WASHINGTON, DC – To give HME providers the best opportunity to participate in major data collection initiatives, AAHomecare is extending the deadlines for its Industry Cost Survey and for the 2Q 2016 data submission round for the HME Audit Key to Friday, Aug 12.
Your participation in these programs will improve their overall quality and impact, ultimately helping us advocate for better reimbursement policies, rolling back competitive bidding-driven pricing cuts, and much needed reform on Medicare audits. Please be assured that your company’s individual data in both of these surveys will remain confidential and will only be included in the total aggregate data.
Industry Cost Study
To participate in this study, download the MS Excel worksheet linked below and send the completed file to Steven Heath at Dobson DaVanzo, [email protected].
Click Here for Cost Analysis Study.
More information is available at aahomecare.org/truecost. To produce a report by September, we are unable to extend this deadline beyond Aug. 12.
HME Audit Key – 2nd Quarter 2016 Data Submission Round
The HME Audit Key survey is open to all providers regardless of the number of audits they are receiving. Previous participation is not required, and new data submissions are always welcome.
Please note that survey does not require providers to submit data on individual claims, but instead seeks cumulative counts of pre- and post-payment audits and appeal claim outcomes under DME MAC, RAC and SMRC reviews. Register, find more information/support, and enter your data at HMEAuditKey.org.
Maine Providers Get Relief on Medicaid Cuts
AUGUSTA, ME – Maine DME providers and the Home Medical Equipment & Services Association of New England (HOMES) were recently successful in rolling back Medicaid rate cuts for HME tied to the January 1 and July 1 bidding-derived Medicare rate cuts.
Laura Williard, AAHomecare’s senior director of payor relations assisted HOMES in developing their strategy push back against the cuts, and also enlisted Asela Cuervo, a consulting counsel to AAHomecare, to review and suggest additional policy arguments and clinical references for HOMES’ July 22 letter to MaineCare asking for relief.
In a subsequent meeting with Maine HME stakeholders, MaineCare announced their plans to go back to the December 2015 schedule, and to adjust claims retroactively to January 1. MaineCare’s director, Stefanie Nadeau, also agreed to re-establish regular meetings with HOMES to work on prior authorization, billing, and claims issues. Congratulations to HOMES’ executive director Karyn Estrella (pictured) for her efforts and success on behalf Maine HME providers. Laura and AAHomecare hope to work with other state association leaders on similar initiatives going forward.
