WHO: FirstGov

WHERE: www.firstgov.gov

WHAT: Calling itself the “first click to government,” this site, a project of the President's Management Council, features organizations, companies and government agencies that have chosen to become partners and have provided links to their Web sites. For instance, when home medical equipment providers do a Medicare keyword search, they are taken to links that feature the latest happenings, changes and prospective challenges as well as legislative issues related to the program. Interesting Topics take users to state and local government agencies as well as the Health Care Financing Administration.

HomeCare found FirstGov to be user-friendly and filled with information on everything from general health care issues to legislative updates relevant to the home health care industry. HME providers might find it useful to visit consumer-minded sites to gather and pass on information to their customers.

WHO: MedicareGuru

WHERE: www.medicareguru.com

WHAT: This site, designed to assist private and academic researchers, offers information on Medicare claims, codes and general Medicare and Medicaid data. HME providers can click on the Medicare claims processing link for an overview of the claims process, eligibility standards and to get answers to questions about the durable medical equipment regional carriers. Providers also can check out the Medicare beneficiary survey, the frequently asked questions page and the Medicare program manuals link.

The only downfall of the site that HomeCare found is that some links take visitors not only to the information requested but also to the sites of entrepreneurs trying to sell products and services. However, users will not be pestered by banner ads or pop-up surveys while they navigate. Overall, MedicareGuru provides a valuable service for providers trying to do research or sift through Medicare terminology, procedures and codes.