The new technology playbook is the third playbook published by VGM & Associates in 2025

WATERLOO, Iowa— VGM & Associates announced the release of its new technology playbook titled "VGM Playbook: Technology-Driven Strategies and Resources.” The playbook is designed to help VGM members use technology—including artificial intelligence (AI)—to drive smarter operations, provide better care and aim toward long-term growth.

The report showed a significant increase in Medicare spending toward skin substitutes in just two years

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a review of Medicare Part B payment trends for wound care products known as skin substitutes that the office said “raises major concerns about fraud, waste and abuse.”

In March 2023, OIG issued a report that identified significant gaps in manufacturer compliance with new average sales price (ASP) reporting requirements for skin substitutes. 

Erin Hilligan joins the HDG executive leadership team with more than 30 years experience

MINNEAPOLIS—Health Dimensions Group (HDG), a senior living, post-acute, and long-term care management and consulting firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has named Erin Hilligan as its chief operating officer (COO). With this role, Hilligan joins HDG’s executive leadership team.

New rtNOW Engage adds virtual PAP setup and CPAP, BiPAP and non-invasive ventilation adherence

FRANKENMUTH, Michigan—RtNOW, a provider of virtual respiratory therapy, announced the launch of rtNOW Engage, a  suite of service lines to support durable medical equipment (DME) companies in delivering patient care. 

The partnership will enable nationwide distribution of MedRhythms' currently available devices, InTandem & MOVIVE

PORTLAND, Maine—MedRhythms, Inc., a provider of neurologic and physical rehabilitation, announced its partnership with Edwards Health Care Services (EHCS), a provider of direct-to-home medical products. The partnership will enable nationwide distribution of MedRhythms' currently available devices, InTandem, for adults with chronic stroke walking impairments and MOVIVE for people with Parkinson's disease (PD), to patients with Medicare and/or commercial insurance.

The study found that older patients are open to using wearable smart rings & view themselves as active contributors to their own care

KUOPIO, Finland—According to a recent study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland, older patients susceptible to chronic neurological conditions are willing to use wearables for remote monitoring to support their health and well-being at home. The study found that older patients are open to using wearable smart rings and view themselves as active contributors to their own care. 

Netsmart CareFabric was chosen to enhance hospice & palliative care services & to improve patient outcomes

OVERLAND PARK, Kansas—Hospice of the Western Reserve (HOWR), a nonprofit provider of hospice and palliative care services, announced it has selected the Netsmart CareFabric to support its post-acute service lines on a single platform. The Ohio-based provider said it aims to further its mission to provide compassionate palliative and end-of-life care by leveraging a unified platform that supports its clinical, financial and operational efficiencies across the agency’s 11 locations.

Apria & Byram will offer patients a range of DME products in multiple categories for chronic & acute health needs

RICHMOND, Virginia—Apria Healthcare, LLC and Byram Healthcare Centers, Inc., providers of home-based care and part of the Owens & Minor family, announced a new national provider agreement with Optum Health—a patient-centered care organization that helps deliver better experiences for patients and providers, improve health outcomes and lower total cost of care.

AAHomecare said these resources are designed to support conversations with referral sources & certified diabetes educators

ARLINGTON, Virginia—American Association for Homecare announced it has developed new resources to help diabetes-focused durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers demonstrate the value of prescribing continuous glucose monitors (CGM) through the DME channel. 

AAHomecare said these resources are designed to support conversations with referral sources and certified diabetes educators, reinforcing the role of DME suppliers in improving access, support and adherence.  

The partnership between the two companies aims to integrate AI as a way to improve workflows & eliminate bottleneck issues for providers

DALLAS—Homecare Homebase (HCHB), an industry electronic health record (EHR) platform for home-based care and Element5, a provider of post-acute automation with an agentic artificial intelligence (AI) platform, announced a partnership which will integrate Element5's agentic AI platform with HCHB EHR.

This approach aims to enable KabaFusion's clinicians to devote more time to direct patient care

NEW YORK—KabaFusion, a provider of home infusion, and Tennr, a health care technology company that automates patient processing for referral-based care, announced a partnership to further streamline care coordination, drive operational efficiencies and improve patient outcomes through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The LMN Navigator aims to help therapists and assistive technology professionals collaborate during evaluations

BRENTWOOD, Tennessee—Numotion, a provider of complex rehab technology (CRT), announced the launch of LMN (letter of medical necessity) Navigator, a documentation platform designed to streamline, simplify and strengthen the process of completing mobility evaluations.

LMN Navigator delivers a guided workflow experience that helps therapists, assistive technology professionals (ATPs) and care teams collaborate while ensuring compliance with industry standards.