Archive: December 2020
In brief: Rotech financing, Kubat merger, Merits president
December 31, 2020HME News Staff
ORLANDO, Fla. – Rotech Healthcare has obtained $425 million in new financing via an amended and reinstated credit agreement with a diverse group of lenders.
The provider used part of the proceeds to pay a $100 million dividend to its holding company and will use the remainder to support growth through strategic acquisitions.
“This new credit agreement provides Rotech with sufficient capital over the next five years to continue our growth strategies, as well as to provide a $100...
Kubat Pharmacy merges with Vital Care Pharmacy
December 31, 2020HME News Staff
OMAHA, Neb. – Kubat Pharmacy has merged with Norfolk, Neb.-based Vital Care Pharmacy, according to local news reports. It’s the second merger announced this month by Kubat, one of the largest independent pharmacies in Omaha. In addition to prescription drugs and compounding, Kubat offers home medical equipment, respiratory and mobility services. “Vital Care Pharmacy is a great partner with Kubat,” Mitch Deines, vice president of strategic business development at Kubat Health...
AARC appoints interim executive director
December 31, 2020HME News Staff
IRVING, Texas – The American Association of Respiratory Care has named Paul Divis as interim executive director. Divis, a former Army officer, has a background that includes finance, business and leadership, most recently as business development director at Pratt & Whitney. “We are confident that with Paul’s leadership and drive AARC will continue to obtain and exceed organizational goals and objectives with a commitment to transparency and forward-thinking,” said Sheri...
Hart Medical expands in Michigan
December 30, 2020HME News Staff
CHEBOYGAN, Mich. – Hart Medical Equipment has acquired McLaren Home Medical Equipment, formerly known as VitalCare, which has locations in Cheboygan, Gaylord and Petoskey in northern Michigan. “Hart concentrates on patient outcomes, integrative technologies, timely delivery and customer satisfaction, which has helped build trust within our communities,” said Allen Hunt, president of Hart Medical. “We look forward to bringing Hart’s focus on continuity of care,...
McKesson tapped to distribute Moderna vaccine
December 30, 2020HME News Staff
IRVING, Texas – McKesson has been distributing Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine and the ancillary supply kits needed to administer it as part of Operation Warp Speed and under the direction of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the company announced recently. The company undertook months of preparation for the distribution, including establishing dedicated centers and assembling the kits. “We are honored to be a partner with the U.S. government and other private-sector...
Reliable Medical Supply shifts leadership
December 30, 2020HME News Staff
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Reliable Medical Supply’s Debbie Kalk will be moving from CEO to culture and advocacy ambassador, and Katie Stevens will become the company’s new CEO. Stevens has overseen operations at RMS and has led the company’s integration efforts as it has expanded its geographic footprint into three new states over the past 18 months. “I am very happy to see Katie Stevens step into the CEO role,” Kalk said. “When determining my successor, I...
The van Halem Group joins two state association boards
December 30, 2020HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – Wayne van Halem and Kelly Grahovac of The van Halem Group have joined state association boards. van Halem, president, was named to the board of the Georgia Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers; Grahovac, general manager, was named to the board of directors for the South Carolina Medical Equipment Services Association. van Halem and Grahovac have both been speakers at their association meetings. “I have worked with GAMES for many years, and I am...
Medtrade gets a new captain
December 29, 2020Tracy Orzel
ATLANTA – York Schwab has taken over the helm as Medtrade’s new show director, replacing Mark Lind. HME News spoke to Schwab, who was previously the show’s account executive for the likes of Pride Mobility and VGM, about the future of Medtrade and what he brings to the table.
HME News: What have you learned during your four years as an account executive?
York Schwab: That you have to provide an experience that’s worthwhile for everyone. I’ve worked with large and...
VGM Live at Home standardizes home access
December 29, 2020Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Live at Home has developed a select member program to help standardize the process of connecting home access companies with insurers and other organizations.
The program provides insurers and other organizations with home access companies that all provide a certain set of services and that all have at least one master certified environmental access consultant on staff.
“In talking with our members – we’ve had talks with big, kind of regional companies...
COVID-19 impact on respiratory is vast
December 29, 2020HME News Staff
Because COVID-19 is a virus that attacks the body’s respiratory system, it has put home medical equipment providers on the front line for fighting the pandemic.
Manufacturers from across the respiratory spectrum are responding to this crisis by furnishing the equipment needed to assist those afflicted with the virulent pathogen, contributing to a joint effort with HME providers.
“COVID has caused an uptick in home oxygen equipment overall,” said Doug Francis, president and...