In brief: ResMed launches program, Respira snags contract

SAN DIEGO - ResMed is launching Better Sleep for Women, a new initiative to educate women about the importance of sleep, it announced recently. A recent ResMed survey of 500 women ages 40-65 found that fewer than 20% believed they need to make improvements in the quality of sleep, according to a press release. It will focus on sleep as the third pillar of health, alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. The program will provide information, tips and resources about women and sleep through a robust online experience including a dedicated website and social media. "Many women resign themselves to experiencing daily fatigue, blaming it on demanding schedules and busy lifestyles," said Dr. Carmel Harrington, a leading sleep researcher and author of The Complete Guide to a Good Night's Sleep. "It is critical that women recognize that constant fatigue or loss of energy is something that warrants a conversation with their doctor.”

Rep. Ellmers pays visit

DUNN, N.C. - Family Medical Supply hosted Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., on Oct. 7. About 75 attendees, including providers and representatives from industry manufacturers and associations, discussed the effects of competitive bidding and audits. “The longer we can keep patients in the home and healthy, the better for saving Medicare dollars and the better for the patients overall well-being," said Ellmers. In July, Ellmers introduced H.R. 5083, which seeks to improve the audit process. It currently has 36 co-sponsors.

Another accolade for Breathe

IRVINE, Calif. - Breathe Technologies has been named to the 2014 FierceMedicalDevices Fierce 15. The designation recognizes companies with a potential to make an impact in the medical device field, according to a release. Breathe's Non-Invasive Open Ventilation System (NIOV) received CE certification in September and has been recognized by the European Respiratory Society with a Product of Outstanding Interest (POINT) Award for 2014. "This accolade is a wonderful culmination to an outstanding six-month period in which we've received additional regulatory clearances in the U.S and in Europe and were also recently recognized by the European Respiratory Society for creating an innovative technology that solves a challenge of modern respiratory healthcare," said Larry Mastrovich, president and CEO.

Respira snags contract

WASHINGTON - Respira has been awarded a $10 million contract from the Department of Defense (DOD) United States Army Medical Command, it was announced Oct. 2. Under the five-year contract, Respira will support the Sleep Disorder Clinic at Walter Reed, providing care including compliance programs, CPAP, respiratory therapy and clinical research in sleep medicine, according to a press release. Respira was founded in 2001 and has grown to a $10 million respiratory, sleep medicine and home medical equipment company serving 60,000 patients.

Aeroflow takes to the airwaves

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Aeroflow Healthcare has released a new television commercial aimed at potential power wheelchair users, it announced yesterday. The commercial will advise viewers that the provider's certified mobility specialist can help them qualify for a power wheelchair. The spot will air from October 2014 through March 2015. Aeroflow is a full line provider of DME, mobility and respiratory equipment and services.

Community pharmacy earns honor

BROOKHAVEN, Pa. - Burmans Pharmacy has been voted one of the best pharmacies by readers of the Delaware County Daily Times. “We are honored that our reputation for going above and beyond the needs and expectations of patients was recognized by readers,” said Steve Burman, President & CEO of Burmans Pharmacy. “Patients and physicians have relied on Burmans dedicated and knowledgeable team to assist with every step, from prescribing to final delivery, for almost 50 years.” More than 100,000 Times readers voted for local businesses in more than 180 categories.

Prepay review for hospital beds headed for Jurisdiction D

INDIANPOLIS - National Government Services, the Jurisdiction B DME MAC, has announced a widespread prepay review of hospital beds. It includes the cods: E0294, E0260, E0301 and E0303. Data analysis has identified these codes as having a high comprehensive error rate testing (CERT). If you are selected, you will receive and additional documentation request letter asking for certain documentation.

E-commerce site adds pediatrics

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. - Discountmedicalsupplies.com has launched a pediatric division, it announced Oct. 6. The site will offer brand-name children's medical supplies, including mobility, nutrition, diapers and orthopedics. Discountmedicalsupplies also announced that it plans to make “substantial” medical supply and financial donations to three South Florida children's hospitals, up to $30,000 over the course of a year. "DiscountMedicalSupplies.com is now truly a one-stop shop and full-service website for entire families," says CEO John Solomon. The ecommerce site now offers more than 40,000 products.

New look at VGM Homelink

WATERLOO, Iowa - On the heels of its growth, VGM Homelink has rebranded and has a new logo, according to a press release. The managed care division of VGM, Homelink has doubled its size in three year. Homelink enables commercial insurance and workers' compensation programs to access HME and related services through its nationwide network of more than 11,000 independent providers. “We are ready for a new look to grow with us, but I want to emphasize that we are the same Homelink that focuses on value, relationships and quality outcomes,” said Dave Kazynski, president.