Archive - November 2019

Microsoft ended support for SQL 2008/2008 R2 on July 9, 2019, and will end support for Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 and Windows 7 on January 14, 2020.  What does this mean? End of support means that Microsoft will no longer provide technical support, software updates, or security updates or fixes.   If your business uses these systems and continues to use them, it poses a security risk and compliance concerns to your company. This is a great time to upgrade PCs and Windows

By: Angelica Bryant, Marketing Content Coordinator for American Breast Care This post was originally published in Essential Advantage Third Quarter 2019.   With social media feeds full of lavish “me time” get-a-ways, spa-quality bubble baths and exceptionally plated cuisine, it’s no wonder people have begun to associate self-care with indulgence and perfection. In a society where schedules are jammed packed, who has time for such luxuries? In actuality, wellness

A few weeks ago, Essentially Women posted a blog about billing non-assigned, written by Jeff Baird, JD, from Brown & Fortunato, PC. Jeff recently posted a follow-up to his original article, with additional information.  For the last four decades, DME suppliers have primarily provided DME on an assigned basis. Medicare paid the suppliers directly and the patients only had to pay their copayments and deductibles. Until approximately 2010, this worked out for DME suppliers. Reimbursement was

When you come home from work, doesn’t putting on a cozy pair of slippers help you unwind from a long day? Not only can slippers kick off a relaxing evening at home, they can also help support your health in unexpected ways! How can wearing slippers at home contribute to self-care? The answer goes back to the evolution of the surfaces we stand on every day. For most of human history, we walked on soft, forgiving surfaces like earth and sand that naturally conformed to the human footprint.

The van Halem Group recently explained that in a status report published late last month, the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA) revealed a reduction in the appeals backlog by 25%. The OMHA has been actively working to reduce the appeals backlog, from a record high of 886,418 appeals pending an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing in 2018. According to the status report, there were a total of 318,254 appeals pending for the reporting period ending June 30, 2019.  While the 25%

In a follow up to his previous article about cybercrime, VGM Group CEO Mike Mallaro reveals that during a security penetration test at VGM, security consultants were able to identify 63% of the 1,000+ VGM employee passwords. Despite the organization investing heavily in IT security and making the systems and data secure, password security is something that still needs improving. Mallaro shares this information in order to portray the magnitude of the threat the health care industry faces. It is incredibly

In today’s climate of competitive bidding and low reimbursement, it is challenging for suppliers to rely entirely on the assignment model, where Medicare pays the DME supplier directly and the patients are only obligated to pay their copayments and deductibles. Jeffrey S. Baird explains that the industry is witnessing an increasing number of DME suppliers that are (i) electing to be non-participating and billing non-assigned and (ii) selling products to patients for cash.  Continue

The Editorial Advisory Board of HME Business recently shared their insights into what key trends they think providers should be incorporating into their strategic business planning for at least the near term. They believe that providers must diversify and learn how to deal with multiple payers and revenue sources. Specifically, they must learn how to work with a mix of Medicare/Medicaid managed care organizations, private payer insurance carriers, facilities-based care providers such as skilled nursing

By: Megan Matijevich - Marketing & Communications Manager, American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics This article was first featured in the third quarter 2019 issue of Essential Advantage While there are probably several four-lettered words we’d like to say more often when stressed or frustrated, the one I’m referring to is much cleaner and likely to get you better results. That magic word is HELP. We all need it and sometimes we sure could use

EW vendor partner Spectra Baby USA shared their insight into whether or not breast implants have an effect on breastfeeding. Although it is doable, it is important to know that breast implants may have some impact on your breastfeeding journey. Spectra Baby USA highlights important information regarding safety concerns, the type of surgery conducted, and the milk supply level.   Click here to read the blog from Spectra Baby USA.