In brief

ATG Rehab acquires 13 locations

ROCKY HILL, Conn. - ATG Rehab has acquired Louisiana-based Custom Holdings, and its subsidiaries, Custom Healthcare and Gulf Coast Rehab Equipment, the company announced April 2. The acquisition adds 13 locations in six states, serving more than 6,500 clients annually at 50 hospitals and rehabilitation facilities in the Gulf Coast region. This is ATG Rehab's sixth buy since Audax Private Equity became a majority investor in January 2011.

Seating Symposium attracts 1,000 clinicians

VANCOUVER, B.C. - The 28th International Seating Symposium, held March 6-9 in Vancouver, B.C., drew 1,000 registrants from 27 countries. The symposium featured 67 different exhibit organizations and a keynote speech by Dr. John Patrick, a retired University of Ottowa professor and noted lecturer on moral issues in medicine and culture, who discussed ethics and what individuals with disabilities can teach caregivers. Attendees were also able to network during an evening at the Vancouver Aquarium.

K0823 error rate: 81%

WASHINGTON - The K0823 error rate from Oct. 1, 2011, to Dec. 31, 2011, in Jurisdiction B was 81%, according to a prepay review by National Government Services, the DME MAC. That's up from a 74% error rate for the previous quarter. The top reason for denial: no valid medical records found in the supplier's response, or the medical records received did not establish medical necessity (55%). Other reasons include no sufficient evidence that a physician face-to-face mobility examination occurred; and no response to the medical review additional documentation request.

Scooter Store employees in spotlight

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas - Rachael Smith, a fleet manager in The Scooter Store's corporate operations department, is one of 16 nominees for Automotive Fleet Magazine's Fleet Manager of the Year. Smith manages more than 500 vehicles that traveled more than 22 million miles last year...Lorie McFarland, a senior manager in The Scooter Store's case file development department, received the Patriot Award in March. The Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization honored McFarland for her support of Scooter Store employee Megan Eichelberger. Eichelberger serves as a sergeant in the Army Reserve and is preparing for deployment.

Short take

Vantage Mobility International named central Florida-based Mobility Express the VMI Select Dealer in March, making Mobility Express the exclusive seller of the Honda Odessey with VMI Northstar.