In brief: Aetna pauses CPAP change, FDA warns Dexcom, Owens & Minor launches offering
By HME News Staff
Updated 9:07 AM CDT, Fri March 28, 2025
WASHINGTON – Aetna has put a proposed change on hold for review after AAHomecare asked the insurer to reconsider using certain adherence codes that can only be billed by clinicians not DME providers.
The proposed change, announced in January, stated: “Beginning April 1, 2025, we’ll no longer reimburse the CPAP device or the supplies unless adherence to positive airway pressure therapy is documented using adherence codes G8851, G8854 and G8855 on the claim.”
“On behalf of DMEPOS suppliers and the millions of Americans who depend on high-quality, home-based CPAP care, we ask that you rescind the new adherence code requirement to prevent unintended disruptions in patient care,” AAHomecare stated in a letter to the insurer.
AAHomecare has requested formal communication from Aetna to the supplier community about the hold.
In the letter, AAHomecare pointed out that “G” codes identify health care procedures and services that may not have assigned CPT codes and are not listed in the PDAC, which identifies HCPCS codes that are billable by DME suppliers.
AAHomecare also noted that requiring an adherence code during the initial 90 days of use should not be required as compliance is still being determined. Additionally, the association wrote, it does not conform to provisions in the 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final rule clarifying that MA plans cannot deny coverage based on criteria not found in traditional Medicare.
Rehab Medical marks 20 years of service
INDIANAPOLIS – Rehab Medical is celebrating 20 years of service and dedication to improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges.
From its founding in 2005 as a durable medical equipment provider to its transition to a complex rehab technology (CRT) provider, Rehab Medical has supported countless users, providing them with custom mobility solutions that empower independence and confidence.
"As we take this time to reflect on what the last 20 years have meant to us, we want to preface that through change, rapid growth and numerous challenges we remained steadfast in our mission to improve lives through innovative mobility solutions and exceptional service,” said CEO Patrick McGinley. “For the last several years we’ve prioritized company growth while never wavering in our commitment to customer service excellence or employee satisfaction.”
Over the years, Rehab Medical has worked to transform the mobility industry through technology, a service excellence, personalized solutions tailored to each person’s unique needs, a tenured leadership team, and a staff of more than 100 assistive technology professionals (ATPs).
FDA issues warning to Dexcom
SAN DIEGO – Dexcom has received a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding “non-conformities” in manufacturing and quality processes after inspections of its facilities in Sad Diego and Mesa, Ariz. In a form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company said it takes the matters identified in the warning letter seriously, has already submitted several responses to Form 483 and is in the process of preparing a written response to the warning letter. Dexcom will continue to undertake certain corrections and corrective actions and will also continue to provide regular updates to the FDA. The company cannot, however, give any assurances that the FDA will be satisfied with its response or as to the expected date of the resolution of the matters included in the warning letter, it stated. Until the issues cited in the warning letter are resolved to the FDA’s satisfaction, additional legal or regulatory action may be taken without further notice. The warning letter does not restrict the company’s ability to produce, market, manufacture or distribute products, require recall of any products, nor restrict the company’s ability to seek FDA 510(k) clearance of new products.
Owens & Minor launches $600M offering
RICHMOND, Va. – Owens & Minor has launched a private offering of $600 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes, the proceeds of which will be used to finance its acquisition of Rotech Healthcare, along with cash on hand and expected borrowings under a new senior secured incremental term loan B facility. Proceeds will also be used for other transactions contemplated by the related merger agreement, including the repayment of Rotech debt and to pay acquisition-related fees and expenses. Any remaining net proceeds will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. The notes, due 2030, will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by the company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the company’s existing term loan facility and revolving credit facility. If the issue date occurs prior to the closing of the acquisition (and subject to applicable grace periods), the notes will be secured only by a first-priority security interest in the escrow account and all funds on deposit therein. Following the completion of the acquisition, the notes and related guarantees will be secured on a first-priority basis by liens on the same assets that secure the company’s existing term loan facility and revolving credit facility.
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Related: Owens & Minor seeks additional financing.
Dexcom appoints former Masimo exec as chief commercial officer
SAN DIEGO – Dexcom has named Jon Coleman as chief commercial officer to oversee the company’s global commercial organization, including sales, marketing and customer experience. “Jon has demonstrated the ability to lead organizations through the complexities of global health care with consistently strong performance across a variety of sectors and channels,” said Kevin Sayer, chairman, president and CEO at Dexcom. “This broad experience across market segments and regions provides a great fit as we look to capitalize on Dexcom’s incredible growth opportunity.” Coleman joins Dexcom with more than 30 years of global commercial leadership experience across multiple health care segments and channels, including as an executive officer of Masimo Corp., where he held roles of increasing responsibility across his 15-year tenure. “Dexcom’s commitment to drive innovation in glucose biosensing and its unique long-term growth opportunity make the chief commercial officer role an incredible opportunity,” he said. “I am excited to lead this great team at a key point in the company’s history and execute on the company’s ambitious vision to empower greater health around the world.”
RRI upgrades duration card
ST. LOUIS – Responsive Respiratory has upgraded its popular duration card to include a full range of flow settings available on the company’s regulators, from pediatric to high flow. The card lists the most common medical oxygen cylinder sizes and the approximate duration for each when using a continuous flow oxygen regulator or 6:1 conserver on a full cylinder. “The duration card is handy tool for both providers and patients as it addresses one of the primary concerns for oxygen users: How long will my cylinder last?” explains Steve Bannon, president. In addition to displaying a wider range of flow settings, the new card also features a vertical orientation that is more user-friendly and an updated color scheme. The card can be downloaded at no charge on RRI’s website here.
Gem partners with Sleep Number
MINNEAPOLIS – Gem Specialty Health has connected its flagship offering, GEM SLEEP, to Sleep Number’s BreatheIQ, a digital sleep health app to help users understand their snoring. BreatheIQ users will now have the option to connect to GEM SLEEP to access clinical evaluations, diagnosis, treatment set up and support without setting foot in a clinic. The goal: Provide a simple, consumer-friendly option for the estimated 80% of individuals with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, which, when untreated, is associated with significant health conditions, including stroke, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. "Advancements in breathing irregularity detection, such as those made by BreatheIQ, are critical to raise awareness of chronic sleep conditions," said Brian Sauer, founder and CEO of GEM HEALTH. "As individuals develop awareness, they must also have a clear next step to get appropriate medical care. We are thrilled to partner with Sleep Number to offer this option to BreatheIQ users." GEM SLEEP says its approach to care gets patients to care in days, rather than weeks or months, while lowering costs for patients and insurers. GEM SLEEP's services are in-network with health plans that cover 53 million Americans, providing broad access to care services, the company says.
OPGA, Össur open grant applications
WATERLOO, Iowa – OPGA and Össur have announced the application period is now open for two grants available for U.S.-based O&P professionals: the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant and Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant. Both annual grants are designed to provide funding to a current O&P resident (Russell Walker) and certified orthotist or prosthetist or both (Todd Eagen) that will allow them to attend and participate in two non-clinical events in the O&P profession: an advocacy event and the Challenged Athletes Foundation Triathlon Challenge. “At OPGA, we are passionate about advancing the O&P profession and ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need,” said Nikki Grace, director of OPGA. “Our partnership with Össur reflects this dedication, as we work together to provide professional development opportunities for the next generation of O&P leaders. By honoring Russell Walker and Todd Eagen, we aim to inspire and support future residents and professionals in their journey to enhance mobility and improve lives. We strongly encourage all eligible students and professionals to apply for these grants and seize this chance to grow their careers and contribute to the field." Walker was a practitioner who was passionate about mentoring the next generation of O&P leaders. Eagen, a former president of OPGA, was an important leader in the O&P profession. The application period closes April 11, 2025. A selection committee consisting of O&P professionals will review all applications, and the recipient will be notified and announced between April and May 2025. To apply for the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant, click here. To apply for the Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant, click here.
NHIA announces innovation finalists
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Home Infusion Association has announced the finalists for its 2025 Exhibitor Innovation Award, which recognizes groundbreaking products or services that advance the home and alternate site infusion industry. The finalists are:
- Avoset by Eitan Medical – an ambulatory infusion system to leverage Bluetooth and NFC communication to support programming via a PC-based programming tool.
- Compounding360 CEMS API by Pharmacy Stars – an open platform that automatically retrieves environmental monitoring data from devices physically spread out across a building and records into the quality management system with no human involvement.
- Intake Workflow by Brightree – a software tool that guides staff through a customized process based on their role, so patients and orders are qualified clinically and financially before coming on service.
- Mobility+ by Rockfield Medical Devices – an elastomeric lightweight, mobile, silent enteral feeding system for patients aged 2 years and older, with gastrostomy or jejunostomy feeding tube.
“I would like to thank all of the companies who participated, as well as all of the exhibitors at NHIA’s Annual Conference, that supply our industry and enable us to provide our patients the best care possible,” said John Rademacher, chair of NHIA’s board of directors. “I am continually impressed by the ways our supplier organizations are innovating to solve problems, from accurate and safe drug delivery to data analysis that allows us to improve care.” More than 145 companies exhibiting at the NHIA 2025 Annual Conference were invited to submit entries for the Innovation Award. The winner, selected by a panel of experts from NHIA provider member organizations with extensive industry experience, will be announced at the NHIA 2025 Wednesday Tuesday General Session on April 1.
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