FRANKLIN, TN--(Marketwired - Jun 17, 2013) - Diabetes Care Club, a leading provider of mail-order diabetic testing supplies, has enhanced its operations and product offerings and is fully prepared to serve the significant number of patients impacted by the July 1 change in Medicare reimbursement procedures.
As of July 1, the number of mail-order providers authorized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to serve people with diabetes will decrease from more than 2000 to just 18 companies, including Diabetes Care Club. As a result, an estimated 4 to 5 million patients on Medicare will need to find a new provider.
Diabetes Care Club has been preparing for this transition for two years, enhancing its operations and ensuring it carries a full range of brands so that all interested patients can make a seamless transition to the company. The company has created informational fact sheets and brochures for patients and healthcare providers explaining the changes in Medicare, and has dedicated personnel to assist patients transitioning from other providers.
"For the past two years, our top priority has been ensuring that we have the manpower, resources and products in place so that patients who need diabetic testing supplies will not experience a break in their service," said Michael Iskra, chief operating officer of Simplex Healthcare, parent company of Diabetes Care Club.
"The supplies that we distribute are critically important to the lives of people with diabetes," Iskra said. "We have worked hard to make certain that every patient who comes to Diabetes Care Club will receive immediate attention, superior care and the brands they have come to trust."
Iskra emphasized that Diabetes Care Club carries an extensive range of products, including 22 models of blood glucose monitors and associated test strips from 13 manufacturers. The company recently signed a multi-year agreement with Roche to ensure a wide range of ACCU-CHEK products are available to patients on Medicare after July 1.
Other benefits Diabetes Care Club offers:
- Sole focus on diabetes. Diabetes Care Club does not distribute products for any other disease state.
- Variety of ordering options. Patients can order by phone, email or on the Diabetes Care Club website.
- Low cost. Diabetes Care Club accepts assignment, meaning it will only charge what Medicare allows and no more
- Help with paperwork. Diabetes Care Club completes all Medicare paperwork for patients, saving them time and frustration.
- Guaranteed free and on time delivery. Diabetes Care Club ensures products arrive on time and in good condition.
The July 1 changes are a result of a competitive bidding program that CMS implemented for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics/Orthotics, and Supplies in 2011. The program was designed by CMS to significantly reduce healthcare costs by requiring providers to bid for contracts to distribute medical equipment and supplies, including diabetic testing supplies.
Recognizing the significant cost savings and quality improvements that competitive bidding presents for patients, Diabetes Care Club prepared for the program's implementation by improving internal processes, increasing efficiencies and lowering product costs.
"As one of the largest providers in the country, Diabetes Care Club has the capacity to immediately welcome the many patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who are impacted by these changes," said Iskra. "We are ready to start serving all their diabetic testing supply needs today."
About Diabetes Care Club
Diabetes Care Club, a Simplex brand, has grown to become the third largest mail order supplier of diabetic testing supplies for seniors. The company provides home delivery of medical supplies for patients with diabetes and a social network that offers help, support and information for people living with the disease. Diabetes Care Club is among a select number of companies in the nation authorized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to distribute mail-order diabetic testing supplies to Medicare beneficiaries. For additional information, visit www.DiabetesCareClub.com.
About Simplex Healthcare
Simplex Healthcare is based in Franklin, Tenn., and provides home delivery of medical supplies to help patients with diabetes through its branded company Diabetes Care Club. Simplex secured $50 million in venture capital from New Enterprise Associates and acquired Diabetes Care Club in September 2007. For more information about Simplex Healthcare, visit www.SimplexHealthcare.com.
The diabetes epidemic in the United States has continued to accelerate with over 1.6 million new cases being diagnosed annually. By 2050, an estimated 48 million Americans will have Type 2 diabetes.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Philip McGowan
615.327.7999
pmcgowan@seigenthaler.com