Archive: August 2016
ResMed documents family's travel with vents
August 31, 2016HME News Staff
SAN DIEGO - ResMed has produced a documentary film featuring a family that decides to continue to travel and enjoy the outdoors despite having two children living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). “Changing Lives with Every Breath: The Beaulieu Family” features two brothers, Ross, 20, and Finn, 16, who have a fatal genetic neuromuscular disease that weakens the body's muscles over time, including those that support heart and lung function. Thanks to the family's resolve and...
VGM assists Red Cross in Louisiana
August 31, 2016HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa - VGM Homelink has used its network of HME providers and manufacturer partners to coordinate the delivery of 208 wheelchairs, first aid kits to accommodate 6,500 people and 130 service bells to shelters in areas affected by flooding in southern Louisiana. Homelink was asked by the American Red Cross to coordinate medical supplies to aid displaced flood victims. “Once we received the call from the Red Cross, our team dedicated to crisis situations began sourcing the requested...
Philips sponsors Nimoy documentary on COPD
August 31, 2016HME News Staff
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - Royal Philips is sponsoring a documentary that seeks to educate viewers about COPD through Leonard Nimoy's personal story of courage. “COPD: Highly Illogical - Remembering Leonard Nimoy” will also provide the latest information about treatments for the chronic disease. “Our aim in sponsoring this film is to raise awareness of the disease and its consequences if left undiagnosed or untreated,” said Eli Diacopoulos, Home Respiratory Care Business Leader...
Caire implements MAP policy
August 30, 2016HME News Staff
BALL GROUND, Ga. - Caire, a Chart Industries Company, has implemented a Minimum Advertised Price Policy for all distributors, retailers and resellers who advertise or sell its products over the Internet. “The MAP Policy was adopted to protect customers' confidence in the quality of our products,” stated George Coppola, director of marketing. “This policy is designed to encourage and support resellers who provide customers with strong pre- and post-sales service and support....
CD&R pulls trigger on Drive
August 30, 2016HME News Staff
NEW YORK - Clayton, Dubilier & Rice will make a “significant equity investment” in Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, the companies announced today.
CD&R will make the investment, “alongside existing management,” according to a press release.
“We intend to play a constructive role by supporting a very talented management team as it continues to grow the business organically and through acquisitions,” said Richard Schnall, a partner at CD&R.
As part of the investment,...
Aeroflow adds 50 employees
August 30, 2016HME News Staff
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Aeroflow Healthcare has added 50 employees this year, 22 of them in its breastpumps department. “The department currently shows a 110% growth percentage from January,” the provider stated in an Aug. 29 press release. Aeroflow has also boosted its billing department with 12 employees this year, representing a 34% growth rate. The provider has added nine and five employees to its customer service and marketing departments, respectively. “We have added truly amazing...
Apria steps up for flood victims
August 30, 2016HME News Staff
LAKE FOREST, Calif. - Apria Healthcare has conducted around-the-clock outreach to more than 700 patients with potentially damaged respiratory equipment due to this month's flooding in Louisiana. “Several of our employees' homes have also been damaged, but they all continue to come to work and lend a hand to displaced patients in need,” said Quiana Cruz, a branch manager in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, in an Aug. 29 press release. Apria has brought respiratory equipment to 35 displaced...
Study casts doubt on impact of CPAP therapy on cardiovascular events
August 30, 2016HME News Staff
WALTHAM, Mass. - CPAP therapy plus usual care, versus usual care alone, does not prevent cardiovascular events in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and established cardiovascular disease, according to a study published Aug. 28 on the website of the New England Journal of Medicine.
“This study was not powered to provide definitive answers regarding the effects of CPAP on secondary cardiovascular end points, but there was no indication of a significant benefit with respect...
State association news: AZMESA, WAMES shake it up
August 26, 2016Tracy Orzel
PHOENIX & WILD ROSE, Wis. - The Arizona Medical Equipment Suppliers Association is changing its name to Southwest Medical Equipment Suppliers Association to expand its support to HME providers.“The name change allows us to be more flexible with who we are and what we do,” said Rose Schafhauser, executive director. “It gives folks who don't have (an association) a place to belong.”Like providers in New Mexico, for example, who don't have an association specifically to represent...
In brief: AAH launches PR campaign, Pride updates MAP Policy
August 26, 2016HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - AAHomecare has partnered with DCI Group, a public relations firm, to help move bid relief legislation forward. With DCI's help, the association hopes to highlight the effect of the latest round of Medicare cuts on beneficiaries and providers in rural areas and deliver those messages directly to Congress. “The dozens of stories we've received thus far have greatly aided in these efforts,” AAHomecare stated in a release. “However, more stories will help us make an even...