WATERLOO, Iowa (August 14, 2017)—U.S. Rehab, a division of the VGM Group Inc., released its white paper analyzing the current state of the DMEPOS industry.
Titled “The Delivery of DMEPOS is in Jeopardy,” the white paper provides a data-driven perspective on the adverse effects of competitive bidding on both patients and providers of DME, CRT and O&P-in particular, using Medicare-based rates and discounts for complex rehab products in broad categories.
“The current state of the DMEPOS industry is in a major influx and needs intervention,” said Greg Packer, president of U.S. Rehab. “If the current issues with reimbursement are not addressed, irreparable harm will be done to this delivery system. With reimbursement rates below cost of many products and repairs of those products, we are already seeing the rationing of health care and the inability of patients to receive products and services that have always been available and guaranteed by Medicare.”
U.S. Rehab’s white paper is the first of a series that aims to provide industry stakeholders with a tool to engage with congressional offices and share with advocates. Packer and his team hope that elected officials will begin to see the importance of an overhaul to the system, and provide further evidence that when administered correctly, DME and CRT are cost-saving programs.
“Our intentions are for CMS has held deaf ears to the industry’s continued explanations of specialized equipment and the treating of patient outcomes based on overall cost benefit. As you read the white paper, we show statistical correlated evidence throughout the market that helps the reader understand that we are in-fact a cost saver, not a cost driver.”
The white paper comes at a perfect time as Reps. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) and John Larson (D-Conn) are preparing to introduce legislation to protect manual CRT accessories from bidding-derived reimbursement rates.
“The opportunity to use our white paper as well as other advocacy tools will be instrumental as providers reach out to representatives not committed to supporting Reps Zeldin and Larson’s CRT legislation.”
For more information about U.S. Rehab and to read The Delivery of DMEPOS is in Jeopardy, visit usrehab.com/government-relations.aspx.
