ATLANTA – Powered by Medtrade Radio and sponsored by Emerge Sales, the latest episode of HME Voice is scheduled to be taped this week. The guest will be Tom Ryan (pictured), president and CEO of the American Association for Homecare.

If you have a question for this no-holds-barred discussion, submit it no later than April 9 to Kevin Gaffney, Medtrade group show director, at [email protected]. The next episode of
HME Voice, featuring guest Tom Ryan will air Thursday, April 17, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Just remember Third Thursday at Three.

82 Representatives Sign Thomson-Braley Letter
The congressional letter opposing CMS’ proposed bidding program rules that Reps Glenn Thompson (R-Pa) and Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) spearheaded, was submitted with a total of 82 names. AAHomecare officials hope that the  large number will send a strong message to CMS Administrator Marilynn Tavenner that Congress is serious about fixing the mismanaged program.

Congress Passes One Year ICD-10 Delay
On March 31, the Senate passed the House of Representatives’ version of the Sustainable Growth Rate patch for physician payments. The legislation also included a one-year delay in implementing ICD-10, which prohibits CMS from enforcing any mandate to switch to the new system until at least October 1, 2015. AAHomecare did not request this delay; however, it should help many providers by giving them additional time to prepare for the transition.

AAHomecare Submits Comments Opposing Proposed Bidding Rules
AAHomecare has submitted comments to CMS in response to their recently published proposed rules on expanding the Medicare bidding program to rural areas and bundling payments in the program for HME and enteral therapy. The comments, which required 23 pages including appendices, explained in detail the Association’s opposition to the proposed rules. Read the full text of the Association’s comments on the AAHomecare website.