WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 17, 2018)—Industry stakeholders are rolling out a new resource to help suppliers prepare for the next round of the Medicare competitive bidding program for HME.
HomeCare News
ATLANTA (October 17, 2018)—In its eighth exhibit at Medtrade, ramp manufacturer National Ramp unveiled their new product names and company logo mark.
“Medtrade was the first place where National Ramp’s products were embraced by the industry, and we’re excited to show our partners in the home medical equipment field what’s new at National Ramp,” said Garth Walker, managing director at National Ramp.
ATLANTA (October 17, 2018)—Renewed energy filled the aisles of #Medtrade18 in Atlanta this week, and providers gathered in great numbers for sessions focused on a variety of topics, one of the tops competitive bidding.
CINCINNATI, Ohio (October 17, 2018)—FirstLight Home Care, a provider of non-medical homecare, is expanding its services to include Ageless Grace, a program that can help individuals maintain a healthy brain.
ATLANTA (October 16, 2018)—Industry veteran Georgie Blackburn has been selected as the winner of the 2018 HME Woman of the Year.
WATERLOO, Iowa (October 16, 2018)—VGM Group, Inc. announced the official release of its latest playbook, Industry Insights: Billing and Reimbursement Preparation in 2019.
This is the third edition in a series that the membership service organization has created for stakeholders in the DMEPOS industry to download and use to adjust to an ever-changing business climate.
DAVISON, Mich. (October 16, 2018)—Universal Software Solutions, Inc. (Universal) has launched a refreshed website at universalss.com.
“We are excited to unveil our revamped website that allows visitors to explore how Universal’s products like HDMS and StowPoint can revolutionize their business,” said Lisa Anderson, who leads Education and Outreach for Universal, via press release.
ATLANTA (October 15, 2018)—The winners of the Innovative HME Retail Product Awards, sponsored by HomeCare magazine, displayed their wares and made their case during Day One of Medtrade at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
SAN DIEGO (October 15, 2018)—Triple W, a provider of connected health devices, today announced the U.S. launch of DFree, a wearable device for incontinence that notifies the user when it’s time to go to the bathroom.
HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J. (October 12, 2018)—CareFinders Total Care, a home health care company based in New Jersey and Connecticut, announced that its board of directors has named James T Robinson as the company’s new chief executive officer (CEO). Robinson brings more than 30 years of leadership experience with health care companies across multiple segments, including home health care, hospice services, interventional pain management and physician practice management services.
SPRING HOUSE, Penn. (October 12, 2018)—Patrick Henry Medical, LLC, a medical equipment company specializing in clinical respiratory services located in Sherman, Texas, that does business as Breath of Life, has achieved Exemplary Provider accredited status for Patient-Centered Respiratory Home (PCRH), The Compliance Team’s (TCT) latest accreditation designation specifically designed to help respiratory care professionals perform at the top of their license.
THOUSAND OAKS, Calf. (October 12, 2018)—Bonafide Management Systems announced its Live Asset Tracking System, which allows medical devices such as ventilators, infusion pumps, monitors, wheelchairs, beds and other high-value items to be tracked and monitored. The system includes a small device and software. The device can be affixed to any medical equipment, according to the company, and the software tracks the physical location of the device in real-time.
NORWOOD, Mass. (October 11, 2018)—Reliable Respiratory a home respiratory and specialty medical equipment provider in New England, announced that it has acquired the ventilation business line of Enos Home Medical. The acquisition provides Reliable Respiratory with additional scale in southern New England and an enhanced ventilation product offering.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (October 11, 2018)—Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, HomeCare magazine has entered into a partnership with the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC).
With Medicare spend for hospice care growing substantially in recent years and palliative care becoming an increasingly attractive precursor to hospice in the emerging value-based ecosystem, the hospice market is changing.
Recent developments of note include the October 10, 2018, announcement from Amedisys that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Compassionate Care Hospice, a national hospice care provider headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey.
Pharmacists and Hurricane Florence Relief
The homecare industry is well-known for its collective giving heart. The following are some recent announcements.
QS/1 at the NCPA Convention
QS/1 honored pharmacists at the 2018 National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Annual Convention by donating to charities in the name of three pharmacists. Attendees at NCPA had the chance to enter three drawings for $1,500 each to be donated to the charity of their choice in their name.
New DOJ settlement notes
HARTFORD, Conn. and WOONSOCKET, R.I (October 10, 2018)—Aetna, headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, is the nation’s third-largest health-insurance company and fourth-largest individual prescription drug plan insurer, with over two million prescription drug plan members. In 2017, Aetna earned revenues of approximately $60 billion.
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (October 9, 2018)—AirAvant Medical announced that its flagship product, the Bongo Rx, has received FDA 510(k) clearance for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
WATERLOO, Iowa (October 8, 2018)—VGM Insurance Services has been named one of Business Insurance magazine’s Best Places to Work for 2018.
The annual Best Places to Work in Insurance program recognizes employers for their performance in establishing workplaces where employees can thrive, enjoy their work and help their companies grow.
LENEXA, Kan. (October 4, 2018)—WellSky, a health and community care technology company backed by TPG Capital, launched an innovative new solution, WellSky Hospice Applied Insights.
According to WellSky, Hospice Applied Insights delivers the predictive intelligence that hospices need to ensure their patients are surrounded by their family and caregivers at the appropriate time.