WASHINGTON—This year has been huge for the HME industry on Capitol Hill. With the introduction of H.R. 4920 and the AIR Act, we're fighting hard to get our issues to the forefront of our representatives’ minds. The 2015 Washington Legislative Conference, taking place May 19-20, 2015, will be more important than ever. We'll work with you to schedule the right appointments.

WASHINGTON—AAHomecare has developed the Focus on Compliance Workbook to help HME providers develop their company’s compliance program.

WASHINGTON (July 17, 2014)—As a barrage of government audits cripple many home medical equipment companies, legislation proposed in the House would restrict the audits and bring relief to the beleaguered providers. These companies supply Medicare beneficiaries with critical equipment such as oxygen therapy, power wheelchairs and diabetic testing materials. For years, rampant audits have been a financial burden for providers—many small or family-owned businesses.

WASHINGTON (July 15, 2014)—On July 15, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced plans to recompete the supplier contracts awarded in Round 2 of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program. CMS is required by law to recompete contracts under the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program at least once every three years.

WASHINGTON (July 16, 2014)—The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has launched fixmedicareaudits.org as the new headquarters for DME audit reform. The site will act as a one-stop shop for visitors to learn everything they need to know about audit reform and how to support the Audit Improvement and Reform (AIR) Act. The AIR Act, H.R.

BUFFALO GROVE, IL—NorthShore Care Supply announced Laurie Aines as Vice President, e-Commerce Marketing and Sales. Laurie will be responsible for developing and implementing the company marketing strategy to result in continued sales growth. Laurie comes to NorthShore Care Supply from health care companies such as BioScrip, Inc. and CVS Caremark, and other industries including manufacturing, distribution and retail. “We are excited to have Laurie join us to lead our e-commerce marketing team.

ATLANTA (July 17, 2014)—The upcoming Medtrade Conference & Exposition (Oct 20-23 in Atlanta) provides a great opportunity to come face to face with a variety of speakers and exhibitors who offer real-world advice and a myriad of product options. Speaking of face to face, it’s also a great opportunity to come and learn about that very issue. Providers who are confused about the face-to-face (FTF) requirements may wish to attend an educational session with consultant Andrea Stark.

SPRING HOUSE, Penn.—Sandra C. Canally, RN, founder and president of The Compliance Team (TCT), announced in a company-wide email that enrollment in TCT’s industry leading web-based patient satisfaction reporting and benchmarking service has been expanded to include all DMEPOS provider organizations, whether accredited by The Compliance Team or by another Medicare-approved accreditation organization.

NEW YORK (July 14, 2014)—Unique Wellness, the first solution-based disposable adult diaper manufacturer, has launched a free in-store pilot program. They will provide one free case (3 packs) in each size of briefs (diapers) or pull-ups, samples and posters to allow stores the ability to test market their revolutionary NASA-inspired products. Unique Wellness was awarded the coveted Medtrade 2013 Innovative Retail Product Award.