FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Colonial Medical Supplies to Accept Blue Cross Blue Shield

Largest Medical Equipment Supplier in Central Florida to Become In-Network Provider for BCBS

Altamonte Springs, FL, May 14, 2012—Colonial Medical Supplies announced today that the company will become an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield beginning immediately. The new contract will allow Colonial Medical Supplies to bill BCBS for equipment purchases by patients with BCBS health insurance as in-network purchases.

 “It has been difficult for BCBS patients to find a qualified in-network provider,” said David Bruinsma, CEO of Colonial Medical Supplies. “While many insurance companies are taking steps to limit their expenses by reducing access, BCBS through its partnership with CareCentrix has gone the opposite direction and has increased its network of providers to give its members more choices. I think this demonstrates the insurance company’s commitment to not conforming to substandard industry practices.”

 Colonial Medical Supplies provides the largest selection of medical equipment in Central Florida. It is also a certified custom wheelchair provider and has a respiratory therapist on staff to help customers. The new contract will allow BCBS patients to purchase equipment such as scooters, orthotics, and CPAP supplies more easily and have the billing sent to the insurance company at no charge. Open six days a week, Colonial Medical Supplies offers three convenient locations in Central Florida and provides same-day service to many of its customers. Along with free shipping and free home delivery, the company offers same-day pickup at any of its three locations.

About Colonial Medical Supplies

Colonial Medical Supplies is the largest medical equipment supplier in Central Florida, with locations in Kissimmee, Orlando, and Altamonte Springs. The company has been providing quality medical products and services since 1957, and is currently managed by the second generation of the Bruinsma family, who took over after Betty and Frank Bruinsma started the company. Visit: http://www.colonialmed.com.

Media Contact:
David Bruinsma
CEO
Colonial Medical Supplies
614 E Altamonte Dr.
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
407-849-6455
david@colonialmed.com

Specialty commodes are less common and most are unaware that there are other options for commodes to fit different needs. The standard commode is usually made of steel, however, there is an aluminum commode. The aluminum commode has all the same features as the standard but is aluminum instead of steel, this is particularly important, with the aluminum the commode will not rust when it gets wet meaning it can be used as a shower chair as well as the three other uses of a standard 3-in-1 commode. Another less known commode type is the drop-arm commode. For someone transferring from another type of seated mobility product such as a scooter, wheelchair, or powerchair transferring can be difficult as it is but with the drop-arm it literally means that by pushing a tab the arm will drop to the side so it is out of the way making the transfer process smoother and easier. There are also drop-arm commodes with padding on the seat and arms for additional comfort. Bariatric commodes are available as well, as long as the user is over 350lbs. It is a reinforced steel framed commode with a starting weight capacity of about 550lbs, some can hold up to 1000lbs so they make a very strong and sturdy bariatric commode. Next time you or someone you know is having any bathroom struggles and a commode may be answer we can help get the one that would best suit you.

“Philips Respironics is dedicated to offering homecare providers a variety of innovative products that improve treatment and increase mobility for oxygen users, streamline business operations, and simplify therapy,” said Eli Diacopoulos, Senior Director, General Manager, Home Respiratory, Philips Home Healthcare Solutions. “SimplyGo is an essential addition to Philips’ extensive line of home oxygen products. It’s a new breed of portable concentrator that simplifies the care and management of nearly all oxygen users.”

Like all POCs, SimplyGo delivers pulse dose oxygen—a burst of oxygen triggered when the user starts to take a breath. But SimplyGo is different from smaller devices because it is also capable of delivering oxygen continuously, similar to stationary concentrators used at home. With oxygen output of up to four times that of some lightweight POCs, SimplyGo can meet the portable needs of nearly all oxygen users including those who are highly active or require continuous flow.

Philips designed its latest portable oxygen concentrator with a long-life compressor, high-impact resistant design and oversized cart wheels in order to be rugged and easy-to-use. SimplyGo was tested and subjected to extreme conditions, including impacts, vibrations and temperatures, to deliver reliable performance day in and day out in real-life conditions experienced by oxygen users.

SimplyGo comes with an attractive, functional carrying case; fold-up mobile cart; intuitive, easy-to-read screen; and detachable accessory bag. A lightweight and compact battery adds to its portability. Extra batteries are available and can fit easily into the zippered pouch on the carrying case or accessories bag for extended use.

Additionally, two-, three-, or five-year warranties and flexible service programs are offered with SimplyGo to give homecare providers a variety of options to meet their individual business needs. SimplyGo’s design and comprehensive service tools also allow technicians to perform work right on site, if they choose.

This newest innovation from Philips Respironics provides oxygen patients with greater mobility and simplicity to help improve their lives. It is being launched in North America and will soon be followed with international availability.

For more information, visit:
www.philips.com/simplygo

First up, iHealth’s Blood Pressure monitor will be getting a complete upgrade to become wireless.  It will send your vitals over Bluetooth to an app on your iPhone.  No longer do you need a cumbersome BP monitor with a wire/tubing that could get in the way.  Second in the line up is iHealth’s Smart Glucometer.   Diabetes is becoming more common in today’s society.  Anyone who is a diabetic knows that their vitals  must be constantly monitored and logged.  What better way than with a simple attachment for your phone rather than a completely seperate glucometer.  The final device iHealth has in store is a Wireless Body Fat Scale that has upgraded their Digital Scale and allowed it to measure your body fat and send the information to your device.

The best part of all this is that all of your vitals and information is automatically send to and stored on your idevice (whether it be iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad) which will have it put on the cloud in one nice, neat spreadsheet.  No more having to write your information in a journal.

Great!  Now, you may be thinking, how can I get this paid for by my insurance.  Blood pressure monitors (also known as sphygmomanometers) are covered under private insurances as in United Healthcare, Aetna, and others .  Insurances usually pay for the least costly alternatives so there may be a small upgrade fee to allow you to get the latest technology out.  Glucometers can be covered by more than just private insurance but also Medicare.  Again, there may be a small upgrade fee to get iHealth’s Smart Glucometer, but a portion can be paid by your insurance.  If these devices can be approved, worker’s compensation can cover them completely.  As soon as these devices are out to the public, why not let one of our Customer Service Representatives at Colonial Medical Supplies try to get your device approved through your insurance.  To start, all you will need is a prescription stating  the device you are looking to get.  If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at csr@colonialmed.com.

Vocational Rehabilitation is a state run program to help the disabled find work or be able to keep their job by providing equipment that may not always be covered by insurance. This is perfect for an individual that is willing and able to work but may need something such as a scooter or handicap accessible van to make the job work. There are many other items they can help with such as standers, car lifts, and even shower chairs if the patient qualifies. The Brain and Spinal Cord Injury program is also a state run program but is more directly established for patients that have a brain or spinal cord injury. They can help with many items needed for new patients’ after a severe injury. Items commonly covered by this program are ramps, home modifications, shower wheelchairs, and standers.

There are also many programs established for specific diseases. These include, but are not limited to, the Muscular Dystrophies Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, ALS foundation, and 4MYCHILD. These are all examples of other programs out there to help those in need. While some will offer help with funding, others may help with support and trying to find whatever that individual’s needs are. Colonial Medical Supplies strives to participate with as many programs as possible making it
easier for the patient to seek the help they need. Please contact our staff anytime for contact information for these programs.

Here, at Colonial Medical Supplies, we have a variety of medical equipment that has helped our customers achieve a satisfactory level of comfort during their work day. There is a large selection of foot products: metatarsal cushions, toe protectors, arch bands and much more. We also have a brilliant product called compression stockings. Being around for decades, compression stockings are known by many different names. They are called support hose, anti- embolism socks, diabetic socks, but the majority of the time they all point to the same thing, which is compression. Compression stockings are specialized hosiery items designed to increase and promote blood circulation. Their main therapeutic purpose is to provide graduated pressure on the lower leg and foot and in some cases, the thigh, to alleviate circulatory problems. These stockings use stronger elastics to create a significant pressure on the legs, ankles and feet. They are the tightest at the ankles, and gradually become less constrictive towards the knees and thighs. By compressing the surface veins, arteries and muscles, the circulating blood is forced through narrower circulatory channels. As a result, the pressure in the arteries is increased which causes more blood flow to return to the heart and less blood to pool in the feet.

There are two types of compression stockings in the market right now. Anti-embolism stockings are known as T.E.D. and are worn when non-ambulatory or post-surgical scenarios are present. They help prevent pooling of blood in the legs that could lead to a venous thrombosis. The word T.E.D is often confused with compression, because of what customers experience when they have either been released from the hospital or after surgery treatments. The most important thing to understand is that if you are ambulatory, in other words can walk, this stocking is not for you. Another type is gradient compression stockings, which are worn by those, who are ambulatory. In most cases they assist the calf muscles to perform their pumping action more efficiently to return blood to the heart.

Bottom lines is, if you find yourself looking in the mirror and start noticing those frightening looking spiders crawling up your calves and thighs, please take a minute to think that Colonial Medical Supplies will have the solution to your problem.

The first of the three being a four wheeled Rollator walker with seat. The Rollator walker is very easy to. This type of walker has four wheels, seat, basket and push down brakes that lock. The push down brakes offered by this walker ensures safety when standing up or sitting on the seat. The large padded seat makes it easy for you to rest during long trips, or even just a walk in the grocery store. The Rollator is easy to fold up and put into the trunk of your car. The Rollator is covered eighty percent by Medicare with a valid prescription that must state four wheeled walker with seat and brakes. These walkers come in many different colors. Rollators are not made as sturdy as a wheelchair, and cannot be a used as a substitute.

The second type of rolling walker is the two wheeled rolling walker. The two wheeled walker has two wheels in the front and two legs in the back with rubber tips to offer better stability. This type of walker is aluminum very simple to just fold up each side and store away. This walker is also covered by Medicare at eighty percent with a valid prescription that states rolling walker.

The third type of rolling walker is the three wheeled walker. This type of walker has three wheels, two in the back and one in the front, and also includes a pocket to put your personal belongings. These walkers are not covered by Medicare, but are very easy to maneuver through small spaces such as a doctor office. These walkers come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Medicare will cover a new walker every five years, and replacement wheels can be purchased through Medicare with in these five years. Walkers can be very useful and can come in all colors and brands. The most important part about choosing a walker is choosing one that’s right for you and that fits your needs.

Aetna, United healthcare and many other private insurances follow the same guidelines as Medicare.

Here is a quick summary of what Medicare requires to be covered for a cushion. First the patient must have a wheelchair. If the patient is not in a wheelchair they do not qualify. A transport/companion chair does not qualify for any cushion. The patient will automatically qualify for a basic cushion on a standard wheelchair. If the patient is in a power wheelchair, the power wheelchair must have a solid or sling seat. A captain seat will not qualify for any type of additional cushion.

If the patient needs a higher end cushion due to positioning or pressure relieving needs, the diagnosis will determine if the patient qualifies for something higher end.

Examples of qualifying diagnosis for the higher end cushions are as follows: paraplegia, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, hemi paresis, post polio, amputee, and pressure wounds. There are several other diagnoses that can qualify you.

The best way to determine that you are getting the correct cushion is come into Colonial Medical Supplies location and let one of our trained personal guide you through the many options.

Patients needing basic power wheelchairs/scooters, walkers, oxygen, CPAP and respiratory assistive devices, hospital beds, enteral nutrients, and mail order diabetic supplies will have a very limited choice of where to get this equipment and what equipment will be provided. A provider that is able to provide a walker may not be able to provide a hospital bed. Choices of equipment will be very limited if there is any choice at all. Contracted winners are not required to provide a specific make/model unless that is a product line that they carry. So winning contracted providers only carry the lowest end/least costly equipment.

Medicare beneficiaries, family members, caregivers, hospital discharge planners, and clinicians can report problems, concerns, and feedback about this bidding system by calling a toll-free number, 1-888-990-0499, or by visiting the website: www.biddingfeedback.com

The beneficiary will be the person that suffers the most from this program. Due to lack of education of the program, lack of choices, and inability to find a provider that will carry their needed equipment.

Colonial Medical Supplies strongly encourages everyone to look at the program for themselves. Call the toll free number with complaints to help end the competitive bid program.

     At first many people may experience an unsteady gait with age. The first step to receiving a device would be to contact your physician. They should determine the cause and will frequently start off ordering a cane. A simple prescription from your physician stating “cane” and your diagnosis is all you need to have us process the claim through Medicare. Medicare only pays for least costly alternative but you may choose an upgrade option if you would like something fancy.

     As time progresses a cane may no longer be suitable and the patient now needs a walker for more support. A walker is also frequently ordered for rehabilitation of a stroke patient. Again just a prescription with a diagnosis is needed. However, always remember if you are seeking a 4 wheeled walker with a seat, the physician must specify this on the prescription.

     When a patient becomes wheelchair bound, Medicare requires we look at long term and short term needs. A healthy patient that is needing a wheelchair short term for a surgery or broken leg would only qualify for a standard wheelchair. Medicare will only provide this on a rental basis. A patient, who is a paraplegic, would qualify for a much more custom fit manual wheelchair as a purchase. The paperwork for the standard chair takes a day or two to get completed from the physician. The provider must have on file chart notes or a face to face evaluation form showing the patient qualifies. For the more custom chair, an evaluation would be required by healthcare professional not affiliated with the provider. There are also forms the provider will supply to physician to complete. Only after all documentation is received would the supplier be able to order the custom equipment.

     Powered operated equipment is much more involved. Many people would like to have independence outside the home even though they are still able to manage in the home with a walker or manual wheelchair. In this case Medicare will not help with the purchase of a scooter or power wheelchair. For any patient to qualify for a powered piece of equipment the first rule is the need for inside the home. If they physician determines the patient must absolutely have this equipment for activities of daily living in the home, the paperwork then begins. A face to face with the physician, prescription, evaluation by a therapist specializing in the equipment, and detailed order provided to the physician by the supplier will all need to be on file before ordering. There are time lines and many specific details regarding the paperwork. This can sometimes take several trips to the physician and a few months to be just right in order for a patient to qualify. It is not just medical necessity any longer; it is also the documentation requirements that matter.

     Lastly Medicare will consider what is commonly known as a transport chair. This is for patients that are no longer able to self propel a manual chair and are no longer cognitively able to use a power wheelchair. This should not go through Medicare as a convenience item to just transport the patient long distances. If for instance someone elderly can walk short distances fine but require something for outside the home, the patient or family should purchase the equipment as it is only considered by Medicare convenience. If a patient does get a transport chair and then later wants a power chair due to a decline in condition, it would be denied by Medicare for same or similar equipment. Also remember, Medicare will not provide any type of cushion on a transport chair. If a patient develops a pressure wound, the cushion normally costs over $400.00. It is highly recommended that when considering a transport chair, all the guidelines for present and future needs are considered.

     Medicare considers replacement equipment every 5 years. At the end of 5 years, if the patient requests new equipment, the equipment must be evaluated to see if it is in need of repair or if it would be less costly to purchase a new one. Again, Medicare wants to choose the least costly alternative. The only exceptions to the 5 year rule are if the patient has had a major change in condition, or the equipment was lost/stolen.