Archive: April 2014
AAHomecare adds videos to campaign toolbox
April 30, 2014HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - AAHomecare has made available for sharing three videos through its Save My Medical Supplies campaign.The short videos, available at www.savemymedicalsupplies.org, help to educate Medicare beneficiaries, families and caregivers about how Medicare problems can impact them, according to a release.The first video is an overview of major issues related to Medicare reform. The second: an interview with Thomas Morris, a beneficiary with diabetes and an amputee, that highlights issues related...
People in the news: Mervyn Watkins, Kathy Schuerman
April 30, 2014HME News Staff
Mervyn Watkins, the founder of Convaid, has been named one of the 15 Most Influential Business Leaders in Torrance, Calif., by the Torrance Chamber of Commerce. He was recognized for his commitment and leadership in support of growing the local economy. Watkins served as Convaid's CEO until 2008 and maintains an active role on the company's board of directors…Ottobock has promoted Kathy Schuerman to vice president of finance for North America. She joined the company in 2006 as controller and has...
PHS expands infusion pharmacy
April 30, 2014HME News Staff
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Pediatric Home Service (PHS) has expanded its infusion pharmacy to meet the demands of its growing population of medically complex pediatric patients, according to a release. The expansion will also enable PHS to increase efficiencies in workflow, better use space and enhance staff communication. “Thanks to our additional capabilities and a rise in infusion therapies that can be delivered in the home, we're able to continue providing this unique service to a growing patient...
Home Care Medical gets in with health network
April 29, 2014HME News Staff
NEW BERLIN, Wis. - Home Care Medical has reached an agreement with Sheboygan Employer's Health Network (SEHN) to be an in-network provider for area health insurance members. SEHN offers health insurance to the employees and their families of six major self-funded employers located in Sheboygan County. The agreement allows SEHN members to access products and services from all five of Home Care Medical's lines of business: infusion and enteral therapy; high-tech rehab equipment; respiratory care; HME...
VGM doubles up on retail
April 29, 2014HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa - The VGM Group has boosted its retail offerings by acquiring Minneapolis-based Simply Shops.
VGM will merge Simply Shops, a healthcare retail consultant primarily to hospitals, with VGM Retail Services. Simply Shops is known for its “Retail Science” concept—offering a blend of gift/floral, convenience, health and wellness, and logo wear to support patients, families, staff, visitors and the overall community in the hospital environment, according to a press release.
“Blending...
Golden expands operations with new distribution center
April 29, 2014HME News Staff
OLD FORGE, Pa. - Golden Technologies has doubled the capacity of its Pennsylvania Lift Chair Distribution Center by opening a new warehouse in Laflin, Pa. The warehouse has 100,000 square feet of storage and distribution space, and features energy efficient lighting, railroad ramp access and truck loading docks. In addition to the larger distribution center, Golden's long-term plan includes increasing its manufacturing capabilities by adding new production lines. That's exactly what the company will...
NCART, NRRTS organize call-in day in conjunction with conference
April 28, 2014HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - If you're not one of the 200 people who will be descending on Capitol Hill this week for the National CRT Leadership and Advocacy Conference, you can still participate.
On Tuesday, April 29, NCART and NRRTS are also hosting a call-in day. They're encouraging thousands of people to call members of Congress and ask them to sign on as co-sponsors to H.R. 942 and S.948, bills to create a separate benefit for complex rehab.
To participate, go to www.access2crt.org to see if...
Anything goes at Anything Medical
April 25, 2014Leah Hoenen
BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. - Anything Medical, an HME provider in rural Arizona, is proof that you don't have to be in a big city to have a big retail business.“We're truly a superstore,” said manager Ed Huyke. “We have everything from respiratory to Band-Aids, from scrubs to walking aids.”Located in a former Marshall's, the 18,000-square-foot store's focus is on variety: there are 24 lift chairs on the sales floor, and customers may choose among three manufacturers of therapeutic...
Get off your soft chairs, Shelly says
April 25, 2014Letter to the Editor
The DME/HME industry for the past 30 or more years has been cyclic. There have been changes, but most providers have experienced very good years.But the times are now rapidly changing. CMS and Medicare have been running out of funds. They are looking for every way possible to delay reimbursements. They move forward without any thoughts of how these delays will affect the beneficiaries and providers.AAHomecare is leading the battle, together with the state DME associations, against these onerous and...
Training & education: Create peace of mind
April 25, 2014Caroline Pinney
A. You can be the reason that your customers don't lose sleep due to the fear of the unknown. You can provide the support needed to give them confidence that their decisions are being made on accurate and complete information. You can bridge the gap between random and frightening interface with the system and care coordination that produces the best outcomes for your customer. Your customers want to be confident and in control while making decisions that center around their health and well-being....