Provider NewsWire

VGM Group Launches New Resources, Announces Partnership

Waterloo, Iowa

The VGM Group launched vgmMESA.net, a Web-based resource for state and regional medical equipment providers’ associations, at Medtrade, held last month in Atlanta. The new resource includes D.C. Link, which provides access to state and local political and regulatory officials; an Association Directors’ Toolkit, which allows executive directors to communicate electronically with their association members and other directors; Medicaid and HIPAA libraries; presentations for use in educational seminars; and draft letters to legislators.

In other VGM news, The Motion Group of Canada, an association of 24 specialized rehabilitation equipment providers, will merge its operations with VGM. The Motion Group will continue to operate as a separate entity.

VGM also has signed an agreement with Atlanta-based Fidelis Software to use the company’s Web-based Brightree platform to power VGM’s STAT (Secure Technology Available Today) Link, an online interface for HME billing and inventory control functions. Fidelis also joins VGM as a consultant.

Finally, the U.S. Rehab division of VGM is offering the Assistive Technology Training Program through an agreement with the University of Pittsburgh. The program is an electronic, self-study curriculum for rehab technology suppliers, rehab technicians and entry-level rehab employees, and covers most of the topics tested in the Rehabilitative and Assistive Technology Engineering Society of America (RESNA) exam for Assistive Technology Supplier and Assistive Technology Practitioner.

Option Care Restructures Operations

Buffalo Grove, Ill.

Home infusion and specialty pharmacy provider Option Care has reorganized its operations, including elimination of the middle management of its field locations, the combination of its Michigan and Florida specialty pharmacy and home infusion operations and the elimination of “marginally profitable” locations. In other company news, Option Care has launched its Clinical Resource Network, a wholly owned subsidiary. The network provides home care and product development services to biopharmaceutical companies engaged in adult and pediatric Phase I-IV clinical trials for oncology, rheumatology and immunology therapy, and has 130 facilities and relationships with various home care companies.

Home Care Supply Acquires Florida Provider

Beaumont, Texas

Home Care Supply has acquired Meridian Health Services of Clearwater, Fla. The acquisition will complement HCS’ existing Clearwater location, the company said.

“Meridian’s reputation and outstanding growth over the past four years in the respiratory area will combine nicely with our existing location in Clearwater,” said Todd Christopher, CEO of HCS, adding that because the two Clearwater facilities share a common parking lot, “the logistical integration won’t be a problem.”

CMS Transitions to Online Manual

Baltimore

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has changed from a paper-based to a Web-based system for Medicare manual insturctions. All of CMS’ program instructions are now available at www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals, which links to the agency’s “CMS Manual System.”

The new online system is organized by functional area, such as claims processing and entitlement, which CMS says will “eliminate significant redundancy within the manuals.”

For breaking news, go to www.homecaremonday.com, the electronic news service of the home medical equipment industry.