Medicare Anti-Fraud Measures are Way Overdue, Says Durable Medical Equipmen... (/p The vast majority of homecare compa...)

Medicare Anti-Fraud Measures are Way Overdue, Says Durable Medical Equipment Industry

Date:1/8/2008

/p>

The vast majority of homecare companies are owned and operated by law-abiding individuals. In many cases, these firms are family operations involving multiple generations, who are dedicated to providing the best possible therapies and medical equipment to treat and improve medical conditions for patients at fair prices. Homecare providers serve patients who suffer from a variety of conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis and congestive heart disease to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt has called for greater use of home- and community-based health care because "it's not only where people want to be served, but it's radically more efficient."

The durable medical equipment or homecare sector represents less than two percent of the total $400 billion-plus Medicare budget. DME is also the slowest growing sector: 2.3 percent DME spending growth from 2005 to 2006. Total Medicare spending grew 19 percent during that same period. Moreover, Americans overwhelmingly prefer home-based care nursing homes and other forms of institutional care.

The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) represents providers of durable medical equipment and related services and supplies as well as equipment manufacturers. AAHomecare members serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require home oxygen equipment, wheelchairs and other mobility products, hospital beds, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, home infusion, and other medical equipment, therapies, services, and supplies delivered in the patient's home. AAHomecare's provider members operate more than 3,000 homecare locations in all 50 states. See http://www.aahomecare.org.

CONTACT: Michael Reinemer, 703-535-1881 or 703-966-9574 (cell); michaelr@aahomecare.org or Tilly Gambill, 703-535-1896; tillyg@aahomecare.org.

8

GOOD

Page: 1 2 3
Related medicine news :

1. Medicare Drug Plan Fuels Health-Care Spending
2. Higher Medicare spending yields mixed bag for patients
3. Most Medicare Drug Plans Continue to Hike Costs into 2008 Two-to-Three Times Rate of Inflation
4. Uninsured Benefit Once They Are Covered by Medicare
5. Health improves for previously uninsured adults after receiving Medicare coverage
6. HealthSouth Issues Statement on Medicare Bill and 75% Rule
7. Study Indicates Strong Consumer Preference to Fix Medicare Part D and Medicaid Flaws Threatening Access to Prescription Drugs
8. Medicare Fraud Strike Force Cases Result in Long Prison Terms for Five Health Care Company Owners
9. One Thing Washington Can Agree On: Time for E-Prescribing in Medicare
10. Kidney Patient Organizations, Kidney Community Come Out in Support of Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) Extension
11. Technology can Dramatically Reduce Billions of Dollars in Medicaid, Medicare Fraud

Post Your Comments:

Medicare Anti-Fraud Measures are Way Overdue, Says Durable Medical Equipmen...(/p The vast majority of homecare compa...),Health