In brief: NCART gets social, NSM gets bigger

WASHINGTON - NCART has asked CRT stakeholders to take to Twitter in an effort to reach key Congressional offices to push—and pass—its two bills to carve out a separate benefit for complex rehab, by the end of the year. The message NCART wants tweeted: “Help people with disabilities get needed specialized equipment. Pass #HR942 & #S948 this year!” NCART has created a list of Congressional twitter handles to include in tweets. “In about fifteen minutes, you can generate attention from close to 50 key Congressional offices,” said Executive Director Don Clayback. “If we all work together to tweet these offices over the next few days, we can create a real impact.” H.R. 942 has lingered at 160 co-sponsors since September; S. 948 in November picked up its 21st co-sponsor, Sen. Christopher Coons, D-Del.

NSM makes second November buy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - National Seating & Mobility (NSM) announced Friday that it plans to acquire the custom seating and mobility division of Indianapolis-based Home Health Depot (HHD). “HHD is a respected presence in our industry with an excellent staff and reputation,” said NSM CEO Mike Ballard, in a release. The deal adds 16 ATPs and 50 support professionals to NSM's staff. HHD branches begin operations as NSM immediately in Atlanta, Coralville and Urbandale, Iowa, Indianapolis and Broadview, Ill. Earlier this month, NSM acquired Newington, Conn.-based Hudson Seating & Mobility.

Philips launches COPD Survey

Andover, Mass. - In recognition of World COPD Day Nov. 19, Royal Philips launched a patient survey to uncover the physical, emotional and psychological challenges COPD patients face on a daily basis.

“COPD is highly prevalent, but few people know how serious the condition is or have information at their fingertips to make decisions about when they should talk to their doctor,” said Eli Diacopoulos, general manager of respiratory care.  Currently open to diagnosed patients in the U.S., U.K., and Germany, the goal of the study is to help Philips design better technology solutions to meet the needs of COPD sufferers. Philips expects the study's findings to be available in early 2015.

Medtrade Spring features new format

LAS VEGAS - Medtrade Spring is mixing it up this year. The three-day conference, slated for March 30-April 1 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, has a new format aimed at reducing overlap between conference sessions and expo floor time. A majority of educational sessions have been moved to Monday, allowing attendees to browse the expo floor on Tuesday and Wednesday. “Finding the right balance of education, networking and time on the expo floor can sometimes be tricky for attendees,” said Kevin Gaffney, Medtrade group show director, in a press release. “Feedback from surveys, and directly from providers, indicated a strong desire for that balance.”This year's format also features hour-and-a-half sessions led by teams of experts, rather than a single speaker.Registration for Medtrade Spring is officially open. Attendees who sign up now will be able to take advantage of early bird rates and are encouraged to call (877) 914-4677 or (240) 439-2984 (international residents) with any questions. To register click here.

At Home Medical launches new site

CUMMING, Ga. - At Home Medical unveiled its new customer-friendly website for those who use wheelchairs, continence care, urology, ostomy, skin and wound care products. The new design features separate sections for specific product categories and name brands, as well as a sales portal, offering daily deals, customer loyalty programs and weekly specials for newsletter subscribers. The site, www.athomemedical.com, also links to the company's iPush program, which offers free resources, social networking and news for wheelchair users.

Hasco performs well in third quarter

ADDISON, Texas - Hasco Medical's revenues were $23.8 million for the third quarter of 2013, a 22% increase over third quarter 2013. The handicap-accessible vans, parts and service provider's gross profit increased 34% to $6.3 million over the same quarter a year ago, while net income increased 93% to a record $0.8 million vs. 2013. The overall growth is attributed to an increase in private-pay business for van sales, and the addition of Auto Mobility Sales, acquired last September, stated a press release. "To support continued growth, we are expanding our footprint on the East Coast,” said Hasco CEO Hal Compton. “This includes the opening of a new wheelchair accessible van dealership to service customers in the Baltimore metropolitan area, which marks our 20th location.”

DeVilbiss rolls out online ordering system

SOMERSET, Penn. - DeVilbiss Healthcare is offering U.S. customers another option to place orders for respiratory products. “DeVilbiss Provider Online Ordering makes looking up product information and placing orders very convenient for our providers,” said Brian Shearer, director of customer service for DeVilbiss. “With this tool, users may log in and place orders at their convenience—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” The secure, web-based portal allows users to place new orders, request quotes or returns and look up product pricing and availability.

The Med Group enters agreement with OmniSYS

LUBBOCK, Texas - The MED Group is teaming up with OmniSYS to offer comprehensive revenue cycle management and compliance services. “The increase in audits for HME providers has created significant resource demand and financial risk,” said Jeff Woodham, the Med Group's senior vice president and general manager. “Having a solution that can bring expertise, efficiencies and results, will help our members continue to grow their business.” OmniSYS, which specializes in Medicare Part B claims reimbursement and compliance services, manages the full lifecycle of the medical claim, including eligibility checks at the point of sale, billing, accounts receivable management with denial tracking, electronic and manual remittance and patient invoicing.

Mediware releases new scheduling software

LENEXA, Kan. - Mediware released its newest rehab scheduling software, MediLinks AE. “With this scheduling component,” said Stuart Foster, general manager for rehabilitation and respiratory solutions, “the MediLinks software is an optimal rehabilitation therapy solution for any IRF or outpatient rehab hospital setting.” Designed for inpatient and outpatient use, MediLinks AE offers real-time scheduling and patient reminders via text, email or phone to reduce the rate of no-shows and cancellations, as well as wait and recall lists to ensure a full schedule. MediLinks AE also tracks and monitors 3 Hour Rule compliance for inpatient facilities.

People news

Joseph B. Richey, II,Invacare technologies division president and senior vice president of electronic and design engineering, is retiring Nov. 30. During his 35 years with the company, Richey helped develop the Invacare HomeFill Oxygen System, gearless brush motors and digital controls for power wheelchairs…Jim Schreiber is the new vice president of marketing at Pride Mobility Products. Schreiber previously worked for Sanofi Pasteur, a global vaccine manufacturer, where he developed integrated marketing strategies…Ralph Emmett has been hired as Golden Technologies' VP of operations. “In the few short weeks he has been with the Golden team, Ralph has already made significant improvements to our manufacturing processes to increase production, while maintaining our highest quality standards,” said CEO Richard Golden in a release…Emerge Sales has tapped Ken Waters as its new global strategic adviser. Waters has extensive senior level domestic and global sales experience. In his new role, he will help Emerge expand its international presence.