The company says it will pull back from post-acute services to prioritize DME sales.

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina—Joerns Healthcare, a vertically integrated, provider of medical equipment and services to U.S. post-acute care, announced it will refocus the entirety of its resources on its medical equipment sales and services business. The strategy requires a planned exit of its institutional long-term care rental services business and customer notifications began Nov. 20.

The merger will create the largest independent nonprofit hospice network in northern California

LARKSPUR, SAN MATEO & DUBLIN, California—By the Bay Health, Mission Hospice & Home Care and Hope Hospice announced they will merge to become the largest independent nonprofit hospice network in northern California, uniquely positioned to provide compassionate care and impactful community services to more patients and families throughout the region.

Gayle Devin brings years of expertise in the health services industry to HCD

RICHMOND, Virginia—Home Care Delivered, Inc. (“HCD”), a provider of direct-to-patient medical supplies including diabetes/CGM, incontinence, wound, urologica, and ostomy products, announced a leadership change. Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Gordy Fox, will transition to chairman of the board and Gayle Devin will join HCD as chief executive officer effective Nov. 27, 2023.

Magda Przytulska promoted to business development account manager

ATLANTA—TZMO USA announced the recent promotion of Magda Przytulska to business development account manager for the Seni USA brand. In her new role, Przytulska will provide additional support to independent pharmacy and home medical supply store chains as Seni is experiencing growth across the country within these channels. In addition, Przytulska will help onboard new sales hires as TZMO USA continues to expand its outside sales team nationwide.

Apella Health Management applied exemption incorrectly, despite workers not meeting criteria

COLUMBIA, South Carolina—A U.S. Department of Labor investigation has recovered $139,975 in back wages from a Spartanburg home healthcare provider that wrongly exempted 29 employees from overtime and failed to pay them proper wages in violation of federal regulations.

Daphne Jenkins, 64, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud

BOSTON—A Virginia-based nurse practitioner pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston in connection with a $7.8 million telemedicine fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME), including orthotics such as back and knee braces. 

Daphne Jenkins, 64, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for April 10, 2024. Jenkins was charged on Oct. 6, 2023.  

Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s decision to enter hospice has ignited a national conversation around important health care options available during any stage of life

WASHINGTON—In the aftermath of the former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter’s passing, Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), the national voice for nonprofit advanced illness, hospice, and palliative care providers, released the following statement on Mrs. Carter’s passing:

The private insurance market has proved wildly inadequate in providing financial security for most of the millions of older Americans who might need home health aides, assisted living or other types of assistance with daily living

 

This story is republished with permission from KFF Health News, a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

Providers Can Resubmit Claims from Oct. 1 Forward for Reprocessing

FLORIDA—Last week, the Florida American Health Care Association (AHCA) released its updated durable medical equipment (DME) Medicaid fee schedule based on state budget legislation that provided the first broad-scope DME reimbursement increase in 23 years, the American Association for Homecare (AAHC) said. The increase works out to 7.3%, based on funds allocated by legislators to the Florida budget.

This mid-wheel drive power chair allows countertops, bathroom sinks & other surfaces to become more accessible

Coming off the recent approval guidance for seat elevation on Group 2 Standard, seat elevator power wheelchairs, Pride Mobility introduced the Jazzy Air MED–a power chair designed to meet your needs for HCPCS codes K0830 and K0831, and to provide your customers with a next-level mobility experience.

Mid-Atlantic based specialty wholesaler & contract sales agency recently hosted their HME Dealer Education & Appreciation event & recognized several award winners

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland—Acuity Medical announced its 2023 HME “Excellence in Retail” award winners. Those selected were recognized at the Acuity Medical HME Dealer Education and Appreciation event attended by 67 dealer representatives and fifteen manufacturers.

The franchise said the investment opportunity allows entrepreneurs to make a difference in their community

BUFFALO, New York—Right at Home, the 700-plus location in-home care franchise across the U.S. and five other countries, is looking to expand in Buffalo, New York with five new territories. The franchise said the investment opportunity allows entrepreneurs to make a difference in their community while providing much-needed care and peace of mind for the clients they serve.