HME Today News

CMS Letter Hints at Delay?

7/3/2008

A letter from CMS earlier this week seems to leave the door open for a competitive bidding delay.

Competitive Bidding Begins

7/1/2008

The first 10 MSAs are now officially subject to competitive bidding contracts and fee schedules.

Invacare's iPartner Adds Services

6/30/2008

The first 10 MSAs are now officially subject to competitive bidding contracts and fee schedules.

Delay Remains in Limbo

6/26/2008

The vote to end debate failed last night, and the Senate did not end up voting on a Medicare package that would include a long-awaited competitive bidding delay.

Ombudsman Program In Effect

6/25/2008

Despite legislative subterfuge threatening to undermine their efforts, CMS officials declared this week that ombudsmen for the competitive bidding program were now available.

HR 6331 Passes House

6/24/2008

House Bill that includes competitive bidding delay passed 355 to 59 today. Battle still on in the Senate.

Companies Recognize SDB/Diabetes Link

6/20/2008

House Bill that includes competitive bidding delay passed 355 to 59 today. Battle still on in the Senate.

Delay Chances Grow in "Fever Pitch" Week

6/19/2008

Experts say new bills to delay comp bidding could likely be attached to a larger Medicare package that includes a payment fix for physicians.

Think Tank Attacks Proposed Delay

6/18/2008

The Heritage Foundation issued a Web Memo criticizing Congressional pressure to delay comp bidding and lamenting lawmakers "deplorable weakness in controlling entitlement costs."

Wound Therapy Dropped in Two MSAs

6/17/2008

The Heritage Foundation issued a Web Memo criticizing Congressional pressure to delay comp bidding and lamenting lawmakers "deplorable weakness in controlling entitlement costs."

40 Senators Support Delay

6/16/2008

Citing "continuing and serious concerns" about the competitive bidding program, 40 Senators signed on to a letter urging legislation to delay the bidding program.

Stark Introduces Bill to Delay Competitive Bidding

6/13/2008

Rep Pete Fortney Stark (D-Calif) introduced a bill in the House yesterday that seeks to delay rounds one and two of DMEPOS competitive bidding.

Two Lawsuits Turn Up the Heat

6/12/2008

Attorneys at Brown & Fortunato filed a lawsuit this week challenging competitive bidding. In another separate lawsuit, attorneys for AAHomecare also filed suit.

New Acquisition for Permobil

6/11/2008

Permobil Inc, Lebanon, Tenn, has acquired LIFESTAND, a French company specializing in stand-up wheelchairs.

CMS Paints Pretty Picture for Beneficiaries

6/10/2008

CMS forged ahead with a comp bidding educational program to notify affected round one beneficiaries.

Foot Mouse Makes Debut

6/6/2008

CMS forged ahead with a comp bidding educational program to notify affected round one beneficiaries.

Watch-PAT Expands Capabilities

6/5/2008

Itamar Medical has received FDA clearance for an expanded sleep architecture and staging application.

Medicare Package Looms Large

6/4/2008

With the so-called "doc fix" a key component of this month's Medicare package, the next 2 weeks hold huge stakes for the industry.

Fastrack Launches Auction Exchange

6/3/2008

With the so-called "doc fix" a key component of this month's Medicare package, the next 2 weeks hold huge stakes for the industry.

Invacare to Raise Fuel Charge

6/2/2008

Citing rising costs of raw materials and fuel, Invacare officials will increase freight fuel charges from $14.95 to $24.95 on June 1, 2008.