Noteworthy
O2 Science Enters Oklahoma Market: Tempe, Ariz.-based O2 Science, a provider of respiratory therapy services and home health products, has acquired Oklahoma City-based AccuCare Medical. “The acquisition of AccuCare allows us to expand into yet another new geographic area, as we continue our quest to introduce services in key markets,” said David Bruggeman, chief operating officer for O2 Science.
American HomePatient Emerges from Bankruptcy: Brentwood, Tenn.-based American HomePatient July 1 reported having emerged from bankruptcy. Founded in 1983, the company operates 287 centers in 35 states and is one of the nation's largest home health care providers. Although AHP plans to restructure the long-term debt obligations to its secured lenders, the company will keep its current management.
VGM Offers Secure CMN: The VGM Group of Waterloo, Iowa, is offering its members Secure CMN, a secure, Internet-based program for processing medical forms online. Members can choose from three basic plans that range from 100 to 1,500 transactions monthly. VGM members interested in Secure CMN may call (800) 642-6065.
MEDIchair Opens Northernmost Location: MEDIchair of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has opened its 59th, and northernmost, location in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, at the former location of Alpine Health Supplies and Services. James Black and Shana MacLean, co-owners of Alpine, will operate MEDIchair Yukon. MEDIchair is a provider of home medical equipment and disposable personal health care products.
Regulatory
ASCA Includes Small-Provider Exemption: The Administrative Simplification Compliance Act (ASCA), which requires that all Medicare claims be submitted electronically, includes a provision that offers small providers an exemption. Information about the exemption and about how the Baltimore-based Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services defines a small provider is available at www.cignamedicare.com.
National
CMS Adds to Physician Directory: The Baltimore-based Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' physician directory soon will include information about the medical backgrounds of physicians participating in the Medicare program. CMS promised to update the information, at www.medicare.gov, monthly.
Consumer Groups Launch ITEM Coalition: More than 65 organizations have joined to launch the consumer-led ITEM Coalition (Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid). The new coalition will work to raise awareness and build support for policies that improve access to assistive devices, technologies and services for people with disabilities and chronic conditions. “Access to new technologies and services must be available to fulfill [Medicare's and Medicaid's] promise,” said Robert Hayes, president of the Medicare Rights Center. The coalition's Web site is www.itemcoalition.org.
For breaking news, go to www.homecaremonday.com, the electronic news service of the home medical equipment industry.
