Briefs: Philips Respironics acquires medSage

PITTSBURGH - Royal Philips Electronics (Respironics) in January acquired medSage Technologies, a provider of patient-management software designed to help HME providers improve compliance and outcomes, and streamline the re-supply process for patients with OSA, diabetes and other diseases. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “This acquisition is fully aligned to our strategy of providing home care providers with new opportunities to enhance their service offerings with an effective and cost-efficient application,” said Steve Rusckowski, CEO of Philips Healthcare.

DeVilbiss ups prices, reduces warranty

SOMERSET, Pa. - DeVilbiss Healthcare increased prices and reduced warranties on certain products in early January to counter the “extreme changes in the oxygen market” over the past several years, the company announced in a release. DeVilbiss reduced the warranty on its 5-Liter Compact Concentrator 525 series from five years to three years on new products sold on or after Jan. 4, 2011, in North America. The company also increased prices 5% on selected service and repair parts used in its oxygen product line. This price increase is needed to offset component cost increases that have not been passed on to customers over the last several years, the company stated.

Sizewise teams up  with CareCentrix

KANSAS CITY - Sizewise, a manufacturer of home medical equipment, has signed a contract with CareCentrix, it announced recently. Per the contract, Sizewise gives CareCentrix and its network of more than 5,000 home healthcare agencies access to its range of products and services, such as intelligent bed frames. Sizewise was “awarded CMS grants in each city of application for a national competitive bidding project,” the release stated.

VGM's U.S. Rehab promotes Packer

WATERLOO, Iowa - The VGM Group has promoted Greg Packer from director of operations to vice president of U.S. Rehab, the company's alliance of complex rehab providers. Packer's promotion allows Jerry Keiderling, U.S. Rehab's president, to focus on VGM's newest buying group, Accessible Home Improvement of America, which focuses on home modifications.