In This Issue

Mar 26, 2001 12:00 PM, HomeCare's award-winning editors

FEATURES:

A Link in the Chain: Distributors are working to add value to the HME supply chain.

By Richard Park and J.P. Pieratt

A Driving Force in Your Business: How do your delivery technicians rate in attitude, knowledge and service?

By Tiffany Kobashigawa

The Strategy of Accounts Receivable: A well-managed billing department is good for customer service and profit margins.

By Michael Barish

MARKET ANALYSES:

Delivering the Goods: Manual wheelchair makers are designing more adjustable and reliable products that help providers earn fair profits.

By Denise H. McClinton

It's in the Air: The asthma patient population is growing-and so are efforts by medical professionals and device manufacturers to improve treatments.

By Richard Park

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Voice of the Caregiver

By Karen Cavallo

FROM THE EDITOR:

The Right Link

By Marie Blakey

GOOD THINKING:

Sales

Redefining HME: Medical Supplies Discovers New Frontiers

Business Operations

Taking Ownership: Bayonet Point Sells Out-To Its Employees

WASHINGTON WIT & WISDOM:

The Hype About HIPAA

By Cara Bachenheimer

NATIONAL NEWS:

OIG Red Book Recommends DME Reimbursement Cuts

Health Care M&As Lowest in Seven Years

Implement or Not? Oxygen Recertification Confusion Continues

Upgrade Provision Delayed Yet Again

HHS Issues Final Rule on More Flexible Medicaid Coverage

HCFA Revises Homebound Definition

Key Congressional Committees Set Agendas

Industry Lauds HHS Appointment

Bush Federal Register Freeze Includes Stark II Regulation

VGM Taps Prial for Government Relations

STATE NEWS:

OAMES Pushes for Medical Products Tax Exemption

Michigan Eases Strain on Diabetics, ALF Residents

Bills Focus on Contracts Between Oxygen Providers, Pharmacies

Illinois Bets on Outsourcing

PROVIDER NEWS:

In Chapter 11: Mediq Files for Bankruptcy Protection, Reaches

Agreement to Restructure Debt

Coram Committee Looks to File Lawsuit

Banner Taps Phoenix as Headquarters

Study Shows Few Caregivers Turn to DME Dealers for Advice

The Provider NewsWire: Alliances, Financials, Mergers & Acquisitions, Noteworthy

MANUFACTURER NEWS:

New Allegations Brought Against Former HBOC Execs

Simione Central Adopts New Identity

Hill-Rom Pares Divisions, Names President/CEO

The Manufacturer NewsWire: People & Places, Alliances, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financials, Milestones, Product Updates

MEDTRADE WEST PREVIEW:

Viva Las Vegas Hilton: Highlights of the Las Vegas show, including show floor plan and exhibitor list

By Tiffany Kobashigawa

Medtrade West Exhibitors Gallery: A selection of more than 50 products you'll find at the show

PRODUCT FOCUS:

Scooters and Accessories: The tide is turning for scooter makers-and new opportunities are rolling in.

By Tiffany Kobashigawa

DEPARTMENTS:

Q & A: Know What to Pay Your Employees

On the Home Front: Are you one of the bad guys? The Department of Health and Human Services' new pamphlet-Consumer Fraud Pamphlet: Medicare and Home Medical Equipment-defines for patients what makes some HME providers unscrupulous.