Contact:
Lynn Gonzales
Media Relations
The SCOOTER Store
(830)626-4064
Press Releases
The SCOOTER Store Statement Response to Recently Filed Counterclaims
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, May 4, 2005—The SCOOTER Store is the nation's largest supplier of power mobility equipment. The SCOOTER Store has worked with over 92,000 different physicians and has provided power mobility products to over 205,000 disabled seniors. At issue in current litigation with the government are only 200 claims that Medicare has denied. The SCOOTER Store has over 70 locations in 42 states, provides in home service calls to over 6000 beneficiaries per month. The company's commitment to ethical and legal business practices resulted in recent third-party accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc.
The SCOOTER Store President Mike Pfister stated:
Justice Department lawyers today responded to The SCOOTER Store's pending suit for Medicare reimbursement with compulsory counterclaims. This procedural action was expected and was necessary for the Government to retain its options.
The government has applied inconsistent standards, violated the law, and wrongfully denied claims. The specific claims made by the government reflect an ignorance of actual conditions faced by Medicare beneficiaries. The SCOOTER Store will continue to pursue reimbursement from Medicare for power wheelchairs provided to Medicare beneficiaries at the request of their treating physicians. This equipment allows qualified beneficiaries to live more independently, perform the normal activities of daily living, and by preventing injuries and unnecessary hospitalization saves the Medicare system more than two dollars for every dollar spent.
We take pride in educating our country's senior citizens about Medicare benefits that might apply to them. In the same way, Medicare itself uses television to advertise the new prescription drug benefit.
Unfortunately, this action by the government indicates that some officials appear more interested in second-guessing the conclusions reached by doctors than they are in making sure that qualified Medicare beneficiaries have access to the medical equipment their doctors say they need.
The SCOOTER Store has been and will continue to be an active and open partner with the government. The SCOOTER Store is committed to ensuring that only qualified beneficiaries receive the medical equipment they need and that the highest ethical and compliance standards are met.
About The SCOOTER Store
Since 1991, The SCOOTER Store has helped provide freedom and independence to more than 350,000 people with limited mobility. The SCOOTER Store offers a full line of durable medical equipment, including power wheelchairs and scooters, lifts, ramps and accessories in all 48 contiguous states plus Puerto Rico. The SCOOTER Store has worked with more than 110,000 physicians, providing expertise and quality service to their patients, and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.
