American Association For Homecare Wednesday In Washington, August 15, 2007

Main Category: Caregivers / Homecare
Article Date: 18 Aug 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Action Alert: Congress Asks to Hear from Providers

It is vital that the homecare industry redouble efforts on grassroots advocacy and not become fatigued by the process during the month of August. Focused attention should be paid to Senate lawmakers who are likely to consider a Medicare package in mid-September.

Through several Congressional visits, AAHomecare has learned that some Members of Congress have not heard from providers on the impact proposed cuts to the Medicare oxygen benefit and the elimination of the first month purchase option for power wheelchairs will have on patient access to these items and services. While many lawmakers are aware of these issues, they need to hear from the industry. We encourage each industry professional to commit to making calls urging their Members of Congress to leave these proposals out of any final Medicare legislative package. Engaging your patients in this process is also effective and provides a different and powerful prospective. In person meetings and hosting site visits are also encouraged.

For phone scripts and talking points please visit http://www.aahomecare.org. The switchboard number for the U.S. Capitol is 202-224-3121.

Contact AAHomecare if You're Having Trouble Submitting a Bid

AAHomecare is asking all home medical equipment providers to contact the association if you are having trouble submitting bids for the first round of the Medicare competitive bidding program. We believe that even one provider who is not able to submit a bid because of a bidding system problem is unacceptable; therefore we ask for help in documenting these issues so that we can report them directly to CMS and continue to monitor the situation.

All bids are now due by 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 25, 2007; the registration deadline is August 27,2007; and the accreditation deadline is October 31, 2007.

Please contact Walt Gorski at waltg@aahomecare.org or Stacey Harms at staceyh@aahomecare.org with a detailed description of your problems. Specific detailed information about your problems and your contacts with the CBIC help line are critical.

Reminder: Help Available for Troubleshooting Problems with NSC Site Visits

The National Supplier Clearinghouse Advisory Committee (NSCAC), which serves as the liaison between the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) and homecare providers, has been involved in troubleshooting problems that providers have had with site visits by Overland Solutions. The NSCAC is seeking to hear from companies that have had problems in the site visit process so that it can present these issues to the NSC leadership. Please report positive experiences as well. Affected home medical equipment companies should complete a form that is posted at: click here.

CMS Provides Guide to Preventive Services

CMS announced the release of a comprehensive guide providing fee-for-service health care providers and suppliers with coverage, coding, billing and reimbursement information for preventive services and screenings covered by Medicare, is available for download from CMS. The Guide to Medicare Preventive Services for Physicians, Providers, Suppliers, and Other Health Care Professionals will supply necessary information to successfully bill Medicare for services. To view online, go to here (5.05MB) on the CMS website.

http://www.aahomecare.org.