In brief: OMHA hearing frustrates, Burmans gets nod

WASHINGTON - The Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA) held a hearing last week on the ongoing backlog of audits and efforts to address the problem, but industry stakeholders who attended said it was extremely frustrating. “They seem to think the providers need to be educated on documentation,” said Seth Johnson, vice president of government relations for Pride Mobility. “The audit process is broken.” It was clear during the meeting that real-time, practical solutions weren't high on the agenda “Significant dollars are tied up and the providers are going out of business," said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare, at the hearing. “Pilot programs are all well and good, but these are years away and I have providers going out of business every day.”

3B Medical, CMB Solutions partner

INDIANAPOLIS and LAKE WALES, Fla. - CPAP manufacturer 3B Medical and patient contact compliance management software company CMB Solutions have formed a strategic partnership, the two companies announced today. 3B's iCode Connect, a cloud-based patient management system, will be integrated with CMB's own cloud-based system to provide an automated and efficient platform and make it easier for HME providers to process orders, according to a press release.

Brightree and First Choice Medical Supply offer new interface

ATLANTA - A new integrated interface will allow providers to purchase First Choice Medical Supply products through Brightree's ePurchasing platform. “In this time of reduced reimbursements and increased operating costs, providers are constantly seeking efficiencies to streamline their operations while providing exceptional service,” said Mark Crick, vice president of Home Care Sales at First Choice Medical Supply.According Crick, the integration will save customers valuable time, reduce operating costs and improve patient care due to faster delivery and streamlined order workflows.

Burmans gets another nod

BROOKHAVEN, Pa. - Burmans Medical Supplies has been named a winner of the Patient Safety Award at the annual Innovation Awards presented by Philadelphia Business Journal and UnitedHealthcare. The provider uses a coordinated care approach to ensure optimal access, management, safety and outcomes. Maintaining close relationships with patients, providers, payers and others prevent gaps in care.  Also in October, Burmans was voted one of the best pharmacies by the readers of the Delaware County Times. “We are thrilled to be recognized by so many organizations in our area,” said Steve Burman, president and CEO.

Sigvaris launches educational campaign

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. - Sigvaris has released a pair of videos to help educate people on how to keep their legs healthy. The longer video will air on PBS starting this week, while a shorter, commercial segment will air on major news networks such as CNN, FoxNews and MSNBC. The free content is also available for use for physician offices, health centers, pharmacies and HME providers. “What many people don't realize is that symptoms such as leg swelling, achy legs and varicose veins often indicate the early stages of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that if left untreated may worsen over time,” says Judith Brannan, education and medical affairs manager for Sigvaris North America.

CPAP survey reveals benefits

BOSTON - A new National Sleep Therapy (NST) poll found that CPAP users saw mental and physical improvements after getting a good night's sleep. More than 120 CPAP users took the survey created by NST President, Eric Cohen, which asked respondents to check off all the benefits they received from CPAP therapy. Of those who responded: 48% reported being able to stay awake more during the day; 40% said they drive and/or focus on tasks better; 28% have a better attitude; and 3% reported having a better love life.

Tranquility transforms its image

DUNBRIDGE, Ohio - Principle Business Enterprises debuted a new logo and website, and updated its retail packaging for its Tranquility Premium Protection brand. “These innovative undertakings are a sign of an exciting future for the Tranquility brand. Our goal is to better tell the story of how our Tranquility Incontinence Products uplift the quality of life through unmatched protection,” says Tim Philpott, director of marketing at Principle Business Enterprises. The new website features a customized interactive product finder as well as product information for users and medical professionals.

Analysts forecast growth

NEW YORK - Persistence Market Research, a U.S.-based market intelligence firm, released a new global forecast for the HME industry through 2020. According to the report, analysts expect Asia to experience high growth rates over the next five years due to growing demographics and economies in developing countries, such as India and China. The report attributes an increasingly older population and a rise in disposable income as some of the driving forces for the expansion. The forecast also warns that issues with safety and effectiveness could potentially hinder growth in the global HME market.

Convaid donates for a cause

TORRANCE, Calif. - Convaid recently donated a wheelchair to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) Southern California Chapter's Strollathon. The California-based manufacturer, which specializes in lightweight, compact-folding and adaptive-assisted wheelchairs, has been partnering with the South Southern California Chapter for more than a decade. “This partnership has directly contributed to the success of our event and put smiles on the faces of so many of our children and their families,” said event coordinator, Sherri Brady. Organizers raffled off the Convaid wheelchair to raise research money and public awareness for Rett syndrome. The winner of the chair will be able to customize it to match his/her therapeutic needs.

KD Smart Chair supports paralyzed vets

MIAMI, fl. - KD Smart Chair has partnered with Paralyzed Veterans of America to help veterans regain mobility and independence. "We are very proud of all of our troops and veterans that have served our country and want to give back by offering donations and complimentary electric wheelchairs to military personal that really need it," said KD Smart Chair Vice President, Roland Reznik.For every donation the public makes, KD Smart Chair will make an additional donation with 10% of all proceeds going directly to Paralyzed Veterans of America.

New provider has style

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - A new company in Beverly Hills hopes to bring style to the HME industry by offering customers “fashionable” products. "No one wants their house to look like a hospital room," says Alison Emerick, president of Ease Living. Ease Living currently offers lifestyle aids, such as grab bars, compression socks and rollators on its website; and is considering adding a print catalog and bricks-and-mortar location.