Archive - February 2019

What makes a rare disease rare? According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), a rare disease is defined as one that affects fewer than 200,000 people. Most of these diseases are genetic. There are many challenges for those diagnosed with a rare disease. First, they can be very difficult to diagnose. Additionally, because few people have the disease there isn't a lot of money or resources being put towards researching causes or treatments. There also isn't a large community... Read More

On January 1, 2019, the durable medical equipment (DME) competitive bidding program (CBP) temporarily ended so that CMS can make much-needed changes to the program that will presumably improve patient access to equipment and services.   What is the competitive bidding program? The bidding program was authorized by Congress through the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA). It was originally designed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and... Read More

What determines a good night's sleep varies from one individual to another. Trying a variety of things may help you find the best routine for the perfect night's sleep.   Ten sleep hygiene rules to consider adopting: Cut down on your "bed" time. Spending a lot of time in your bed prior to your regular sleep periods can make your sleep more shallow. Find a different location to do activities such as reading or watching TV other than your bed. Maintain a regular bedtime.... Read More