WATERLOO, Iowa (December 12, 2017)—In a nationwide survey, over half of Medicare beneficiaries reported problems obtaining medically needed home medical equipment (HME) such as oxygen and wheelchairs under Medicare’s Competitive Bidding program.
SAN DIEGO (December 12, 2017)—ResMed today was named one of America’s top 100 corporate citizens for the second straight year by Forbes and JUST Capital, a nonprofit that analyzes and ranks companies based on how they serve the priorities of the American people.
ResMed ranked #76 among other large publicly traded U.S. companies and #2 in “Health Care Equipment & Services” when compared on issues including:
ARLINGTON, Va. (December 11, 2017)—The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) announced the appointment of Lisa Wells, vice president of marketing for Cure Medical, as a member of the SBA board of directors.
“We are thrilled to have Lisa on the board. She’s a long-time supporter of our work and mission and we know that her extensive knowledge of the issues facing the Spina Bifida community will enrich and enhance our shared goals,” said Sara Struwe, president and CEO of the SBA.
WASHINGTON (December 11, 2017)—Nearly seven out of 10 family caregivers say it is emotionally stressful to care for their loved one during the holidays, according to AARP's new Holiday Caregiving survey.
4 Major Questions About the Proposed CVS-Aetna Merger
The $69 billion merger is the kind of deal that can upend an industry. (Shannon Muchmore/Healthcare Dive)
HOUSTON (December 8, 2017)—A new start-up company Easy Reach, LLP has developed the Easy Reach, an elevated toilet seat adapter with side-access that allows independence in the restroom for patients and prevents heavy lifting for caregivers.
BOSTON (December 7, 2017)—Five facilities have filed notice with the Massachusetts state Department of Public Health of their intent to shut down. More 1,000 residents are believed to be impacted, and 600 people will be laid off by the announced closures.
SUMMIT, N.J. (December 7, 2017)—Seqirus, in partnership with health care provider advocacy organizations, announced the launch of Be FLUent, a collaborative initiative that brings together nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs) and pharmacists to drive dialogue about influenza (flu) prevention between health care providers and their patients age 65 and older.
—Via NAHC, WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 7, 2017)—Patients who receive home health care after a hospital discharge save the system about $6500 over the course of a year and home health care “independently decreased the hazard of follow-up readmission and death,” according to a new study published in the American Journal of Medicine.
SAN DIEGO (December 6, 2017)—ResMed has been named a 2017 “Medtech Company of the Year” finalist by MD+DI, a news resource in the medical device and diagnostic industry.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. (December 5, 2017)—Merits Health Products—a manufacturer and distributor of durable medical equipment—has named Kirk Grau as Regional Rehab Sales Manager of central U.S. and Bret Tracy as Regional Rehab Sales Manager of east coast. Merits notes both will work directly with Chris Blackmore National Director of Business and Product Development to further the reach and growth of Merits Products in the United States.
WATERLOO, Iowa (December 5, 2017)—VGM & Associates has announced changes to roles within their leadership team.
Scott Owen will be transitioning from vice president of sales to vice president of contracting. Owen has been with VGM for three years and will now have oversight over its vendor contract division.
CLEVELAND (December 5, 2017)—Through 2021, revenues for home health care are projected to increase 5.7 percent annually to $104 billion. Growth will be driven by a number of factors, including:
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (December 4, 2017)—In a statement, National Community Pharmacists Association CEO B. Douglas Hoey, Pharmacist, MBA, says the announced merger of CVS Health and Aetna may not create its purported cost savings, and that there may be detrimental effects on consumers and community pharmacy providers:
—Via NAHC, WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 4, 2017)—Growth in the private duty homecare industry industry has led to calls for more oversight and regulation and more states are considering legislation to make accreditation for private duty homecare agencies mandatory.
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. (December 4, 2017)—Bob Gilligan, former CEO of GE Industrial Solutions, joined Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare as the new CEO today.
Harvey Diamond has assumed the role of Vice Chairman for Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare. In his new role, Diamond will serve as a senior advisor to the company and as a voice to customers, vendors and investors. He will continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
LAS VEGAS (December 4, 2017)—SmartSaver registration rates (the most inexpensive you can get) for Medtrade Spring are officially in effect. SmartSaver rates are considerably lower than later and/or day-of-show rates. The last day to take advantage of SmartSaver rates is December 10, 2017. The spring version of the nation’s premiere HME trade show is scheduled for March 27–29, 2018, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
TUSCAN, Ariz. (December 1, 2017)—Health care M+A advisory firm VERTESS continues its strategic growth with the addition of Eric Hymes, a respected Durable Medical Equipment (DME) executive, as a managing director.
PHILADELPHIA (November 30, 2017)—The TENA brand’s premium absorbent product portfolio, made by Essity (formerly SCA), features new enhancements to promote skin health. TENA Premium Briefs, Protective Underwear and Heavy Pad incontinence products will now feature TENA ConfioAir 100 percent breathable technology, which allows excess moisture to evaporate, to help maintain skin’s natural moisture balance and improve comfort for wearers.
