It’s definitely not the best of times for people who sell DME and rehab equipment. But is it the worst of times?

On Sept. 20, the industry received a revised local coverage determination for power mobility devices, and a new implementation date of Nov. 15, 2006. Industry leaders were still poring over the new document to determine its implications as we went to press.

At the same time, the countdown continues toward competitive bidding and mandatory accreditation for suppliers who want to continue to provide DME to Medicare beneficiaries.

So what is the good news?

Consumers are joining the fight. Legislators are listening. And the industry is being heard.