Archive: August 2018
Philips to drop UltraFill
August 31, 2018Liz Beaulieu, Editor
MURRYSVILLE, Pa. - Philips plans to discontinue its UltraFill Home Oxygen System, in another nod by the company to portable oxygen concentrators as the preferred form of therapy.Philips has confirmed that it will stop selling the system, which includes a stationary oxygen concentrator, a filling station and high-capacity 3,000 PSI cylinders, by the end of this year.“With the evolution of the oxygen marketplace, customer demand has shifted to portable oxygen concentrators as the primary choice...
IVS ready to promote VOCSN
August 31, 2018Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
NORWOOD, Mass. - The people behind the new company Integrated Vent Solutions say multi-function ventilator technology is a game changer.IVS will serve as the exclusive distributor of the VOCSN, a portable device that combines a ventilator, oxygen concentrator, cough assist, suction and nebulizer into one unified system,in New England.“The VOCSN is probably the most exciting development in the ventilator space in 20 years,” said Eric Mongeau, managing director of IVS.The VOCSN, manufactured...
Aeroflow expands to Northeast
August 31, 2018Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Aeroflow Healthcare has added Connecticut to its footprint, with its recent acquisition of the CPAP and resupply business of Med-Caire in Vernon.
Aeroflow will now serve resupply patients in that state, as well as the Carolinas.
“We are very attracted to Connecticut's higher reimbursement rates,” said Andrew Amoth, corporate development manager. “There's a healthy mix of strong reimbursements from all payers in the state compared to other states....
In brief: GAO reports on bid program, Lifeway Mobility receives investment
August 31, 2018HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - The average reduction in payment rates in non-competitive bidding areas for five DME items with the highest expenditures in 2016 was 46%, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.
In its review of the effects of reduced payment rates in non-bid areas, the GAO also found that: the number of suppliers furnishing rate-adjusted items in non-bid areas in 2016 decreased 8% compared to 2015; and beneficiary utilization of rate-adjusted items in non-bid areas...
Fellow fighters wanted
August 31, 2018Liz Beaulieu, Editor
NEW YORK - Gerry Dickerson has held nearly every other position on the NRRTS executive committee, but this month, he was finally named president-elect.
Here's what Dickerson, an ATP and CRTS who works for National Seating & Mobility, had to say about the challenges and opportunities in the complex rehab industry.
HME News: The story goes you've had a hand in complex rehab since you were a teenager. At 13, you were constantly tinkering with an uncle's Colson wheelchair, at one point...
Bonafide launches 'Amazon-style' shopping portal
August 30, 2018HME News Staff
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Bonafide Management Systems has launched its Facility Portal, an online shopping portal to allow HME providers to sell to healthcare facilities. The portal is directly linked to back-office billing operations, inventory and delivery systems, according to a press release. The “Amazon-style” shopping experience allows healthcare facility nurses to create patient profiles, place rental and sale orders, suggest patient-specific items based on a clinical algorithm,...
Lifeway Mobility targets growth through investment
August 30, 2018HME News Staff
HARTFORD, Conn. - Lifeway Mobility, an accessibility solutions company started by former Numotion CEO Paul Bergantino, has received a “major investment” from Cleveland-based Rockwood Equity Partners.
As part of the transaction, Rockwood will provide additional capital and resources to enable Lifeway Mobility to accelerate its plans to become the leading provider of accessibility and safety solutions for people with mobility challenges and those wishing to age in place, according to...
Short takes: MK Battery, ResMed, Invacare
August 30, 2018HME News Staff
In conjunction with NRRTS, MK Battery has received approval for a 0.1 CEU course titled “Battery Technologies.” The one-hour course provides in-depth instruction on the proper selection, installation, care and maintenance of batteries used in power mobility equipment, and is geared toward technicians, ATPs and others who cater to the HME/mobility market. To schedule a course: sales@mkbattery.com…ResMed has upgraded its Astral life support ventilators to include optional AutoEPAP in...
Pediatrics: Dynamic in its potential—and challenges
August 29, 2018John Andrews
When assessing its potential, the pediatric market always shows promise for providers: It has a base of customers who need services over their lifetimes, reimbursement is not subject to competitive bidding and it also offers retail possibilities. Moreover, technology and clinical knowledge are advancing, making pediatrics a dynamic category for the HME business.“There is a good deal of growth and competition among suppliers in the pediatric market, both domestically and internationally, which...
Bridge Connector secures more funding
August 29, 2018HME News Staff
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - Bridge Connector, an integration platform as a service, has completed a $5.5 million round of fundraising, led by Tampa-based Axioma Ventures. Axioma's total investment in Bridge Connector is now $10 million, according to a press release. “Between $10 million in total funding and Axioma's expert counsel, we can aggressively pursue our mission to conquer the interoperability challenge with better technology, strategic partnerships, and smart hires,” said David...