—Via CMS, WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 1, 2017)—On August 1, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule (CMS-1675-F) that updates fiscal year (FY) 2018 Medicare payment rates and the wage index for hospices serving Medicare beneficiaries, and also updates the hospice quality reporting requirements.
HomeCare News
Waterbury, Conn. (August 1, 2017)—Health Complex Medical, one of the leading respiratory care service providers in Connecticut, has launched a new brand position aimed at showcasing its expanded solutions for sleep therapy.
Collaborative sessions with its employees, discussions with physicians and patients and analysis of competitive positioning helped crystalize the branding—which includes a new logo, tagline, collateral system and outreach materials.
CINCINNATI (August 1, 2017)—FirstLight Home Care, a provider of quality, affordable, non-medical homecare for adults, has set all new records for its national business growth. For the first and second quarters, the company has reported $41 million in gross revenues for franchisees, up 20 percent versus the prior year.
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (August 1, 2017)—The Home Centered Care Institute (HCCI) is announcing the launch of the HCCI Centers of Excellence (COEs) for Home-Based Primary Care, a first-of-its-kind program designed to increase the prevalence of high-quality home-based primary care across the United States. The HCCI COE program features the only comprehensive home-based primary care (HBPC) curriculum in the U.S., offered at eight partner institutions.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (July 31, 2017)—The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) is pleased to announce the addition of three new employees to its staff: chief marketing officer Judi L. Knott, marketing manager Cecelia Huffman and business development specialist Tyrone Vines.
—Via NAHC, WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 28, 2017)—It is with great sadness that the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) announces the passing of its president, Val J. Halamandaris.
LENEXA, Kan. (July 27, 2017)—Mediware Information Systems Inc. announced that Bill Miller will join as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Miller most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of OptumInsight at Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group that is the largest health services company in the world.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (July 27, 2017)—The Board of Directors of J M Smith Corporation has confirmed Philip J. Ryan III as Chief Financial Officer and appointed Kevin Welch to the role of Chief Technology Officer. Ryan will also assume the role of Treasurer following the retirement of James C. Wilson Jr. on October 1, 2017. Wilson has been employed with the company since 1987, serving first as controller before being elected Treasurer and then being named CFO.
DEERFIELD, Ill. (July 27, 2017)—To help reduce the risk of injury from slips and falls, and to educate seniors in its communities, Walgreens will offer injury prevention tips and advice when it hosts a Senior Day at its stores nationwide on Tuesday, August 1.
—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGHTON,D.C. (July 27, 2017)—AAHomecare is beginning work on a major initiative to assess and report on patient access to HME in areas served by the competitive bidding program as well as in rural and non-bid areas.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 27, 2017)—On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed the Medicare Part B Improvement Act of 2017 (HR 3178). The bill accelerates the implementation of Medicare payment for home infusion services to January 2019, two years earlier than the start date established in last year’s CURES bill. AAHomecare was one of 168 organizations and companies who asked Congressional leadership to move the implementation date forward earlier this year.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
COLUMBIA, Md. (July 26, 2017)—Maxim Healthcare Services, an established provider of home health care, health care staffing, behavioral health care, and population health and wellness services, announced today that Diane White, RN, a nurse in its Rockford, Illinois, office is this year’s National Caregiver of the Year award winner. White was honored by her colleagues and the Maxim leadership team during a special caregiver appreciation ceremony on July 25.
TUCSON, Ariz. (July 25, 2017)—Health care M+A advisory firm VERTESS continues its national expansion with the addition of investment banker Hilsman Knight as a managing director.
ELYRIA, Ohio (July 25, 2017)—Invacare Corporation has received notice from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the company has successfully satisfied the Agency’s requirements under the consent decree to resume full operations at its Corporate and Taylor Street manufacturing facility in Elyria, Ohio.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (July 25, 2017)—If you’ve ever cared for a child with special needs, there is a list of unique considerations regarding wheelchair, medical equipment accessibility, safety concerns and more that is factored into travel outside your home. A new annual resource is making it easier for families of children with special needs to find the best spots in Minnesota that are set up to accommodate their needs.
ELYRIA, Ohio (July 25, 2017)—Invacare Corporation is pleased to announce that the company received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for the Invacare TDX SP2 Power Wheelchair with LiNX Technology.
“This exciting milestone puts Invacare one step closer to introducing this power wheelchair in the complex rehab category,” said Brian LaDuke, VP of Rehab Marketing at Invacare.
LAS VEGAS (July 24, 2017)—Medtrade Spring organizers are now accepting proposals for presentations at Medtrade Spring 2018, scheduled for March 27–29, 2018, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Those who wish to share their knowledge as panelists are also urged to apply. The deadline is Friday, August 4, 2017.
PORT ORANGE, Fla. (July 24, 2017)—Home Because is pleased to announce the launch of its new website, connecting online consumers and caregivers with local providers.
