WASHINGTON, DC – It’s not too often that a member of Congress seeks out the complaints of HME providers, but this is one of those times. The deadline is TODAY (June 2).
Rep Jim Renacci (R-Ohio), whose own oxygen business lost its bid in the round one rebid, is seeking direct feedback from suppliers on the bidding and re-review process. Renacci (pictured) wants to hear provider stories and use those stories to inform policy discussions.
Answers will help the industry’s voice be heard at the roundtable that Renacci is hosting on the bidding program and other issues impacting DMEPOS suppliers on June 5 in Ohio.
• To make your voice heard, CLICK HERE and answer seven questions. The deadline is end of day on Monday, June 2. After answering these seven questions, AAHomecare will send your comments directly to the Congressman.
AAHomecare Yields Progress on WOPDs and Face to Face
WASHINGTON, DC – AAHomecare staff and Regulatory Council Members met last week with CMS officials, ultimately convincing the DME MACs to release a revised dear physician letter. According to AAHomecare, the letter “indicates the same physician does not need to conduct the face to face exam and complete the WOPD [written order prior to delivery], and CMS has issued revised instructions that indicate the delay in enforcement for the face to face is applicable to ZPICs, RACS and Program Safeguard Contractors.”
AAHomecare staff Kim Brummett and Heather Boyd, accompanied by AAHomecare Regulatory Council members Kimberlie Rogers-Bower, Judy Bunn, Laraine Forry, Asela Cuervo and Cara Bachenheimer, made the progress during a meeting with CMS staff and the DME MAC Medical Directors to discuss several key issues regarding the current state of the face to face/WOPD requirements.
NJ Public TV: Government Has “Blind Eye and Deaf Ear” Regarding Comp Bidding Problems
BAYONNE, NJ – Last night, New Jersey public television affiliate NJTV featured a story on how the bidding process is hurting local suppliers and patients. View the video clip. The news story featured throat cancer victim Bob Walsh, who feeds through a tube in his stomach, and was unable to get the food supplies he needed because of the bidding process.