry Notes:
Say GoodBye To SOI
Good riddance, association says. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has sent... Read more
Legislation:
Tough Times Ahead For CMS?
HME industry's MMA experience may rival agencies' BBA disaster. If you were hoping for a b... Read more
HIPAA:
How To Avoid An On-Site Privacy Investigation
Do you know what to do if you receive a call from OCR? Ring ... ring! You answer the phone... Read more
Survey & Certification:
OASIS Suspensions Adds More Work For Private Pay Patients
Assessment time points added for some. If the suspension of OASIS data collection for priv... Read more
Regulations:
CMS Grants Some Assessment Flexibility
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has thrown home health agencies one bone ... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Suppliers Plead Guilty In 'Operation Roll Over'
Physician could face 10 years in prison for false CMNs. The pressure is building in a Texa... Read more
Industry Notes:
Intermediary Targets Claims With Low Functional, High Service Domains
Can you prove your patients who are independently performing activities of daily living re... Read more
Mergers & Acquisitions:
TLC Finds Happy Home With Highest Bidder
Institutional investor buys home nursing chain out of bankruptcy. Don't be surprised to se... Read more
Finance:
Medicare Cuts Signal Hard Times For Entire Industry
Medicare reductions cost Lincare $12.3 million in the first quarter. Lincare Holdings Inc.... Read more
OASIS:
Tune Into Wound Care Training - Your Surveyors Will
How accurate are your OASIS wound care answers?Heads up HHAs: It appears OASIS wound care ... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Lone Star State Doc Convicted Of Wheelchair Scam
Fraud 'hot spots' move to other states. The feds' crackdown on power wheelchair fraud is b... Read more
Reimbursement:
Turn M0175 Losses Into Gains
Follow these experts' tips to estimate your M0175 takebacks - and mitigate them. If you're... Read more
Medical Review:
Not Enough Time To Go Back?
Try this quick solution for M0175. Home health agencies strapped for time, resources and/o... Read more
Compliance:
Paying Too Much In Rent? The OIG Might Want To Know Why
Home care providers must exercise extreme caution when choosing their landlords and negoti... Read more
Survey & Certification:
Use Exit Conferences To Deflect Unfair Survey Findings
Surveys get tougher, thanks to GAO. It happens to the best of home health agencies: You've... Read more
Industry Notes:
CERT Slip Will Bring You
Don't let a non-response mar your record. If you fail to respond quickly to a record reque... Read more
Referrals:
STARK II FANS FLAMES OF PATIENT STEERING CONTROVERSY
Hospitals can require docs to refer to their HHAs, rule says. The long-running grudge matc... Read more
Compensation:
USE STARK II POINTERS TO SET DOC PAYMENTS
New reg clarifies physician payment gray areas. Home care providers confused about how to ... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
BEWARE OF SHARED EMPLOYEES UNDER STARK II
Will your business practices pass Stark inspection? Watch out, DME suppliers: Kickback vio... Read more
Reimbursement:
M0175 RECOUPMENTS TOTAL $23 MILLION JUST FOR FIRST YEAR
Can you estimate your M0175 liability for the coming retroactive recoupments? Tens of mill... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
MONITOR YOUR VITALS TO ACHIEVE PPS SUCCESS
Follow this agency's lead to keep your business humming. If you're swimming in a sea of f... Read more
Coverage:
SUPPLIERS SEEK AMBULATORY BRIGHT LINES FOR WHEELCHAIR COVERAGE
Wheelchair forum barely scratches the surface of suppliers' concerns. Five hundred people ... Read more
Statistics:
KNOW YOUR FACTS: OPERATION WHEELER DEALER
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and law enforcement officials are crackin... Read more
Industry Notes:
USE MEDICARE DRUG DISCOUNT WEB SITE TO HELP PATIENTS
One HHA's social workers will tap into new drug resource. Are you looking for a way to boo... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
How To Protect Your Reimbursement For Transfer Patients
A little research can go a long way.  One of the touchiest billing scenarios under th... Read more
Reimbursement:
Follow These 4 Steps To Master Transfers
Documentation can make or break your reimbursement.  When you accept patients transfe... Read more
Reimbursement:
Avoid A Fight To Save Dollars
Home health agencies that want to dispute transfers may have a long wait -- Cahaba GBA war... Read more
Coverage:
Wheelchair Industry Wins Coverage Restriction Battle
But how will suppliers fare in the Wheeler Dealer war?  Wheelchair suppliers, be... Read more
Wound Care:
Medicare Covers New Wound Care Treatment
Service should add to M0825 therapy threshold count.  Home health patients with chron... Read more
Studies & Surveys:
Enteral Nutrition Suppliers Soon May Be Hungry For Payment
Competitive bidding won't necessarily forestall quicker payment decreases.  Suppliers... Read more
HIPAA:
Do You Copy? You Could Find Yourself Over-And-Out
Follow this 8-step plan to HIPAA-proof your copy machine. Just think ... with each copy yo... Read more
Industsry Notes:
Tap New Market For Private Pay Home Care
Reverse mortgages may become more popular as financial institutions focus resources on rai... Read more
Oasis:
M0175 Takebacks Closing In As Millions Added To Overpayments
United Government Services overpaid HHAs $5.3 million -- and it plans to get it back.... Read more
Medical Review:
Follow These 3 Tips To Whip Common M0175 Mistakes
Do you wish you could have more claims in medical review? Not likely, but that's what coul... Read more
Regulations:
5 Weapons Against Wheelchair Fraud Could Save Your Business
Suppliers brainstorm for Operation Wheeler Dealer relief.  If beleaguered wheelchair ... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Sting Operation Nets Fraudulent DMEs
Is your business partner a provider -- or an undercover agent?  For durable medi... Read more
Lawsuits:
Court Upholds Dismissal Of Gentiva Malpractice Suit
Testimony rules swing in Gentiva's favor. A legal technicality has kept Gentiva Health Ser... Read more
Reimbursement:
Don't Ignore PRRB Filing Deadlines
Review board isn't forgiving of filing lapses, decision shows.  A home health agency ... Read more
People:
McClellan To Take CMS Top Post Amid Drug Controversy
It wasn't pretty, but it's official. Mark McClellan, MD, is the new Centers for Medicare &... Read more
Industry Notes:
Physician Cert Payments Hit Hurdles
Faculty date of service instructions hold up doc home care funds. Home health agencies may... Read more
OASIS:
RHHI To Recoup $10 Million For M0175 Mistakes
Pre-pay edits for the OASIS item are on your doorstep - here's how to face them. It may be... Read more
Lawsuits:
Trade Association Prepares Lawsuit Over M0175 Takebacks
What about missed SNF, rehab stays? Home health agencies continue to hold out hope that th... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Suppliers Vent About Wheeler Dealer, Coverage
CMS mum on possible remedies. Feelings were running high at a March 3 special listening se... Read more
Reimbursement:
It's No Joke - HHA Payment Cuts Hit On April Fool's Day
End episodes now to secure higher payment. Good news for rural agencies but bad news for e... Read more
Medical Review:
Medical Review Push Threatens Diabetic Supplies Claims
Patient logs key to surviving scrutiny. If your claims for diabetic testing supplies are g... Read more
Industry Notes:
Your HIPAA Clock Is Ticking
It's not quite sink or swim time, but it's getting close. If you're not submitting electro... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
Inefficient HHAs To Blame For PPS Losses, GAO Says
Bigger is generally better when it comes to profit margins.  Would you like your home... Read more
Legislaton - MedPAC To Congress:
Freeze HHA Payments
HHAs must battle high-roller rep.  Two government agencies have delivered a one-two p... Read more
Regulators:
Batten Down The Hatches For An ABN Tidal Wave
Court decision points to increased regulatory burden for HHAs.  Are you ready to hand... Read more
Coverage:
Senator Calls CMS On Carpet For Wheelchair 'Clarification'
The wheelchair industry appears to have lured a political heavy-weight to its corner. Sena... Read more
Kickbacks:
Court OKs Per Patient Marketing Compensation
But don't take the decision as a free ride on outside marketers' pay.  In a surp... Read more
Lawsuits:
Shorter Sentences Ordered For HHA Convicts
In addition to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision on the kickback portions of... Read more
Marketing:
Avoid Kickbacks With These 4 Steps
Inappropriate compensation for marketers could cost you thousands.  Despite a new fed... Read more
Industry Notes:
Nurse Registries Featured In CA Fraud
Hardships for all providers a likely upshot, CMS says.  Nurse registries served as a ... Read more
Oasis:
First Round Of M0175 Takebacks Could Be Only A Month Away
CMS official reveals M0175 recovery schedule for early claims. Just because you haven't se... Read more
Coverage:
Give Your Two Cents At Wheelchair Forum
CMS still ducks industry questions, rep says. Wheelchair providers are still hopping mad a... Read more
Regulations:
Other Open Door Forum News
Supplier numbers. There are about 3,500 applications for supplier numbers in the que, dow... Read more
Lawsuits:
HHA Settles Suit Against HealthGrades
Ratings Web site drops HHA section. You may still have Home Health Compare to worry about,... Read more
HIPAA:
Make Patient Privacy A Priority
5 tips for creating and maintinaing an effective HIPAA sanctions policy. Whether it's the ... Read more
Recruitment & Retention:
Beware These 4 Interview Land Mines
Head off discrimination allegations by heeding this list of what not to ask. Interviews ar... Read more
Industry News:
New Head Of CMS On Deck
A new leader soon will take the reins and lead policy-making decisions at the Centers for ... Read more
Hospice Costs More Than Traditional Care, Study Claims
Could newly revealed data mean hospices will lose favor with lawmakers, regulators? A surp... Read more
Statistics - Know Your Facts:
Hospice Costs
Hospice may be more cost effective for younger patients than older ones, says a new study&... Read more
Legislation:
Senate Leader Wants Wheelchair Hearings
Will your advertising practices stand up to scrutiny? Wheelchair providers who have been ... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
West Coast Fraud Could Mean Tougher Regulation
Industry veterans fear ORT-style crackdown on industry is coming. The honeymoon with the p... Read more
Managed Care:
Use One Signature To Meet Grijalva Requirements
Follow tips from the experts on documenting a refusal to sign the notice of termination. I... Read more
Enforcement:
HHAs Burned By Fraud Spotlight
MD owner to serve two years in prison while MI owner could face 20. Beware trying to wear ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Home Care Settlement Kept In Check By Self-Disclosure
SC provider to shell out $9.5 million When Bon Secours Health System Inc. acquired Greenvi... Read more
Finance:
Intrepid Tries To Shake Financier With Bankruptcy Filing
Bankruptcy litigation has turned ugly as a 196-office HHA chain dukes it out with financi... Read more
Finance:
Know Your Facts: Intrepid and MedShares
Check out these facts about one of the nation's largest, and privately held, home health ... Read more
Marketing:
Tailor Your Marketing Message To Docs' Tight Schedules
Follow these 5 tips from a leading physician to make sure your sales pitch hits the targe... Read more
Marketing:
4 Key Points Every Marketing Message Should Contain
Not sure what to stress as the highlights in your marketing message to physicians (see&nb... Read more
Kickbacks:
OIG OKs Copay Waiver On Diabetes Supplies
Follow these top attorneys' tips to make sure your copay waivers are legit.Don't let a so... Read more
Managed Care:
Add One More Item To Your To-Do List: Grijalva Appeals
Consult these five pointers on the new managed care appeals burden.Think the new Medicare... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Feds Roll Over Wheelchair Operators In Texas Bust
More investigations on the way, OIG promises.The jig is up for seven durable medical equi... Read more
Industry Notes:
Say Goodbye To Coding Grace Period
You have HIPAA to thank for more administrative inflexibility. The Health Insurance Porta... Read more
OASIS:
Use CWF To Answer M0175 Correctly
OIG scrutiny and payment impacts make getting correct information on patients' prior inpat... Read more
Reimbursement:
5 Steps To M0175 Success On CWF
Beat CMS to the punch with these experts' tips. Now is the time to beef up your M0175 info... Read more
Coverage:
New Coalition Wants Wheelchair Policy Changes Rescinded
CMS tries to sneak in drastic changes through back-door policy-making, critics charge. The... Read more
Coverage:
Wheelchair Changes Increase Medicare Costs, Industry Says
The power mobility industry has a host of complaints against Medicare's recent so-called c... Read more
Legislation:
Home Care Cuts Back On The Horizon
Increased Medicare bill cost estimate puts HHAs at risk. Just when home health agencies ar... Read more
Studies & Surveys:
OIG Blasts Respiratory Drug Pricing
Are even more cuts in store for albuterol and ipratropium bromide? Never one to mind beati... Read more
Appeals:
New M+CO Appeals Burden Hits HHAs Hard
Make sure you know what's required - and what's not - under the  mandate.  Relat... Read more
Appeals:
Don't Ignore Grijalva Appeals If You Don't Do Managed Care
Fast-track appeals to hit Medicare fee-for-service too. Home health agencies that do littl... Read more
Marketing:
5 Places To Look For New Referrals
Don't miss these surefire markets hiding right under your nose. Would you like to grow you... Read more
Managed Care:
Don't Forget Managed Care Marketing Targets
Woo these 7 key players to jump-start your managed care business. If your efforts to secur... Read more
OASIS:
Predict Your Future By Watching SNFs Today
Prepare for additions to publicly shared patient outcomes. It's not hard to guess where Me... Read more
HIPAA:
Take Note Of This New HIPAA Timeline
A new National Provider Identifier will be coming your way. HIPAA will be making yet anoth... Read more
Industry Notes:
Gentiva, Apria Part Ways On $45 Million Contract
A big chunk of respiratory and durable medical equipment business may be up for grabs now ... Read more
OASIS:
Sharpen Your M0175 Skills As CMS Backtracks On Pledge
CMS won't clean up your responses to an OASIS item on prior rehab and SNF stays. Back in N... Read more
Regulations:
Keep Working On HIPAA, Official Reminds ODF Callers
In addition to industry-specific points, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services... Read more
Regulations:
Recent 'Clarification' Puts The Brakes On Wheelchair Coverage
CMS dodges industry's concerns over latest Operation Wheeler Dealer measure. A so-called "... Read more
Reimbursement:
MedPAC To Congress: Freeze HHA Rates In 2005
Low profit margins for hospital-based agencies fail to sway influential advisory body. Hom... Read more
Compensation:
PRRB OKs HR Compensation, But Little Else
Do you think paying your board of directors $1,000 an hour is a good idea? Neither does th... Read more
HIPAA:
Get Hip To HIPAA Hacks
Don't fall for these common cons. From companies offering "certified" HIPAA training to th... Read more
Coding:
Don't Let New Compounding Code Confound You
Use J7621 only for pre-manufactured combinations of albuterol and ipratropium. Many change... Read more
Industry Notes:
Straighten Out Your Payment Diagnosis Code Questions With New Instructions
M0245 codes won't show up on the claim, manual revisions explain. Months after M0245 was i... Read more
Patient Rights:
Use One-Page ABN Or Lose Reimbursement Protection
 6 tips for ABN success now that the two-page form is obsolete. More than two years a... Read more
Legislation:
Master Pricing Change Details To Survive - And Succeed
Will you qualify for an exemption to competitive bidding? The DME Medicare world is changi... Read more
Reimbursement:
Private Duty Division Costs HHA $211K
Getting creative with costing doesn't pay off. When it comes to cost reporting, it's Medic... Read more
Documentation:
Think '5WRT' When It Comes To Documentation
Cost reports may have taken a back seat to more pressing issues under the prospective paym... Read more
Managed Care:
Are You Headed For A Managed Care World?
The new Medicare law has some hidden threats to home care. Providers are scrambling to ass... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Feds Spread Net Wide In Power Wheelchair Crackdown
Power wheelchair enforcement continues to build steam. The long arm of the law tapped a fe... Read more
Industry Notes:
CMS Paves Way For Supplies Charge Reporting
Make sure your costs are fully represented. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Servic... Read more
Regulations:
New PPS Rates May Change More Than Expected
Prepare for inflation update revamp. The market basket index for home health agencies is b... Read more
Hospice:
COPs, Amendments On Hospice Horizon
Hospices have their fair share of regulatory action planned this year. According to the Ce... Read more
Regulations:
Scooter Sales On The Move In Suppliers' Future
POV restriction on fast track for elimination due to power wheelchair crackdown.Mobility p... Read more
Reimbursement:
Slash To Drug Prices Took Effect Jan. 1
Cuts to inhalation drug rates even steeper than for other drugs. The new year has left sup... Read more
Mergers & Acquisitions:
VITAS Sells For $410 Million
 Expect the nation's largest hospice chain to go public quickly after sale Hospice me... Read more
Statistics:
Know Your Facts: VITAS
What makes a $1.5 billion hospice business tick? Here are some vital statistics and inform... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Miami Suppliers Snared In Power Wheelchair Crackdown
Two wheelchair dealers sentenced to prison for more than 11 years. Operation Wheeler Deale... Read more
Industry Notes:
Pricing Changes Cause Claims Payment Delays
RAPs are exempt from the hold. If you admit and discharge a patient between Jan. 1 and Jan... Read more
Available Years:  2004  2003