October 2019
Welcome
Thanks for being a subscriber of the ActivStyle Insights newsletter. This month’s newsletter has great information for your clients who suffer from incontinence. Below we share valuable information about managing incontinence and living active and full lives even with the challenges that come with being incontinent. It’s our hope that this information is helpful as you work with your clients who are incontinent.
Health News
November is National Bladder Health Awareness Month
Did you know that November is National Bladder Health Awareness Month? For a third year, the Urology Care Foundation, American Urological Association (AUA), and the Bladder Health Alliance – a coalition of groups representing physicians, patients and veterans – are using the month of November to raise awareness about bladder conditions and encourage individuals to take an active role in managing their bladder health.
Millions of Americans struggle with the impacts of such bladder conditions and disease as urinary incontinence, overactive and underactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, urinary tract infections, nocturia, bedwetting, bladder cancer and neurogenic bladder, on a daily basis. These conditions have a significant impact on an individual’s health and quality of life, and result in substantial health costs that are estimated to be more than $70 billion each year.
In support of Bladder Health Month, a number of downloadable resources – including fact sheets, posters, social media messages, and patient brochures – are available on the Urology Care Foundation website at Bladder Health Month Resource Center, in addition to its Twitter (hashtag #BladdersMatter), Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram platforms to disseminate this information for public use and dialogue.
If you have questions about the types of incontinence products available for your clients, please reach out to our staff. They are trained experts who can help you determine what products are available and how to use them for the best outcomes. If you have a client or patient on medical assistance who needs incontinence or other medical supplies, contact ActivStyle’s Provider Services team today at 855-373-5141 (Monday – Friday, 8AM-5PM Central Time). They’ll be happy to talk to you and help you determine the individual’s eligibility to receive supplies and take a referral over the phone, or you may conveniently make referrals online.
FAQs
Q: Why can’t ActivStyle ship urology products as soon as we get the customer’s call?
A: Urology products require a prescription in order for an insurance plan to reimburse us. Once we receive a request for an order, we do attempt to obtain a verbal prescription from the doctor. If we get the verbal prescription, we will ship a month supply while we work to obtain the prescription in writing. Catheters are considered legend devices by the FDA and therefore we must have a prescription from the doctor before we can dispense them. A prescription is also necessary for reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans. We advise customers not to wait until they are out of product before contacting us, because the process of obtaining a prescription can take a few days or more.
Q: Why doesn’t ActivStyle carry all urology products from a manufacturer, such as Hollister, Bard, etc.?
A: In partnership with major manufacturers and suppliers, ActivStyle stocks the most widely-used products from most manufacturers. It would not be cost effective for us to carry everything a manufacturer carries. Some products are not asked for as often as others. Stock that is ordered infrequently could go out of usable date sitting on the shelves and then create waste. If something appears to be in high demand and we currently do not carry it, we will consider adding that product to our inventory.
If you have other questions for the ActivStyle staff, feel free to call toll-free at 855-373-5141, Monday thru Friday, 8AM to 5PM, Central Time. We want to make your life easy, so you can provide the best service and information to those you serve.
Industry News
Submitting Your Referrals to ActivStyle
We appreciate all the referrals that you send to us. It is our mission to support each and every patient with superior service, integrity, and professionalism, including always doing what’s right for the customer.
We want to make referring your clients/patients as easy as possible. That’s why we offer several ways to make referrals:
- Phone: You can call 855-373-5141 (Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM Central) and speak with one of our representatives.
- FAX: You can FAX a completed Client Referral Form to us at 888-614-4635.
- Email: You can email a completed Client Referral Form to us at .
- Web: By far, the easiest and fastest way to submit a referral is through our website. Just go to ActivStyle.com/NewOrderCM to complete our online referral form and submit your referral from any computer or mobile device.
If you have other questions for the ActivStyle staff about referring a client or patient, feel free to give us a call at 855-373-5141 (Monday – Friday, 8AM-5PM Central Time). If you need a Client Referral Form for email or FAX, please request this form from an ActivStyle representative.
Product News
Pediatric Diapers Through Medicaid
If you have a client with a child who suffers from incontinence, ActivStyle can help. Pediatric diapers are covered through Medicaid in most states, with some age restrictions. ActivStyle works with thousands of parents across the country who need disposable incontinence supplies to help keep their children dry and comfortable. The best news is if the child has been diagnosed with a medical condition resulting in incontinence and is on Medicaid, the needed supplies may be available through ActivStyle at no cost to the client.
All children in Medicaid programs are covered by a provision called EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment). This provision is basically the package of services each state Medicaid plan is required to offer all children from birth through age 20 (ages can vary from state to state). This program began in 1967 and was intended to ensure children received early and appropriate diagnosis and treatment of their condition to help prevent long term health consequences.
EPSDT states that payment will only be made for treatment of a diagnosed medical condition, so diapers can only be prescribed for children who remain incontinent beyond the typical age of potty training. Most states begin covering diapers at age three or four. A few states do not begin coverage until age five, and several will cover diapers before the age of three with a medical diagnosis.
If you have questions about a child’s eligibility, contact an ActivStyle representative at 855-373-5141 (Monday – Friday, 8AM-5PM Central Time). They will be happy to assist you and answer your questions and help determine eligibility.
Conference News
We’d love to see you at the Care Providers of Minnesota convention. ActivStyle will be attending the Care Providers of Minnesota 71st Annual Convention & Exposition at Mystic Lake Center, Prior Lake, Minnesota, November 18 & 19. If you attend the convention, please stop by our booth and meet our staff. They’ll be ready and willing to answer any questions you may have about ActivStyle’s medical supply service. We look forward to seeing you there!
Working with ActivStyle
Wouldn’t it be great if you spent less time mired in case-related paperwork and details and more time helping those who need you?
ActivStyle is a full-service provider of high-quality, high-value home medical supplies serving thousands of practitioners and case managers across the United States. Our product expertise and knowledge of constantly changing state and federal regulations allow us to give you — and the clients who depend on you — the level of service you need and deserve.
Founded in 1997 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ActivStyle has grown to over 200 employees compassionately serving patients in 47 states with their medical supply needs. Specializing in incontinence, urological, and ostomy supplies, our Product Experts are available to discuss product options, insurance benefits, free delivery, or product samples. Feel free to call one of our Provider Services representatives toll-free at 855-373-5141, they’ll be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have about our products, services, or take a referral over the phone. You may also conveniently make client or patient referrals online.
At ActivStyle, we’re dedicated to making your life easier.
