BritKare fills ‘need for better care’

AMARILLO, Texas – BritKare Home Medical has expanded into the “overlooked” hospice market with its recent acquisition of Valmed Home Health & Pharmacy Solutions, says Josh Britten. 

“We believe it’s a market that’s been overlooked in recent years,” said Britten, CEO of BritKare. "We think there is definitely a need for better care at the end of life and we would like to be a provider for our community and help these people in any way possible.” 

An added benefit of the market, Britten says: BritKare doesn’t have to deal with health insurers – it bills the hospice company directly. 

A ‘great match’ 

BritKare, which makes one or two acquisitions a year, has already brought Valmed and its employees, including Trini Valdez, director of home medical, under its umbrella. Those employees were a big part of the attraction for BritKare, says Britten. 

“We couldn’t be happier with the people we acquired in this transaction,” he said. “We've kind of combined our forces of equipment and delivery drivers and been able to find some synergies. It's been a great match so far.” 

Portfolio boost 

The product portfolios of the two companies, both family owned and both based in Amarillo, are complimentary, Britten says. BritKare has its roots in pediatric medical supplies, but also offers a wide range of HME, including orthotics, and respiratory and sleep products and services. Valmed also offers HME and orthotics, in addition to home infusion pharmacy solutions. 

"We already did orthotics and with Valmed, we're expanding our orthotics reach, along with the hospice,” he said. “About the only thing we’re not carrying is power wheelchairs.” 

A need met 

BritKare was founded in 1994 to serve critically ill children and has grown to three locations in Texas – Amarillo, Lubbock and Waco – stepping in along the way to fill needs in the local communities it serves, Britten says. 

“It started with a group of moms who had critically ill children – we were actually their pharmacy solution and they requested that we start a medical equipment solution because no one was taking care of these kids,” he said.