CQRC URGES CAUTION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF NIV NCD

WASHINGTON – While it commends the Trump Administration for finalizing a National Coverage Determination (NCD) for “Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) in the Home for the Treatment of Chronic Respiratory Failure consequent to COPD,” the Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) is concerned about its quick implementation and potential access issues.  The effective date of the final…

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Reform Supplemental Oxygen for Chronically Ill Patients

For the 1.5 million Americans living with chronic lung and heart disease and other respiratory conditions, supplemental oxygen is not a luxury or something that would be nice to have — it is a literal lifeline. Supplemental oxygen allows patients to live more active, independent lives despite the serious health challenges they face.  For these…

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HEALTH CARE STAKEHOLDERS URGE SUPPORT OF SOAR ACT

More than 30 patient, health care professional and industry organizations have signed a letter urging lawmakers to cosponsor the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act, which would remove supplemental oxygen from the competitive bidding program.   “Since 2011, supplemental oxygen has been part of Medicare’s DMEPOS competitive bidding program, resulting in significant decreases in payments for oxygen…

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BILL INTRODUCED TO ‘MAINTAIN AND STABILIZE’ OXYGEN REIMBURSEMENT 

The Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act, which would remove supplemental oxygen from Medicare’s competitive bidding program, has been reintroduced in the Senate and House of Representatives, the Council for Quality Respiratory Care has announced.  The bill would remove supplemental oxygen from the bid program to establish separate payment rates for non-liquid and liquid oxygen, reflecting the…

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CQRC: ‘We are optimistic’

With limited time remaining in the 118th Congress, the Council of Quality Respiratory Care is thanking new supporters of the SOAR Act and calling on the rest of legislators to join them in restoring patient access to all supplemental oxygen modalities.  Click here to see the full article on the HME News website.

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JEFF BARNHARD COMMITS TO ALIGNING INDUSTRY’S MESSAGE

Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor Updated 10:00 AM CDT, Fri June 28, 2024 WASHINGTON – Jeff Barnhard says he will bring a broad perspective to his new role as chairman of the Council for Quality Respiratory Care, thanks to a resume that includes roles at providers big and small.  “What I’ve seen that’s been common throughout…

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CQRC NAMES LINCARE CEO AS NEW CHAIRMAN

HME News Staff Updated 9:47 AM CDT, Mon June 17, 2024 WASHINGTON – The Council for Quality Respiratory Care recently named Jeff Barnhard, CEO of Lincare, as chairman of the board. “It is an honor to serve as the next chairman of CQRC,” said Barnhard. “In this role, I look forward to advocating for reforms…

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The Drive to Pass the SOAR Act for Oxygen Patients

Jun 5, 2024 | Healthcare & Policy, Medicare & Medicaid |      Respiratory healthcare organizations sent a letter to members of Congress this week to encourage passage of the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act. RT’s Three Key Takeaways This week, 30 leading healthcare organizations sent a letter to members of Congress calling for support and cosponsors for the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform or…

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HEALTH CARE GROUPS PUSH FOR OXYGEN REFORM IN NEW LETTER

HME News Staff Updated 9:00 AM CDT, Wed June 5, 2024 WASHINGTON – A coalition of patient, provider and professional organizations called on Congress to support and cosponsor the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act, legislation that seeks to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to the correct type and levels of oxygen, in a new letter.  The…

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