In brief: Convaid gives back

TORRANCE, Calif. - Convaid has launched a community outreach program, it announced Oct. 2. As part of the program, Convaid will collect charitable donations and reach out to end-users without adequate insurance coverage, non-profits and schools with special education programs, according to a press release. “We recently got a big push to get this program up and running from our online community,” stated Convaid President Chris Braun. “They have shared their stories with us…about getting denied by their insurances for various reasons or just not having the funds to purchase them themselves. This program is one way to give back to these families in need.”

McKesson, Medline build new distribution facilities

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., and MUNDELEIN, Ill. - McKesson Corp. will invest $36.9 million to establish a new distribution operation in Frederick County, Va., the company announced Sept. 24. The operation, which will add 205 new jobs, will distribute medical and surgical supplies in a regional service area that includes New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, eastern Pennsylvania, eastern West Virginia and northern North Carolina...Medline Industries will open a state-of-the-art distribution facility in Maumelle, Ark., the company stated in a Sept. 24 press release. The 100,000-square-foot facility, which will open spring 2013, is Medline's 37th distribution center in the United States.

Fastrack, GF integrate

PLAINVIEW, N.Y., and ATLANTA - Graham-Field's product catalog and dealer price list are now integrated into Fastrack Healthcare Systems' inventory management and e-commerce modules. The integration makes an HME provider's inventory management and online ordering capabilities more efficient, according to a press release.

Coding deadline bumped

WASHINGTON - The new effective deadline for DMEPOS products listed on the PDAC website with HCPCS code K0009 has been changed to Feb. 28, 2013. It was previously listed as Sept. 30, 2012. Manufacturers will still be required to submit a new coding verification application to the PDAC for review and assignment of the correct code for products currently coded as K0009. Products that have not received coding verification review from the PDAC must be billed with code A9270.

People: HQAA, Otto Bock

HQAA has hired Willis Triplett to oversee its growing infusion home IV compounding and pharmacy programs. Triplett has experience in all aspects of home infusion therapy as an owner, senior leader and consultant…Minneapolis-based Otto Bock has hired Laurie King as a sales rep for Mobility Solutions. She is responsible for calling on customers in Florida.