Archive: February 2022
Speaker Q&A: Be in charge of your destiny
February 28, 2022Tracy Orzel
PHOENIX - Health care will become even more personal over the next few years – a trend that HME providers will want to take by the horns, says Weston Hopper, vice president of strategic national accounts for McKesson Medical Surgical.
“(Consumers) have higher expectations and (their) choices are now global,” he said. “If we want to keep health care local, it’s up to us.”
HME News recently spoke to Hopper, who will be hosting the session, “Emerging...
Speaker Q&A: Get paid the first time
February 28, 2022Tracy Orzel
PHOENIX - While respiratory products may be spared in the short term, audit activity is increasing overall, says Wayne van Halem, president of The van Halem Group. Here’s what session co-hosts van Halem and Sarah Hanna, CEO of ECS North, have to say about what to expect in 2022 and how to get paid the first time.
HME News: What is the state of audits right now?
Wayne van Halem: The biggest thing I see on the horizon is that the ALJ backlog will be resolved probably mid-2022,...
Social media has ‘integral role’ at Medtrade
February 28, 2022John Andrews
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The virtual messaging component will be stronger than ever at Medtrade West, April 4-6, at the Phoenix Convention Center. In fact, social media is “integral” for promoting the show before, during and after it’s over, said Christina Morrison, president of Stina Bee Marketing, who is leading the Medtrade social media effort.
“Now, more than ever, social media and digital content has created a way to showcase what’s happening from the show...
It’s almost always sunny in Phoenix
February 28, 2022John Andrews
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Temperatures for Medtrade West at the Phoenix Convention Center, April 4-6, are almost certain to be milder than last year, but the business atmosphere promises to be just as hot, says Show Director York Schwab.
“Phoenix was definitely a welcome change from the bustle and expense of Las Vegas,” Schwab said. “We did have complaints about the mid-July heat, but we’re now back to our normal spring timing and the average temperatures will be low...
Reporter’s Notebook: CGM market growing, creating opportunities
February 28, 2022Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
When CMS paved the way for coverage of continuous blood glucose monitors (CGMs), it was a shot in the arm for a diabetes market devastated by the competitive bidding program. In the years since, the market has exploded and it shows no signs of slowing down.
In 2020, Medicare spending for CGMs (K0554) was $21,594,764, compared to approximately $4,192,820 in 2017, the year CMS began paying for the devices, according to the HME Databank.
The top provider in 2020: North Coast Medical...
NMEDA: Let’s get better every day
February 28, 2022Liz Beaulieu, Editor
TAMPA, Fla. – The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association celebrated some firsts at its annual conference in January – its first in-person event in nearly two years and its first co-location with the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED).
NMEDA and ADED, a professional network promoting excellence in driver rehabilitation based in Hickory, N.C., rescheduled the 2021 conference from September to January due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We...
Aeroflow’s Sasser on driving innovation
February 28, 2022Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
Kristy Sasser, who recently joined Aeroflow Healthcare as director of corporate accounts, looks forward to working with payers to build patient-centered care programs.
“We are dedicated to building partnerships that increase member loyalty and programs that elevate our value beyond a traditional DME provider,” she said. “The hallmark of strategic partnerships is to best serve the key operating metrics of health plans, such as improved outcomes.”
Sasser,...
Technology driving complex rehab market
February 28, 2022John Andrews
A technology stalwart in the home medical equipment industry, complex rehab equipment hasn’t let the two-year pandemic slow down advancements in the field. If anything, the industry has gained momentum and manufacturers are working harder than ever to add more high-tech features to their products.
“The past two years have really pushed everyone to determine alternative solutions to provide clients equipment,” said Jay Brislin, vice president of Exeter, Pa.-based Quantum...
Apria CEO: ‘2021 was a banner year’
February 28, 2022HME News Staff
INDIANAPOLIS – Apria Healthcare has reported net revenue of $296.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, up 0.9% compared to the same period in 2020. Net income was $17 million vs. $25.9 million, down 34.5%.
The company reported net revenue of $1.15 billion for the full year 2021, up 3.3% compared to full year 2020. Net income was $64.9 million vs. $46.1 million, up 40.6%.
“We reported solid fourth quarter financial results and 2021 was a good year for Apria,”...
Metro Medical updates website
February 28, 2022HME News Staff
BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Metro Medical, a medical equipment and supply retailer, has launched an updated website that simplifies the customer experience with easy navigation. The company’s new website features an extensive inventory of medical equipment and supplies, including mobility scooters, lift chairs, aids for daily living, wheelchairs, bath safety products, hospital beds, incontinence supplies and reachers. The website also features the services the company provides, including battery...