In brief: ResMed bulks up exchange, AHIA launches home-mods app

SAN DIEGO - ResMed's patient compliance software program, U-Sleep, is now connected to LabRetriever's sleep lab electronic medical records platform. The new partnership means compliance data measured by U-Sleep will automatically flow into the LabRetriever EMR, streamlining processes and boosting efficiencies for sleep lab and HME partners, according to a press release. “The integrated approach we've taken with ResMed will reduce data entry, eliminate the task of adding patients into multiple systems, and enable sharing of patient therapy reporting across multiple platforms,” said Cheryl Hanner, vice president of LabRetriever, in the release. DME Data Solutions and Computers Unlimited have also become ResMed Data Exchange integration partners. ResMed launched the exchange in 2014 to integrate valuable data from ResMed patient management platforms with third-party electronic health and medical records, billing, and/or care management applications.

AHIA to launch home-mods app

WATERLOO, Iowa - Accessible Home Improvement of America will launch a new app called Live At Home on Oct. 26 at Medtrade. The app will enable home modification experts to do more work right in the client's home, including designing on site; taking photos and inserting recommendations; and generating email proposals, according to a press release from The VGM Group. “This is a solution for members in the field looking for an easy-to-use, streamlined assessment and sales tool that is capable of creating professional proposals with HPPAA-compliant security,” said Jerry Keiderling, president of AHIA, a division of VGM Group, Inc. The app is available for the iPad.

NCPA rejects 'merger mania'

WASHINGTON - The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) supports today's hearing examining the consolidation in the healthcare marketplace, conducted by the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law. Of particular concern: the proposed Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana mergers. “Policymakers cannot allow the 'merger mania' gripping the nation to proceed in a way that harms patients and the community pharmacists who serve them,” said Douglas Hoey, CEO of the NCPA, in a release. “NCPA urges Congress and regulators to be wary of claims by the merging parties that consolidation will necessarily increase efficiencies and drive costs down.”

Permobil, AT&T unveil 'connected wheelchair'

LAS VEGAS - Permobil and AT&T have developed wireless technology to increase independence and freedom for wheelchair users. The new technology allows users to monitor their chairs for seating and position and cushion pressure; battery level and predictive maintenance needs; and GPS location and fleet management. The data can be remotely accessed from the cloud and shared with caregivers, fleet technicians and clinicians. The two companies will unveil the new technology at tomorrow's CTIA Super Mobility 2015 in Las Vegas.

Brightree to host educational, networking event

ATLANTA - Brightree will host “Brightree Summit - Tools of the Trade” in conjunction with Medtrade on Oct. 26. Attendees will learn best practices for increasing ROI and maximizing productivity; have the opportunity to meet with Brightree consultants; and take part in training sessions on inventory, pricing and sales orders. “As our industry continues to face increasing regulatory and reduced reimbursement pressures, providers continually look to improve their operational efficiencies,” said Dave Cormack, president and CEO of Brightree, in a release. AAHomecare's Tom Ryan will also be on hand to discuss legislative efforts during an evening cocktail reception. To register, click here.

Short takes: Permobil, Medtrade, BioScrip

For the fifth year in a row, Permobil hosted a golf tournament on Sept. 10 to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. “While we play golf for such a worthy cause, we also pay homage to those who cannot,” said Larry Jackson, president of Permobil, North America, in a release. U.S. Rehab, VGM, Numotion and National Seating & Mobility sponsored the event…Carter Pate, a member of BioScrip's board of directors, has become an NACD Board Leadership Fellow. The distinction is the highest level of credentialing for corporate directors and corporate governance professionals offered by The National Association of Corporate Directors.