Thursday, September 29, 2011

What Does the Color Pink Mean to You?

Though pink is famed to be the least masculine color of all, this October, like many before, professional athletes across the country will be wearing it proud. Breast Cancer Awareness month has been gaining more attention as the years have passed and for good reason.

Did you know one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime?


By attracting media attention to the staggering statistics related to breast cancer, it enables women to get checked early, and to do so often. Starting in women’s twenties, every woman should have an exam every three years. By the time a woman reaches 40, it should happen yearly. Prevention is the key to early diagnosis and increases the survival rate dramatically.

Because breast cancer affects so many, our store carries numerous products that help survivors heal with dignity and have a little fun too. We offer a wide array of wigs, breast forms, bras, head scarves, and more. We carry products from Anita, American Breast Care, and Trulife.


Products can be purchased online, with free shipping for orders over $150, or in our store located at 98 N. Ann Arbor Street, Saline, MI, 48176. Visit online at www.oxygenplusmichigan.com.

Related Links/Sources:


http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics.jsp

http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/FindCancerEarly/CancerScreeningGuidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer

http://www.nfl.com/pink

Monday, September 19, 2011

What kind of Insurance do you have?

     It's truly amazing to me that almost everyday I have someone call me or stop into Oxygen Plus and not know or realize what insurance they have. Often they do not know what benefits they have. It's important to verify what coverage you have before any major purchase. Being in this business for many years now I have learned a tremendous amount about reimbursement and 'tricks" to billing. We are happy to assist with any questions. Regarding specific insurance questions I often recommend for the patient to call their individual insurance company prior to coming into the store and get an explanation of their policy. It is much easier for the patient to call and get details of their policy then it is for the provider to. You should ask what your deductible is and your copay. Often those amounts will have to be paid up front.
      At Oxygen Plus we have no problem getting details and an explanation of benefits for the patient but this may take some time. I also have to have basic information including insurance number, date of birth and name of the patient. Please feel free to stop by our store we are located at 98 N.Ann Arbor St. Saline, MI  48176
     If you have Medicare it only pays for 80% of medical and equipment. So, it is important to purchase a secondary insurance plan to pay for the 20% that isn't covered. I often see BCBS,United Healthcare, AARP as secondary insurance. There are many plans that you can choose from.
We recommend researching three company plans before deciding on what is the best for you. Visit www.medicare.gov for more information and explanation on coverage and specific plans.

     Please feel free to call us at 734-429-7444 or visit us http://www.oxygenplusmichigan.com/




Wednesday, September 14, 2011

PATIENTS FIRST ALWAYS!


     It's interesting to me how some health care professionals think....my question is what makes them think that way? Yesterday, I had a potential patient call me to inquire about renting a piece of mobility equipment for one week to go on a trip. This person had "ordered" a power chair from a company an hour away. It had been 5 weeks and they still didn't have the chair. I usually can get a chair within 7 days to a patient. The hold up is normally the physician. If it takes longer I am usually waiting on the physician to prepare necessary documents. I explained the procedure to the prospect.
      I also told him that I do not do short term rentals except for existing patients. Also, if he wasn't satisfied with the current arrangement I would be more than happy to help him. But, I wasn't trying to force him into anything because after all it was his choice where to receive equipment. However, he stated his doctor referred him to this medical equipment company.
     There is several concerns with this situation. First of all, the patients has the right to choose where to receive care and equipment. Medicare is very clear on this policy. This is not tolerated or endorsed. There is nothing wrong with giving a "list" of references or referral sources but it should be made clear that the patient has the right to choose. I can understand with smaller pieces of equipment the desire to buy long distance however, for longer items such as a scooter or power chair it is a good idea to look local first. After all, equipment can break and need minor repairs.
     So, I would ask myself is that company that is far away going to respond fast and efficiently? I often receive long distance opportunities if I know servicing is going to be difficult I often refer them to a local company. After all, the PATIENT is first. If your looking for equipment check out  http://www.pridemobility.com/ .They are the leader in scooters, power chairs, and lift chairs. Their service and follow-up is impeccable. For more information on billing and reimbursement please call 734-429-7444 or visit  Oxygen Plus at http://www.oxygenplusmichigan.com/. We are always happy to help!