H.R. 3559 Is a Top Priority for August Congressional Meetings, American Assn for Homecare

Main Category: Caregivers / Homecare
Article Date: 06 Aug 2005 - 0:00 PDT

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The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) asks that all homecare providers urge their Member of the U.S. House of Representatives to cosponsor H.R. 3559, the "Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2005" introduced by Rep. David Hobson (R-OH) and Rep. John Tanner (D-TN). The bill would remedy many of the "competitive bidding" provisions of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 with provisions to safeguard patient access to care and protections for small providers.

Homecare providers can schedule meetings with their Member of Congress during the August recess while Members are in their home districts. If a personal meeting with the Member or staff cannot be scheduled, homecare providers can communicate in others ways such as fax, telephone calls, and letters. See details about effective grassroots lobbying, talking points, and Congressional contact information at http://www.aahomecare.org.

In addition to cosponsors for H.R. 3559, another important point to stress with Members of Congress is the cost-effectiveness and value of homecare. AAHomecare has posted a summary of key medical studies that quantify the value of homecare on the AAHomecare website.

Survey for Small Providers Will Aid Restrictive Contracting Campaign

The AAHomecare website (under Advocacy Priorities) also has an important survey for small providers that will help the homecare community illustrate the case for changes in the competitive bidding program. Or go directly to:
or Click HEre

. AAHomecare Opposes Cut in Dispensing Fee for Inhalation Drugs

Please note yesterday's alert regarding a possible cut in the Medicare dispensing fee for inhalation drug therapies at http://www.aahomecare.org. AAHomecare reiterated its strong opposition to any reduction in the Medicare dispensing fee for home inhalation drug therapy citing the threat of reduced patient access to care and lack of data to support a cut. AAHomecare advocates an inflation increase. In its proposed 2006 physician fee schedule released on August 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) suggested that the 2006 dispensing fee "will likely be lower than the 2005 level."

Value of Homecare Case Study

Cardiac Telehealth Program Reduces Hospital Readmissions, Improves ADLs

Sentara Home Care Services in Chesapeake, VA developed a Cardiac Connection Program combining traditional home health nursing visits with interactive home telehealth. Since 2001, the program has enrolled 57 Medicare beneficiaries over age 65 with a New York Heart Association classification of 3 or 4. The agency targeted patients who were frequent users of the hospital emergency room and hospital beds. Registered nurses with cardiac nursing experience initially visited patients in their homes and installed the telehealth monitor and trained the patient and family on its use. On days when the nurse is not in the home, he/she makes a video visit to the patient.

Results of the program:

· 81 percent decrease in hospital readmissions
· 87 percent decrease in hospital days
· 50 percent improvement in ADLs
· 81 percent decrease in emergency room utilization
· improved utilization of nursing staff in time of nursing shortage

For summaries of additional studies on the cost-effectiveness of homecare, see AAHomecare's website. AAHomecare welcomes case studies and promising practices in homecare to share with other providers. Please send them to Michael Reinemer at michaelr@aahomecare.org.

Beth Bowen Is New Director for Virginia Association

The Virginia Association of Durable Medical Equipment Companies (VADMEC) announced a new association management contract with Beth Bowen who will serve as VADMEC's Executive Director. Bowen will also continue in her long-time position as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Association for Medical Equipment Services. Contact: 919-387-1221 vadmec@nc.rr.com.

AAHomecare Adds Stacey Harms to Communications Staff

Stacey Harms, a veteran reporter and graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, joined the American Association for Homecare this week as a Communications Associate. She can be reached at Staceyh@aahomecare.org.

Michael Reinemer, VP, Communications
American Association for Homecare
625 Slaters Lane, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314-1171 703-535-1881
http://www.aahomecare.org

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