This year, World COPD Day is organized around the theme "Breathless not Helpless!" According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), the theme emphasizes that breathlessness is not just an inevitable part of getting older. The organization will focus on spirometry resources as it celebrates World COPD Day Wednesday.
People with even minimally symptomatic obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease because of impaired endothelial function and increased arterial stiffness, according to a study from the Oxford Centre for Respiratory Medicine in the United Kingdom, published in the November issue of the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
People with even minimally symptomatic obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease because of impaired endothelial function and increased arterial stiffness, according to a study from the Oxford Centre for Respiratory Medicine in the United Kingdom, published in the November issue of the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Just 60 days from the start of the 36-month cap on oxygen rentals, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released new oxygen payment rules and supplier responsibilities. Though CMS implemented the repeal of the transfer of ownership as required by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), the organization did little to alleviate provider fears regarding payment for service and maintenance and traveling patients. Many questions remain unanswered.
Sleep revenue is expected to grow by 10 percent in the next 12 months, according to the latest HME Sleep & Wound Care Survey, conducted in partnership by Wachovia Capital Markets and HME Business, Respiratory Management's sister publication.
McCain won the National Association of Independent Medical Equipment Suppliers' (NAIMES) presidential election poll at Medtrade with 64 percent of the vote.
ATLANTA — If Medtrade had a theme, it was a resounding focus on legislative activity. From building a better public relations image for the industry to combating fraud and abuse, industry thought leaders' messages were the same.
As the year edges closer to the 36-month oxygen cap, providers are taking a hard look at other opportunities in respiratory, particularly sleep. To help providers sharpen their sleep programs, Medtrade offered a variety of educational sessions.
The Medtrade show will have some special guests this year —the four Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs), the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) and the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC).
VGM has launched a Spanish version of its "Know Your Options: A Guide to Home Care Products and Home Accessibility" guide. The book, part of vgm creative's Off-the-Shelf HME-specific suite of marketing materials, will debut at Medtrade.
