Archive: September 2021
UnityPoint at Home partners with WellSky on care coordination
September 30, 2021HME News Staff
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — UnityPoint at Home, a subsidiary of UnityPoint Health that supports UnityPoint Accountable Care, will use WellSky’s care coordination platform and network of more than 4,000 personal care agencies to provide personal care as part of its Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)-at-home program. UnityPoint at Home provides comprehensive in-home care, including home health, hospice, infusion therapy, rehabilitation and HME services in Iowa and Illinois. “We know that more...
Ventec adds Parachute Health’s e-prescribing platform
September 30, 2021HME News Staff
BOTHELL, Wash. – Ventec Life Systems has integrated its VOCSN group of ventilators with Parachute Health’s e-prescribing platform. “Streamlining care for patients is at the heart of Ventec Life Systems, and we are proud to support innovative technology such as the Parachute Platform to provide greater access to the benefits of integrated respiratory care provided through the VOCSN group of ventilators,” said Jim Alwan, president and CEO of Ventec Life Systems. “And with...
Allegiance Group, Curasev sign agreement
September 30, 2021HME News Staff
SKILLMAN, N.J. and OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – A new agreement will combine Curasev’s strengths in automating the end-to-end HME/DME supply chain with Allegiance Group’s expertise in patient-pay billing and collections. “By integrating COLLECTPlus and Curasev’s innovative patient management solutions, both companies agree the collaboration will increase productivity and allow our providers to capture more of their patient pay dollars more efficiently and cost effectively,”...
Better Medicare Alliance touts low premiums for 2022
September 30, 2021HME News Staff
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Better Medicare Alliance, a research and advocacy organization supporting Medicare Advantage, says CMS’s 2022 Medicare Advantage premiums and cost-sharing information show that Medicare Advantage delivers high-value care for beneficiaries. Medicare Advantage average premiums will fall again to $19 a month, down from $21.22 in 2021, according to CMS. Additionally, Medicare Advantage enrollment will swell to 29.5 million beneficiaries in 2022, the agency expects. “With...
Survey: Seniors want to stay put
September 30, 2021HME News Staff
IRVING, Calif. – A vast majority of American seniors (82%) have no plans to sell their homes, preferring to age in place, according to a new survey from American Advisors Group (AAG).
AAG surveyed more than 1,500 participants ages 60-75.
“Our studies have shown that seniors in this country have a strong attachment to their home and the pandemic only strengthened that bond,” said Martin Lenoir, chief marketing officer. “It’s no secret that many seniors...
Letter pushes for finalizing DMEPOS proposed rule
September 29, 2021HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., are collecting signatures for a letter asking the Department of Health and Human Services and CMS to finalize a DMEPOS proposed rule that would adjust the payment amounts in non-competitive bidding areas.
The proposed rule would also extend 50/50 blended reimbursement rates in rural/non-contiguous areas.
“We appreciate HHS’s and CMS’s efforts to make changes to Medicare policy...
Walgreens Boots invests $970M in Shields Health Solutions
September 29, 2021HME News Staff
DEERFIELD, Ill. – Walgreens Boots Alliance is making a majority investment in Shields Health Solutions, an integrated, health system-owned specialty pharmacy. The approximately $970 million investment will support the continued growth of Shields’ strategy and build on a minority equity investment that WBA announced in July 2019. “Delivering pharmacy and health care services in the local community is one of many ways WBA is working to improve access and health outcomes, as well as...
ExtriCare names new director of clinical services
September 29, 2021HME News Staff
PHILADELPHIA –ExtriCare USA, a manufacturer of negative pressure wound therapy devices, has hired Matthew Cranfill, RN, BSN, WOCN, as director of clinical services. “I’m thrilled to be joining ExtriCARE USA’s forward-thinking team at such a pivotal time in wound care,” said Cranfill. “There’s a lot of potential for growth and innovation in the NPWT market, and I look forward to applying my clinical perspective to enhance the outcomes for the clients, clinicians...
OptiPillows launches new website
September 29, 2021HME News Staff
PHOENIX – OptiPillows has launched a new website, www.optipillows.com, that features information about its namesake product and studies about expiratory positive airway pressure therapy. Visitors to the site can also connect with industry partners, watch videos and hear user testimonials about the efficacy of OptiPillows. OptiPillows use EPAP to prevent the collapse of the upper airways by maintaining a positive expiratory pressure during expiration.
Permobil issues white paper on standing power wheelchairs
September 29, 2021HME News Staff
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Permobil has published a new white paper on the benefits of standing power wheelchairs that draws from reviews from 41 publications, usage data from Permobil Connect and an internal survey.
Top takeaways include:
The positive effects on pressure relief for skin, bone mineral density and bowel/bladder function in users.
Improved mental health and self-esteem, and the increased ability to communicate and perform daily activities.
Ability to better...