Despite frigid temps and snowy forecasts, spring will be here before you know it so be sure to save the date, May 15-16, 2024, for Great Lakes 9th Annual Conference & Exhibition titled “Seize the Opportunity”! We’re looking forward to returning to the Embassy Suites at Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, with an expanded exhibit hall, exceptional educational line-up and enjoyable activities for unbeatable networking! 

With 2024 dues renewal underway, Associate Members can purchase a sponsor-level package now that includes an exhibit table at the May conference. Thank you to many organizations who have already signed up! You’ll receive more details soon. Reminder emails for 2024 membership renewals are going out shortly to Associate Member key contacts who haven’t renewed to-date or you can download the 2024 Great Lakes Associate invoice to complete and return to the Great Lakes office to renew your membership now. An Exhibitor-Sponsor Prospectus will be sent soon to all companies who purchased a sponsor package to select your table, sign up staff and provide full event details. If you have questions about membership or exhibiting, please contact Victoria Fastenau in the Great Lakes office.

The hotel room block is now open so book your room today to take advantage of the group discount. The conference rate of $154/night is available May 14 and May 15 expires April 19. Use this link: Great Lakes HME 2024 Conference Booking Link

We’re finalizing an outstanding line-up of sessions featuring top industry experts covering critical topics important to HME providers. Speakers confirmed to-date include John Gallagher, Mike Isaacson, David Chandler, Miriam Lieber, Kit Shellhouse, Craig Douglas, Ronda Buhrmester and Paul DiMarco. We’re adding breakout sessions this year as well as bringing back the popular roundtables on Operations and Reimbursement topics to tackle the most pressing issues facing members today. We’re also excited to announce our Wednesday evening reception will be held at the University of Notre Dame football stadium with more details to come!  Mark your calendars and watch for information and registration details in the weeks ahead!  

The Region B and Jurisdiction C Council members and guests met today with CGS Administrators and CBIC staff covering a full agenda and presentation to the joint Councils including medical policy updates by Dr. Sunil Lalla, MD, FACS, CPC and Dr. Robert Hoover, MD, MPH, FACP. Be sure to review the slide deck with your staff as there are numerous updates. Due to winter weather throughout the region, the meeting was held virtually. The next quarterly Region B Council meeting will be held in early May, tentatively May 8, at CGS Administrators office in Nashville. Watch for a call-for-questions notice closer to the meeting to prepare the next agenda.

The Region B Council office shared information that they had received from Cindy White, Project Manager, NPEAST DMEPOS, with Novitas Solutions. She indicated that there have been some changes to the Program Integrity Manual that were effective on 1/01/2024 related to revocations and CAP rights. Only revocations for Revocation Reason 1 – Noncompliance (42 CFR § 424.535(a)(1)) are afforded CAP appeal rights. Details are outlined in MLN MM13331 published by CMS and the MLN is also posted on the NPEAST DMEPOS website. 

 

Great Lakes has learned about efforts by the Clinician Task Force, NCART and others who have teamed up to collect data regarding improper Medicare Advantage denials of power wheelchairs that is negatively impacting access to CRT. They launched a survey to gather this information that will be analyzed to better understand current trends and also be utilized in advocacy discussions with payers, regulators and legislators. The Clinician Task Force has provided an online, confidential form to collect needed information about these denials and is encouraging CRT suppliers to participate. Access the survey here.

The American Association for Homecare’s Payer Relations Team will host a free webinar for AAHomecare members on Thursday, Jan. 25, titled “How You Can Take Advantage of the 2024 Medicare Advantage Final Rule”. The webinar will provide helpful information on CMS’ final rule implemented on 1/01/2024 that revises Medicare Advantage (MA or Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicare Cost Plan, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) regulations. Presenters Laura Williard, David Chandler and Alexis Ward will discuss how the key points can enable better coverage for DME. Sign up today to learn how your business can leverage these new requirements to better serve your customers. Click here to register.

Click here for the full CGS schedule and list of upcoming webinar topics.

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