Archive: December 2021
In brief: Philips update, Essity expansion, Kubat recognition
December 30, 2021HME News Staff
AMSTERDAM – Philips Respironics has determined that exposure to the level of VOCs identified to date for the first-generation DreamStation devices is not typically anticipated to result in long-term health consequences for patients.
The announcement comes after an assessment by an outside medical panel and Philips and is intended to give healthcare providers the most recent data. Overall guidance for physicians and patients in the recall notification remains unchanged.
At...
Essity expands wound care portfolio
December 29, 2021HME News Staff
STOCKHOLM – Essity has acquired Hydrofera, a manufacturer and developer of advanced wound care technology and products for approximately $116 million USD. The acquisition supports Essity's strategic priority to grow through acquisitions in Medical Solutions. "The acquisition of Hydrofera is yet another great strategic fit for Essity further strengthening our innovation capacity and expanding our offering within advanced wound care,” said Ulrika Kolsrud, president, health and medical...
NHIA releases recommendations on managing supply shortages
December 29, 2021HME News Staff
ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Home Infusion Association has issued guidance for members that are experiencing shortages of administration sets for ambulatory infusion pumps due to an ongoing supply chain crisis. The association is working with manufacturers and suppliers to get more information about when these issues might be resolved and if they can offer alternatives. In the meantime, NHIA reminds providers that the decision to use an infusion pump—and which pump to use—is...
Reporter’s notebook: F&P’s growth and gross margin
December 29, 2021Liz Beaulieu, Editor
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Fisher & Paykel Healthcare expects to make a $700 million investment in land and buildings over the next five years to accommodate future growth, say company officials.
In November, the company was “making good progress” on its third manufacturing facility in Mexico and “earthworks were underway” on its fifth building site in Auckland, said CEO Lewis Gradon.
“Once that fifth building site is complete, our current site here...
Oxygen market has evolved in pandemic
December 29, 2021John Andrews
Between the continuing threat of COVID-19 and lingering supply chain disruption, 2021 was a challenging year in the respiratory market for manufacturers, providers and patients alike. The pandemic has had a profound impact on the way the HME industry operates, while product distribution snarls have been a source of frustration.
These developments illuminated the HME industry’s profile within the overall healthcare spectrum, inspired a greater embrace of medical and information technology...
NHIA partner Eitan Medical: Remote monitoring is future of home infusion
December 29, 2021Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
The National Home Infusion Association recently welcomed Eitan Medical to its Future of Infusion Advisory Council, giving the small, global manufacturer of the Sapphire Infusion Pump and other products a window into what home infusion providers are facing.
“We want to listen and we want to hear what the providers are seeing, and we want collaborate with them and our peers,” said Ben Noonan, general manager, North America at Eitan Medical. “We want to be with NHIA to understand...
Jonathan Sadock on the appetite for HME
December 29, 2021Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
M&A transactions in 2021 ranged from the $2-billion mega merger of AdaptHealth and AeroCare to smaller rollups, says Jonathan Sadock, managing partner of Paragon Ventures.
Sadock, who was a guest on the HME News in 10 podcast in November, says there are several drivers behind that the activity, including deep pockets and the opportunity for horizontal integration, especially in respiratory.
“I believe what’s really interesting are the private equity groups investing...
'We're still just scratching the surface,' says longtime provider
December 29, 2021Tracy Orzel
VICKSBURG, Miss. – David Hosemann has been in the HME industry so long, he used to get his oxygen from the hardware store.
“Not too many people in the DME industry today can say that,” said Hoseman, owner of Hometown Medical. “From there to the little POCs we are putting out now, that's how far technology has come.”
Hosemann was recently recognized by his staff for 40 years of service in the DME industry. Founded in 2002, Hometown Medical offers...
Copper Star opens fifth retail location in two years
December 29, 2021Tracy Orzel
PHOENIX – Copper Star Home Medical Supplies has added a fifth retail location covering the entire Phoenix-metro valley to its constellation of stores.
“We saw a huge need for the Tempe, Ariz., market, which was severely underserved,” said Korry Johnston, president and co-owner. “We now have very convenient locations from the east to the west and everywhere in between.”
Copper Star offers CPAP, mobility products, hospital beds, lift chair recliners,...
What's the outlook for CPAP supply in 2022?
December 29, 2021R.J. Meyer
Toilet paper. As the pandemic loomed, people began reporting low or non-existent stock of toilet paper on store shelves. Who could have predicted that a toilet paper shortage would be an early sign of supply chain challenges? Challenges that are likely to last well into 2022, and maybe even beyond.
When it comes to supply chain challenges, the biggest issue is that there isn’t just one issue. Is it the ocean ports? Staffing shortages? Manufacturing constraints? Supply chains...