The California Association of Medical Product Suppliers held its fourth Annual Convention on March 2-3, 2010 at the Hilton Irvine / Orange County Airport which achieved record attendance.  Attendees were able to visit over 40 exhibitors and attend specialty sessions that included Business Management, Operations, Rehab and Respiratory education. 

Rehab providers were given the opportunity to take a RESNA test preparation course.  Respiratory Therapists were able to earn continuing education and learn about new ventilator technology.  All attendees gained insight on national and state legislative issues and how they are an instrumental part of the process.  Additionally, operating and business efficiency ideas were shared.

The home medical equipment industry continues to change and California definitely has its unique challenges. Therefore, the CAMPS Convention will continue to offer educational and networking opportunities for different aspects of the HME Business from the licensed professional to improving your business operations.  

If you haven't already attended a CAMPS Convention we invite you to join is in 2011.  You will be afforded the opportunity to stay abreast of industry changes, network with your peers, and make important buying decisions in a relaxing atmosphere!

CAMPS will return to the Hilton Irvine / Orange County Airport for its 2011 and 2012 Conventions and has announced the following dates:

March 4-5, 2011
March 6-7, 2012

CAMPS Appeal of the UBL Decision Moves Forward

CAMPS previously reported its intent to file a notice of appeal of the adverse decision challenging the Upper Billing Limit regulation under Medi-Cal. Briefs have been filed with the Court of Appeal and decision is expected by the end of the year. 

The UBL impacts all DME providers. The UBL applies to Medi-Cal purchase of items of durable medical equipment, incontinence and disposable medical supplies.  Medi-Cal provider reimbursement amounts are set by a fee schedule that is adopted and published by the program.  The UBL changed that by limiting what you can charge the program to no more then 100% of your "net purchase price. 

We urge you to familiarize yourself with the regulation and assess your company's compliance.  Click here for more information.

CAMPS needs your financial support to fund our efforts to fight this regulation.  Our legal funds have been exhausted and there are more bills to be paid.  Therefore we seek your donation.  Click here to donate.

Medi-Cal 10% Rate Cut Litigation Update

On February 25 CAMPS reported on the status of our effort to obtain retroactive relief from the 10% Medi-Cal rate cut that occurred from July 1, 2008 to February 28, 2009. The federal court injunction that stopped the cut for some providers was upheld in the Court of Appeal and it seemed likely that the final order would also be expanded to include DME and supplies.

That negotiation has now stopped as DHCS filed a request for review by the US Supreme Court, which is the only appeal mechanism left in this process. The Supreme Court does not accept or agree to review many of the appeals that are presented, e.g. only about 10% of the appeals.  We have now learned that a decision as to whether the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the case is expected in the next 90 days.

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced that they intend to award a 10-year contract to Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), who will serve as the new Fiscal Intermediary for Medi-Cal. ACS was selected after an extensive, two-year bidding and evaluation process. The contract includes payment processing for health care providers of the Medi-Cal fee-for-service program, including physicians, pharmacies, hospitals and other providers.  

While this award introduces a new contractor to manage claims processing for Medi-Cal, the Department and the existing contractor, Electronic Data Systems (EDS), remain committed to supporting the provider and beneficiary communities until transition is completed. In addition, the business processes, services and systems used by the Medi-Cal program in its operations and interactions with providers will continue without interruption during transition.

CAMPS will continue to monitor this situation and update you as additional details and timelines are solidified.

The Jurisdiction D Advisory Committee (DAC) is looking for volunteers to make a presentation about the DAC at two Face to Face NAS seminars.  If you are planning on attending one of these and are able to represent the DAC please contact the DAC office at 701-952-8180.

The DAC office will provide you with the information you need to take with you.  Generally helpful too, is just a short summary of what the DAC is, and what it has done for you.  As a reminder too... when you register as our DAC rep there is no charge to the seminar for you.

The seminars that still need representation are listed below.  Please let the DAC Office know as soon as possible if you can assist with this request from Noridian.

March  23  Long Beach, CA

March 25   Pasadena, CA

What is the DAC?

The DAC is a nonprofit volunteer organization comprised of HME providers, state and national associations, manufacturer supporters, and industry consultants. All providers, whether or not they belong to state or national associations, are welcome to participate. The primary function of the DAC is to serve as a communications vehicle between the home medical equipment (HME) industry, Noridian Administrative Services, the Jurisdiction D DME MAC, and CEDI the Common Electronic Data System.

If you are not a member of the Region D DAC, and are interested in learning more please visit their website at http://www.dacd.org/.

CAMPS Exemptee Training Seminars

The following dates have been scheduled for the CAMPS Exemptee Training Seminars.  Click here for more details and registration information.

June 15, 2010, Drexel Campus, Sacramento CA

September 11, 2010, San Diego, CA

November 9, 2010, San Francisco, CA

CAMPS Board Meetings

The CAMPS Board of Directors has finalized its calendar for 2010.  Below are the dates and general location for its upcoming meetings.  CAMPS will be providing more details on the exact location and how you can participate in future meetings. Also, we will be holding a membership dinner meeting following the Board meeting.  So, mark your calendar and plan to join us.

June 3, 2010

CAMPS Sacramento Office

1 Capitol Mall, 2nd Floor Board Room

Sacramento, CA 95814

September 16, 2010

Southern California

Location - TBD