Archive: August 2021
CQRC can’t support oxygen changes wholesale
August 31, 2021Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON - Dropping the CMN requirement for home oxygen without ensuring there are objective measures in place to support the need for therapy could expose providers to claim denials and put patient access at risk, says Crispin Teufel, chairman of the Council for Quality Respiratory Care.
“We appreciate the expansion of oxygen coverage, but at the same time, some things worry us, like the subjectivity to which providers are subjected to by contractors and judgment calls,” he...
Starck reflects on pandemic
August 31, 2021Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
As the COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold in early 2020, Apria, like most other companies, had no idea what to expect, says CEO Dan Starck.
“It’s been an interesting 17 months,” he said. “We’re still observing all things related to good practice, PPE, contactless delivery. We’re contemplating bringing people back at some point, but that’s the exception right now.”
Starck spoke with HME News recently, reflecting on lessons learned...
Laura Berry raises her voice
August 31, 2021Liz Beaulieu, Editor
SEATTLE – Laura Berry says her experience heading up a medical supply company brings a broader view to the Pacific Association for Medical Equipment Services. Berry, CEO of Soundview Medical Supply based here, was named president of PAMES in July. Here’s what she had to say about how she plans to avoid a “micro focus” at the association.
HME News: What do you bring to the table as the president of PAMES?
Laura Berry: In the past, the micro focus has been...
Atlanta show rebranding emphasizes region over season
August 31, 2021John Andrews
The HME industry’s largest trade show has been rebranded as Medtrade East to reflect geography instead of the time of year it is held. Following the July premier of Medtrade West in Phoenix, Medtrade East at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta Oct. 18-20 is being presented as a regional contrast rather than the previous emphasis on spring and fall.
“Many people unofficially called the Atlanta show ‘Medtrade East’,” show director York Schwab said about...
Seminars address COVID-19
August 31, 2021John Andrews
In keeping with the ongoing challenges caused by COVID-19 and its variants, the Medtrade East Education Advisory Board has included several seminars that deal with the virus-related issues providers are facing for the Oct. 18-20 educational sessions at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
“Several of the programs we selected deal directly with COVID,” said EAB member Jeff Baird. “Other programs we selected focus on what we believe the key issues will be for suppliers...
Q&A with Brightree's Haddad, Pannu
August 31, 2021Tracy Orzel
ATLANTA - Pandemic or no pandemic, work from home is here to stay, which makes tracking productivity even more vital for providers to manage operations. HME News recently spoke to Medtrade East speakers, Jas Pannu, vice president of product management at Brightree, and Fadi Haddad, director of data and analytics at the company, about why productivity tracking matters and what to consider going forward.
HME News: What's the role of analytics and KPIs in tracking productivity?
Jas...
Maternal-infant care up-and-coming category
August 31, 2021John Andrews
Products developed for expectant mothers, new mothers and their babies are gaining traction, but are HME providers taking notice? If they are, they could be tapping into a lucrative emerging pediatric subcategory, suppliers in the field say.
“Maternal and infant care is an up-and-coming category, and we are all in on it,” says Brandon Fonville, director of Raleigh, N.C.-based Motif Medical. “After the Affordable Care Act was passed and breast pumps became a covered benefit,...
Invacare implements new surcharges
August 31, 2021HME News Staff
ELYRIA, Ohio – Invacare informed its provider customers in a letter last week that it will be implementing surcharges on a select group of products effective Aug. 30 to help defray increasing freight rates.
On Oct. 11, the company will also be implementing a 10% price increase on select bed and manual wheelchair spare parts.
“Like all manufacturers around the globe, we have experienced numerous challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote Joost Beltman,...
Reliable Medical enters Texas market
August 31, 2021HME News Staff
MINNEAPOLIS – Reliable Medical, a partner of Seven Hills Capital, has acquired Complex Rehab Technologies, Inc., in Texas, expanding the company’s footprint into a new geographic area.
Rose Espinoza, CEO of CRT, will become part of the Reliable Medical team as a region vice president.
“We are pleased to welcome CRT to the Reliable family,” stated Katie Stevens, CEO. “As a company, we are committed to focusing on intentional growth for the right reasons...
Invacare education receives IACET designation
August 31, 2021HME News Staff
ELYRIA, Ohio – Invacare’s educational program has received the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) designation. Effective immediately, all courses that offer continuing educational units from Invacare, Motion Concepts, Matrx, Alber and Pindot will carry IACET accreditation. “We are honored and excited to further expand our educational programs by offering accredited training to our providers and clinicians on a wide range of content,” said...