Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/45026
Rx and Specialty 34 Providers BY THERESA FLAHERTY, Managing Editor HOUSTON – There's so much hap- pening in the world of breast care that Rhonda Turner needed a magazine to get it all out there. In December, the executive director of the American Asso- ciation of Breast Care Profes- sionals (AABCP) will launch an online magazine, "MeasureUp!" "It's a full range of informa- tion geared toward the profes- sional with a bit of a pink flair," said Turner. The monthly magazine will include a feature article, new product reviews, fitter high- lights, calendars and events, and other professional informa- tion for post-mastectomy fitters, nurses and other breast care pro- fessionals. It will be available to AABCP's 973 members. One feature Turner's particu- larly excited about: "A fresh approach," which highlights fit- ters who are creating niches in response to local demographics, like different age groups and dif- WWW.HMENEWS.COM / NOVEMBER 2011 / HME NEWS INFORMATION WITH A 'PINK FLAIR' ferent types of surgery. "There are a lot of women out there doing amazing things, but it's not the cookie cutter type bou- tiques," she said. "For example, there is a woman in Texas who sees quite a few male breast can- cer survivors and lymphedema patients. I am not sure that the industry as whole knows that's happening." For now, a journalism intern is handling a lot of work on the pub- lication, and eventually, Turner will seek advertisers. The online format allows flexibility, especial- ly during the first few issues while they get their feet wet. "It's easier and it can be refreshed," said Turner. "We can have more fun with it than if 'There are a lot of women out there doing amazing things' Sweet. Short and ACTUAL SIZE 20% Smaller! Introducing the NEW and IMPROVED Bonsai® from CHAD Therapeutics, featuring: • A Smaller, More Compact Design, ensuring its fi t in virtually any carrying bag. • Larger Liter Flow Numbers, making it easier for patients to read their prescribed fl ow setting. Your O2 Conserving Experts 1-800-423-8870 ext. 300 2975 Horseshoe Drive South, Suite 600, Naples, FL 34104 • www.chadtherapeutics.com The Bonsai® is still the lightest conserver on the market, weighing a mere 9.7 ounces! This innovative device continues to offer the following exclusive benefi ts: • Clinically Effective Performance, ensuring adequate patient saturation during rest and exercise. • Seven Liter Flow Settings, accommodating the widest range of patients. • Up to a 6:1 Savings Ratio, reducing the frequency of refi lls and deliveries. • Uniform Pulse Delivery, safeguarding against patient desaturation. • Quiet Operation, facilitating non- conspicuous oxygen delivery. Call today to learn more! BONSAI and CHAD are registered trademarks of Inovo, Inc. Pneumatic Oxygen Conserver we have to deal with printing it every month." This isn't Turner's first foray into publishing. In May, she pub- lished "Boutique MBA: Post Mas- tectomy Business Basics," the first book in a series that seeks to help post-mastectomy boutique own- ers run their businesses. Now in its second printing, the book is available at www.aabcp.org and on amazon.com. HME HUMANA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 Medicare diabetes market, say providers. "The managed care plans are not subject to competitive bidding," said Dan Gooch, owner of Columbia, S.C.- based Pal-Med. "They are try- ing to encourage Medicare patients to dis-enroll in Medi- care and enroll in their plans." That could be attractive to Humana members who want to avoid the hassles of obtain- ing their supplies under com- petitive bidding. "They can say, 'Hey, stick with us for everything,'" said one provider. Provider Mark Gielniak was surprised that Humana would target beneficiaries for diabetes testing supplies, since the insurer typically contracts companies like his. In fact, he recently can- celled his contract due to low reimbursement. "They were only reim- bursing us 50% of Medicare's allowable," said Gielniak, vice president of Warren, Mich.- based Diabetes Plus. At the end of the day, even Humana and other payers who are not directly included in competitive bidding could eventually feel the effects, says Gooch. "I think in the future we will see fee schedules spill over onto them very quickly, just like the state Medicaids," he said. HME