In brief: Apria’s ‘banner year,’ Dynarex’s expanded portfolio, RESNA’s ATP survey

INDIANAPOLIS – Apria Healthcare has reported net revenue of $296.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, up 0.9% compared to the same period in 2020. Net income was $17 million vs. $25.9 million, down 34.5%. 

The company reported net revenue of $1.15 billion for the full year 2021, up 3.3% compared to full year 2020. Net income was $64.9 million vs. $46.1 million, up 40.6%. 

“We reported solid fourth quarter financial results and 2021 was a good year for Apria,” said Dan Starck, CEO. “Our team did an excellent job operating and executing at a high level while navigating the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a major product recall and supply chain constraints. Fourth quarter revenue and Adjusted EBITDA were at the high end of our guidance ranges, while Adjusted EBITDA less Patient Equipment Capex was in-line with our expectations. During the fourth quarter, we continued to be impacted by the Philips recall and the supply chain disruption which slowed new sleep patient starts and new ventilation patient starts in the quarter. That said, we continue to see strong demand for CPAP and ventilation, and we expect demand will remain strong for the foreseeable future. Overall, 2021 was a banner year for Apria despite the COVID pandemic and supply chain constraints. I am proud of what we accomplished together in 2021.” 

Apria reported adjusted EBITDA of $58.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, down 8.8% compared to the same period in 2020. It reported adjusted EBITDA of $232 million for the full year 2021, up 2.3%. 

Dynarex offers ‘one-stop shop’ 

ORANGEBURG, N.Y. – Dynarex has expanded its line of durable medical equipment to meet market demand. 

The company’s DME offerings now include long-term care and home care beds, mattresses, lifts and slings, wheelchairs and mobility. 

“With our expansive line of DME supplies, we offer a one-stop shop that eliminates the need to waste valuable time searching multiple sales platforms,” said Heshy Grosinger, Dynarex DME expert. “This allows distributors to focus on what really matters—providing customers with quality products that benefit patients and providers in truly meaningful ways.”    

Founded in 1967, Dynarex continues to expand its footprint with warehouse locations throughout the United States, most recently in January with a new 250,000-square-foot facility in Glendale, Ariz. The company has partners in all 50 states, as well as Canada, the Caribbean Islands, Central America, South America and the Middle East.   

AOPA rebrands to align work, goals 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association has re-imagined its brand, vision, mission and strategic priorities to better align with its work and goals. 

Vision 

AOPA has established a vision that truly embodies what its members do every day, it says: “A world where orthotic and prosthetic care transforms lives.” 

Mission 

AOPA’s new mission is, “A trusted partner advocating for and serving the orthotic and prosthetic community by fostering relationships with decision makers to ensure equitable access; providing education that promotes professional excellence; supporting research that informs innovative care; and advancing equality to strengthen the orthotic and prosthetic profession and improve the lives of patients.” 

Strategic priorities 

In the next three to five years, AOPA will work to accomplish strategic priorities in six areas: Communicating the importance of orthotic and prosthetic care; increasing patient access to clinically appropriate, evidence-based care; helping members succeed in the changing healthcare environment; identifying and influence trends and learning that may impact orthotics and prosthetics; enhancing AOPA value, engagement and community; and driving collaboration by creating strategic relationships. 

Consumers want to support community pharmacies, survey says 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Health insurance plans and their pharmacy benefit managers shouldn’t tell patients which pharmacies to use, a practice known as “patient steering,” according to 84% percent of respondents to a new national consumer survey released by the National Community Pharmacists Association. 

More specifically, 78% say insurance plans and PBMs shouldn’t require patients to use pharmacies they own and they shouldn’t be allowed to require patients to get their medicines through their mail-order pharmacy. 

“Being able to choose their pharmacy continues to be a patient priority,” said B. Douglas Hoey, pharmacist, NCPA CEO. “Despite the pandemic having changed other consumer behaviors, they want access to a local health care provider who knows them and will help them find the best, most affordable treatments.” 

The survey of 716 registered voters was conducted Feb. 14-15 by Public Policy Polling. 

Additionally, nearly 60% say pharmacies shouldn’t have to lose money on prescriptions due to low reimbursement from insurance plans and PBMs. More specifically, 50% say insurance plans and PBMs should reimburseme pharmacies enough to cover the cost of COVID-19 oral antiviral medicines and the costs to dispense the drug, and to make a small profit. 

“Patients understand that pharmacies are unlikely to be able to offer these vital therapies if miserly insurance companies hoard the patient’s monthly premiums for their own corporate gain rather than acknowledging the pharmacist’s extra time and coordination that goes into making sure patients are safe and get the most benefit from these potent drugs,” Hoey said. “They know intuitively that access to drugs will dry up and pharmacies will close. Policymakers must acknowledge this too, and they should take action. These are important treatments that can prevent costly hospital stays and save lives, and they should be available to the patients who need and are appropriate for them.” 

Ten charged for $67M telemedicine scheme 

WASHINGTON – Ten Florida residents were charged in an indictment unsealed on Feb. 25 in the Southern District of Florida for their alleged roles in a $67 million scheme involving the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic tests and DME. 

The indictment alleges that, between January 2020 and July 2021, the defendants referred Medicare beneficiaries for medically unnecessary genetic tests and DME. In exchange for doctors’ orders for such tests and equipment, the defendants allegedly paid kickbacks and bribes to telemedicine companies. The indictment further alleges that the defendants falsified Medicare enrollment forms to conceal the true owners and managers of certain laboratories, and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare. 

The defendants are: 

Daniel M. Carver, 35, of Coral Springs; Thomas Dougherty, 39, of Royal Palm Beach; and John Paul Gosney Jr., 39, of Parkland, the owners and managers of independent clinical laboratories and marketing companies, were each charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks and bribes, paying and receiving kickbacks and bribes, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering offenses.  

Galina Rozenberg, 39, and Michael Rozenberg, 58, both of Hollywood, were arrested on Feb. 6, attempting to board a flight to Moscow. Each was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Galina Rozenberg was also charged with additional money laundering offenses. 

Louis Carver, 30, of Delray Beach; Timothy Richardson, 29, of Lantana; Ethan Macier, 22, of Coral Springs; and Jose Goyos, 35, of West Palm Beach were each charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering offenses. Ashley Cigarroa, 29, of North Lauderdale was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and committing health care fraud. 

The defendants are expected to make their initial appearances in federal court beginning this week. Federal charges for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering are each punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Health care fraud and anti-kickback violations are each punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison. 

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Philips steps up to address Ukraine humanitarian crisis 

AMSTERDAM – Royal Philips and the Philips Foundation are providing support, including hospital relief, financial support and supplies, for displaced Ukrainian citizens to help address the unfolding humanitarian crisis. “We strongly condemn the war in Ukraine and are deeply concerned and saddened by the devastating impact it is having on the country’s people,” said Frans van Houten, CEO of Royal Philips. “We are working hard to help those impacted by this crisis, including our own colleagues and their families in the country, and supporting local hospitals and other care providers on the ground as best we can.” Among other supports, the Philips Foundation is providing a 24-bed mobile hospital equipped with Philips patient monitors, electrocardiographs and handheld diagnostic ultrasound devices and is teaming up with organizations such as the Red Cross to install mobile units to provide acute and emergency care where needed. Philips employees can donate via the Philips Foundation to help provide humanitarian relief to people in Ukraine and at its borders. All donations received will go directly to initiatives that provide immediate relief to people in Ukraine and help alleviate the situation at the country’s borders. Philips has committed to matching the collective contributions made by its employees. 

NSM expands Canadian footprint 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility is opening a branch in Calgary, Alberta. Industry veteran Jim Frid will join the NSM team, serving as branch and sales manager. “Strategically growing our footprint allows us to ensure more people have access to the most advanced mobility and access solutions available,” said Rick Nori, NSM Canada vice president, operations. “We are proud to welcome Jim to the NSM team and look forward to supporting his branch in assisting individuals in and around the Calgary area in their pursuit of greater independence.” NSM operates more than 190 locations across North America, including 23 locations in Canada. In 2021, NSM acquired Canada Care, expanding into Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and ECO Medical Red Deer, expanding into Alberta.    

MedTech, Cork announce strategic partnership 

INDIANAPOLIS – MedTech Solutions Group will now manage Cork Medical’s negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) business in all countries except the United States as part of a new strategic partnership. “We are excited to have MTSG as our partner in the international commercialization of the Nisus NPWT system,” said Josh Boller, vice president of sales at Cork Medical, a global manufacturer of wound care technologies. “The MTSG team will help us broaden our scope of improved healing outcomes, accelerate the revenue growth for our current international markets, and establish new business for Cork Medical.” MTSG, which spans more than 60 countries across three regions, will expand access to Cork Medical’s Nisus NPWT system into new and current markets around the globe, all while providing a higher level of sales, marketing and clinical support at a local country level.   

AAHomecare grows payer relations team 

ARLINGTON, Va. - AAHomecare seeks an experienced professional for its payer relations team. The new manager of payer relations will work closely with Laura Williard, vice president of payer relations, and David Chandler, senior director of payer relations, to support development of ongoing industry strategy regarding payer and state relations involving commercial managed care, Medicaid managed care organizations, Medicare Advantage and state Medicaid programs. This position will help to support all advocacy efforts of the payer relations team through research and data analysis, legislative and regulatory white paper development, coordination of all payer relations council and subcommittee meetings, and leading specific state and council objectives. Some travel is required for in-person quarterly meetings and select state events, but the position can be remote/home-based. Here’s the full job description. 

RESNA surveys ATPs 

ARLINGTON, Va. – RESNA is conducting a job analysis for the assistive technology professional (ATP) certification program. The purpose of the survey is to identify tasks and knowledge reflective of the role of ATPs and to develop the specifications for the program. The survey can be completed in approximately 30-45 minutes and does not need to be completed in one session – participants can leave and later return to the survey via the original survey URL.  
 
Ascensia launches Eversense app in Europe 

PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Ascensia Diabetes Care has launched the Eversense NOW Remote Monitoring App for the Android Operating System in Europe. The Eversense NOW Remote Monitoring App allows real-time glucose data and alerts from Eversense users to be remotely shared with friends and family. The app allows up to five people to remotely receive updated readings approximately every five minutes, with the ability to easily view recent trends and alerts.  “The value of remote monitoring in health care has never been clearer than in the last two years, with tools providing added peace of mind for users and their support system,” said Elaine Anderson, head of Senseonics CGM Business Unit at Ascensia Diabetes Care. “Managing diabetes requires continuous monitoring and decision making, and this app makes it easier for friends and family to be part of that process. Having a well-informed support network can reduce the burden placed on people with diabetes and we are excited to bring this useful tool to all Eversense users in Europe.” The Eversense NOW Remote Monitoring App is now available for both Apple and Android devices across Europe and can be downloaded via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.   

Ridgemont Equity Partners buys AOM 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ridgemont Equity Partners, a buyout and growth equity investor, has acquired American Outcomes Management, a specialty infusion provider focused on intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. AOM provides home-based IVIG therapy to patients with more than 80 different chronic conditions. “Specialty infusion services have been a focus area for Ridgemont for many years,” said Petri Lindberg, Principal at Ridgemont. “It is a very large and growing market, driven by an aging population suffering from chronic conditions, a significant pipeline of specialty infusion drugs and increased adoption of at-home treatment. AOM is a scaled platform with a strong market position, best-in-class reputation in multiple key metro areas and dedicated focus on high quality infusion services. We are excited to partner with Chris York, a seasoned executive with decades of experience in the home infusion sector and longtime operating advisor to Ridgemont.” AOM also provides support services, including pharmacy services, referral management, insurance verification and patient education and training. The company holds pharmacy licenses in all 50 states. 

InfuSystem partners with oncology network 

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – InfuSystem Holdings has entered into an agreement with the American Oncology Network to provide ambulatory infusion pumps and services. As part of the agreement, InfuSystem will provide its ambulatory infusion pump service, including electronic infusion pumps for continuous chemotherapy treatment, a 24/7 clinical hotline, biomedical services, supplies and revenue cycle management. “We are pleased to partner with AON to provide ambulatory infusion pumps and services across their network of oncology facilities in the U.S.,” said Richard Dilorio, CEO. “This agreement will be a third-party payer model and serviced from our existing fleet of more than 100,000 infusion pumps to effectively manage the utilization of our fleet and our turnkey services. We believe this agreement further validates our value proposition for our customers to cost effectively provide infusion pumps and manage their fleets with best-in-class service in safely facilitating clinic-to-home care. We value this new partnership with AON and look forward to a long and successful relationship to improve patient wellness.” InfuSystem provides local, field-based customer support, as well as operates Centers of Excellence in Michigan, Kansas, California, Massachusetts, Texas and Ontario, Canada. The Fort Myers, Fla.-based American Oncology Network, launched in 2018, represents 105 physicians and 79 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. 

Metro Medical updates website 

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Metro Medical, a medical equipment and supply retailer, has launched an updated website that simplifies the customer experience with easy navigation. The company’s new website features an extensive inventory of medical equipment and supplies, including mobility scooters, lift chairs, aids for daily living, wheelchairs, bath safety products, hospital beds, incontinence supplies and reachers. The website also features the services the company provides, including battery replacement and installation, tire replacement, bed repairs and more. Metro Medical, which delivers within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, was founded in 1996 and is accredited by HQAA. 

 Abilitech enters Canadian market 

MINNEAPOLIS – Abilitech Medical, which introduced Abilitech Assist in the U.S. last year, has been issued a Medical Device Establishment License (MDEL) from Health Canada (License Number 18519). The license allows patients in Canada to obtain the Abilitech Assist device and sanctions the company to work with partners in the country. “We’re proud to have entered the Canadian marketplace,” said Angie Conley, founder and CEO. “There are many individuals with spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular disorders who will benefit from our assistive technology and are anxious to perform daily activities like eating, brushing teeth and opening doors.” Last year, Abilitech partnered with the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, based in Vancouver, to help scale its device for mass commercialization. Abilitech Assist uses a combination of custom-calibrated springs, motors and firmware to provide functional independence to patients who have lost movement of their arms. It can help users lift objects up to 12 ounces and supports range of motion at the shoulder and elbow. 

Oventus gains momentum with DTC model 

IRVINE, Calif. – Oventus Medical has reported interim financial results for the six months ended Dec. 31, 2021, including $554,000 in revenue. The company, which makes the O2Vent oral device to treat obstructive sleep apnea, also reported cash receipts totaling $497,000, up 20% compared to the same period in 2020. “We are very encouraged by the way the move to direct-to-consumer marketing has resulted in substantial growth of the prospective customer pipeline,” said John Cox, who recently replaced Dr. Chris Hart as CEO. “We’ve proven our ability to identify and engage customers, and that once engaged, they are very interested in the O2Vent technology. We now turn our focus to improving our conversion rates and reducing the remaining friction points in the patient journey.” Oventus reported revenue per unit increased by 42% for the six months ended Dec. 31, as patients increasingly embrace the convenience of what it calls the “virtual patient journey.” It also reported strong growth in the sales pipeline, including a two-fold or better improvement in many key customer capture metrics. 

 Atlas Technology Group reorganizes 

LAS VEGAS – Atlas Technology Group is uniting four key service entities under the name Atlas Technology Services Group. The services group, which will make its debut at Medtrade West in Phoenix, April 4-6, comprises Atlas Enterprise Software, Telehealth Clinical Evals, Atlas Clinical Evals Software and Atlas – FIOS Business Services. “Our mission at Atlas Technology Group is to support the HME/DME and rehab mobility providers with the tools and services for an enhanced patient experience,” said Bill Paul, CEO of Atlas Technology Group. “With this support, patients receive the correct medical equipment and services in an improved delivery time.” Atlas Technology Group will also launch Telehealth Clinical Evals PAP at Medtrade West to partner with providers for sleep evaluations, CPAP compliance and annual prescription updates. Here’s a rundown on the services group: Atlas Enterprise Software is an enterprise resource planning tool that allows providers to improve delivery times and strengthen compliance, resulting in faster payments and higher collections; Telehealth Clinical Evals partners with providers for patient equipment evaluations; Atlas Clinical Eval Software allows ATPs to conduct integrated patient mobility evaluations within the software and send them seamlessly to referring therapists who then use the software to conduct their evaluation; Atlas – FIOS is a business services unit for creating and enhancing patient experiences. 

Short takes: NCART, TexMEP 

NCART has named its first new member of 2022: Miller’s Adaptive Technologies. Miller’s, which was founded in 1976, provides adaptive seating products to the complex rehab industry. NCART says it grew its membership by nearly 20% in 2021…The Texas Medical Equipment Providers Association has added Ted Metcalf of VGM & Associates to its board of directors. Metcalf is the regional account manager covering Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arkansas for VGM. He joins Laurie Bachorek, Josh Britten, David Chandler, Mark Gowen, Victoria Peterson, Faisal “RJ” Poonawala, Adrienne Trigg and Lauryn Estrella.