by Beacon Health Staff Print Article   CMS Publishes Updated Materials During the Open Door Forum, which was held on Jan. 11, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the following have been updated and are now available on their website: Read More... CMS Responds to Questions Regarding 5010 Enforcement - January 09, 2012 CMS Issues Guidance Regarding Face-to-Face Physician Encounters - December 19, 2011 Closer look at Final Rule: LUPA rates - December 12, 2011 Closer Look at the Final Rule: Clarifications and Corrections - December 05, 2011 Revised ABN Effective January 2012 - November 28, 2011

ANNOUNCEMENT: On October 1, 2010, Beacon Health, a division of HCPro, Inc., turns another page in our history. Founders Richard and Diane Omdahl are retiring after more than 20 years of unparalleled service to the industry. However, Beacon Health will continue to serve homecare and hospice providers with our high quality of educational products and support represented in the Beacon Health brand.

After an extensive search, Beacon Health has named Paula Long, RN, CHCE, as our new Homecare and Hospice Regulatory Specialist. Long and her editorial team will continue to deliver regulatory analysis, education, and leadership for high quality home health operations. Prior to joining Beacon Health, Long was director of both Sullivan County Community Hospital Home Health and Hospice of Sullivan County. She has more than 15 years of clinical, regulatory, and operational experience in home health and hospice and serves on the regulatory committee of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.

Our customers should expect the same level of quality and service combined with greater access to a broad range of new products and services. HCPro is a leading provider of information, products, and services that support healthcare providers in North America and around the globe. Flagship HCPro brands include Beacon Health as well as HealthLeaders Media and The Greeley Company. Find more on HCPro at www.hcpro.com.