In this week's LTC Connection, we wanted to thank all of you for your patience during the past week while we upgraded to a brand-new online purchasing system. We're confident that the new system will deliver a state-of-the-art online ordering experience. We also wanted to let you know about the newest step CMS has taken to fill in the Medicare Part D "donut hole" and introduce you to our Compliance Heel Suspension Boot.

Last week, ProMed upgraded to a new online ordering system that is designed to maximize your online purchasing experience. We appreciate the patience and understanding that you showed us during the implementation of this system. We snapped the picture to the right when we received our very first order using the new system. Pictured are Team ProMed members (left to right) Leanne Pavlich, Nancy Flowers, Dena Trudeau, Shana Stubblefield, Christian Barnes, Matt Barnes and Jodi Dzak. If you have any questions at all regarding the new online ordering system, we invite you to contact our customer service team at 800-648-5190. CMS has taken another crucial step in its efforts to close the Medicare Part D "donut hole." They've released a drug maker agreement that will make manufacturer discounts available to eligible Medicare beneficiaries. Under the agreement, manufacturers must sign an agreement with CMS that states they will provide a discount on all of their applicable products, such as prescriptions drugs. Beginning in 2011, only drugs that are covered under a signed manufacturer agreement will be covered under Medicare Part D. This is the second step that CMS has taken to assist beneficiaries who fall into the Medicare Part D payment gap. Earlier this year, they began sending $250 relief checks to eligible recipients. To learn more, click here. To view our original blog post on the agreement, click here. Heels are the second most common pressure ulcer location, accounting for 30.3 percent of these wounds.1,2 Heel pressure ulcers are difficult to assess and heal, and they require early identification of skin compromise.3 Heel offloading devices, such as the Compliance Heel Suspension Boot, have been shown to significantly offset the expense of treating heel pressure ulcers. These devices don't just reduce friction and shear – they completely offload the heel while staying in place, even with resident movement.1 Additional features of the Compliance Heel Suspension Boot: • Super-soft peachskin cloth protects thin, fragile skin from tears • Adaptable Velcro straps allow heel suspension boot to be secured at two alternate positions • Extended and cushioned design distributes the weight of the heel over a larger area, reducing pressure and increasing blood flow • CA 117 approved • Bariatric size available If you're a registered user on promedsupply.com, you can view the Compliance Heel Suspension Boot and other items in this category by clicking on Online Catalog and then selecting Wound Care Management. If you're not registered on the site yet, your ProMed Customer Care Professional will be happy to get you set up. REFERENCES 1 Fowler E, Scott-Williams S, McGuire JB. Practice recommendations for preventing heel pressure ulcers. Ostomy Wound Management. 2008;54(10):42-57. 2 Amlung SR, Miller WL, Bosley LM. The 1999 national pressure ulcer prevalence survey: a benchmarking approach. Advances in Skin and Wound Care. 2001;14(6):297-301. 3 Allen JE. Nursing Home Federal Requirements. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company; 2006.