Briefs

Kerr Drug movesin to medical equipment RALEIGH, N.C. — The Kerr Drug chain, which operates numerous locations in North and South Carolina, has debuted a Healthy Living department in one of it locations here, and will include the concept in the six or seven new stores it has planned for this year. Among other things, the department features diabetic shoes and supplies, compression hosiery, women's health, back and neck, muscle therapy, home health care, durable medical equipment, weight management and foot care. In addition, a pharmaceutical wellness component that includes tests for blood glucose and other conditions is staffed by clinical pharmacists who are qualified for disease state management and monitoring. CareCentrix collects millionth patient MELVILLE, N.Y. — Gentiva Health Services, the nation's leading provider of home health services, tallied its one millionth patient into the CareCentrix operation in March. CareCentrix coordinates DME, IV, O&P, respiratory therapy and nursing services for managed care companies. Since debuting in 1996 when Gentiva signed the largest capitated deal in the home care industry with Cigna Healthcare, CareCentrix has added 2,500 to 3,000 provider locations and now handles 16 managed care contracts. Apria Healthcare provides much of CareCentrix's DME and respiratory therapy needs. Option Care's 2002 revenue jumps 40% BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. — Home infusion giant Option Care saw its fourth quarter revenue jump 40% over the same period last year, rising from $65.2 million to $91.4 million. Same-store sales increased 19% from the prior year period. For the year ended Dec. 31, 2002, revenue increased 48% to $320.5 million compared to $217.1 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2001. Same store sales increased 25% from the prior year period. Net income increased 52% to $15.1 million. On a product line basis, home infusion pharmacy and related services and specialty pharmacy revenue increased 13% and 70% respectively from the prior year.