In brief: Aeroflow boosts advocacy, Joerns adds Winncare, Great Plains Rehab sells

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Aeroflow Healthcare has created a government relations program and hired Mindi Walker, an experienced lobbyist, to lead it. 

The move will allow Aeroflow, a large supplier of products and services in the maternity, incontinence, sleep and diabetes markets, to help ensure equitable access to care at both the state and federal level. 

“Aeroflow Healthcare has completed numerous advocacy initiatives to improve patient outcomes over the years, with the most recent example during the formula shortage where we successfully increased access to milk storage bags and vital breastfeeding supplies for new mothers,” said Ryan Bullock, COO. “Expanding our government relations capabilities with the addition of Mindi Walker will only enable us to continue pushing more proposed solutions to improve the lives of the individuals and families we serve.” 

Walker has more than 20 years of experience, including senior roles in both chambers of the U.S. Congress, as well as the executive branch. She has served public and private organizations and has a track record of navigating legislative and public service challenges, Aeroflow says. 

“I’m beyond thrilled to continue the fight for health equity with Aeroflow Healthcare,” said Walker. “Advocacy translates to better access, which directly correlates to better experiences and overall health outcomes. I look forward to continuing Aeroflow Healthcare’s mission to ensure all patients receive the life-changing products and resources needed for their quality of life. 

• Read what Ryan Bullock had to say recently about what’s next for health care advocacy. 

Joerns to offer Winncare mobility solutions 

CHARLOTTE, N.C., and PARIS – Joerns Healthcare, a provider of health care technology and equipment, has entered into a strategic partnership with Winncare, a European provider of mobility solutions, to introduce its moving and handling product range to the U.S. market.  

"We are excited to bring these new safe patient handling solutions to the U.S. health care market as a complement to our Hoyer-branded Safe Patient Handling solutions," said Doug Ferguson, chief strategy officer of Joerns Healthcare. "We know the impact on the patient and caregiver after a fall goes well beyond the immediate event. These products provide impactful new opportunities to improve the response for all should a fall occur."  

Winncare's Mangar Lifting Cushion range has been used across the U.K., Europe and Australasia since 2006. The cushions are designed to lift from the floor to seat or bed height, protecting health care workers from injuries often sustained through repetitive lifting.  

"Winncare is excited to partner with Joerns Healthcare in bringing the Mangar lifting cushion portfolio to the U.S. market,” said Laurent Faugere, president of Winncare. “These products have proven to be valuable interventions in managing patients that have suffered from a fall for both the patient and caregiver."   

SMP reports recoveries hampered by COVID-19 

WASHINGTON – The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) projects reported $153,812 million in expected Medicare recoveries for 2022 but cautions that COVID-19 continues to limit its activities, according to a new report from the Office of Inspector General. In 2022, the 53 reporting SMP projects had a total of 5,365 active team members who conducted a total of 18,274 group outreach and education events, reaching an estimated 1 million people. In addition, the projects had 246,722 individual interactions with, or on behalf of, a Medicare beneficiary. Over half of the recoveries for 2022 came from one project that identified a provider who billed for evaluation & management (E&M) claims when the only service rendered was the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. The E&M claims were not supported by the medical record. The provider was ordered to pay more than $86,000 to resolve their civil liability. In addition, cost avoidance in 2022 totaled $31,122, while savings to beneficiaries and others totaled $74,459 for all SMP projects. 

Great Plains Rehabilitation Services sold, rebranded 

BISMARCK, N.D. – Great Plains Rehabilitation Services is being sold to a group of local business owners and will operate under the name Great Plains Restorative Services, according to a local newspaper. Greg Lord, director of CHI St. Alexius Great Plains Rehabilitation Services, will be CEO of the new business, which has 65 employees, and inventory and locations in Bismarck and Dickinson, N.D. Great Plains will continue to provide a portfolio of medical products that includes orthotics, prosthetics and home medical equipment and supplies to the public, health care professionals and medical facilities. The business will remain CHI St. Alexius’ preferred provider. The deal is expected to be completed June 30; terms were not disclosed. 

InfuSystem to join Russell 3000 

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - InfuSystem Holdings will join the broad-market Russell 3000 Index at the conclusion of the 2023 Russell indexes annual reconstitution, effective after the U.S. market opens on June 26, 2023. Annual Russell indexes reconstitution captures the 4,000 largest U.S. stocks as of April 28, ranking them by total market capitalization. “We are excited to be included in the Russell 3000 Index, one of the most widely cited performance benchmarks,” said Richard Dilorio, CEO. “This is another meaningful milestone for InfuSystem, as we continue building on our positive momentum to drive future growth and deliver long-term value creation for our loyal shareholders.” Membership in the U.S. all-cap Russell 3000 Index, which remains in place for one year, means automatic inclusion in the large-cap Russell 1000 Index or small-cap Russell 2000 Index, as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes. FTSE Russell determines membership for its Russell indexes primarily by objective, market-capitalization rankings and style attributes. 

Quality Biomedical partners with Flight Medical 

BOULDER, Colo., and WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Quality Biomedical, a biomedical equipment management service provider to the post-acute and HME markets, and Flight Medical, a provider of single and dual patient circuit limb ventilators, have announced an exclusive national service and parts distribution agreement. “As our U.S. market share has grown, we want to consolidate all warranty and out-of-warranty product support and centralize parts distribution,” said Shauna Winston, director of business development for Flight Medical. “Given Quality Biomedical’s national footprint and deep experience with ventilator service and support, they are the logical choice for this important role.” Per the agreement, Quality Biomedical will provide warranty service, preventive maintenance, training, and out-of-warranty repairs for Flight Medical’s line of Flight-60 ventilators and will handle the distribution of all parts and PM kits for Flight’s installed base of ventilators. “Flight Medical and Quality Biomedical have enjoyed a very long relationship, and we are excited to take this next step in helping Flight Medical continue their growth in the U.S. market,” said Jim Worrell, chief commercial officer for Quality Biomedical. The Flight-60 vent is currently being distributed by Medline. 

Quipt uplists to TSX 

CINCINNATI — Quipt Home Medical has received final approval to list its common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and commenced trading at market open on June 21, 2023, under the symbol “QIPT.” Concurrent with the commencement of trading on the TSX, the common shares will be delisted and will cease trading on the TSX Venture Exchange. “We are incredibly proud to announce the commencement of trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange,” said Greg Crawford, chairman and CEO of Quipt. “This significant milestone underscores our commitment to growth and provides a strong foundation for our investors. We believe that this listing will provide us with increased visibility and access to a broader investor base, which will further support our mission to deliver exceptional value to our shareholders. We’re excited about this next step in our journey and are deeply appreciative of the support from our investors, our team, and the TSX.” 

Sunset Healthcare to offer ZeniMedical wound care portfolio 

CHICAGO – Sunset Healthcare Solutions is partnering with ZeniMedical to offer an affordable wound care product line. ZeniMedical offers a wide range of foam, composite, hydrocolloid, alginate and collagen dressings, including ZeniFOAM, a dressing made from polyurethane foam that adheres to impact skin without sticking to wet wounds. “Advanced wound care is an exciting new category for us,” said PJ Ruflin, vice president of business development. “We intend to provide a great product at a great price, while educating our clients on the nuances and benefits of this category for their business and patient base. For those already familiar with the category, we can now provide a profitable solution that does not sacrifice patient outcomes.” ZeniMedical also offers silver impregnated dressings that are anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral. 

NRRTS seeks input on repair guideline 

LUBBOCK, Texas – NRRTS seeks input on new standards for wheelchair failures, repairs and maintenance. Using data on wheelchair component failure rates, NRRTS – with the help of Jack Fried, MS; Mark Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP; Richard Schein, PhD, MPH; Gede Pramana, PhD; Madelyn Betz, MS, ATP; Weesie Walker, ATP/SMS; and Mark Sullivan – has developed a guideline for registrants to achieve consumer safeguards and high-quality service for wheelchair repairs and maintenance. NRRTS developed the best practices in response to a growing dissatisfaction among consumers with repairs and maintenance. It says the standards are meant to facilitate consumer well-being, continuous quality improvement and third-party policy. Go here to review the standards. Go here to provide input.