In brief: Byram makes digital health play, AAH releases Impact Report, ITEM pushes repair reform 

RICHMOND, Va. – Byram Healthcare, part of the Owens & Minor family, has launched ByramConnect, a personalized digital health program for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes that’s powered by the Welldoc app. 

The program, using the Welldoc app’s artificial intelligence capabilities, analyzes member data across six dimensions of health to help optimize outcomes, providing actionable insights and reports that can be shared with providers and care teams. 

“Chronic health conditions like diabetes are complex and can have long-term health implications that require multiple supportive interventions over the course of a member’s care journey,” said Perry Bernocchi, EVP and CEO, Patient Direct, Owens & Minor. “We’re proud to offer Byram members a clinically validated platform designed to help them achieve concrete goals, such as weight management and improved control over their diabetes, in addition to longer-lasting behavior changes that help support a lifetime of better overall health.” 

ByramConnect powered by the Welldoc app, a class II software as a medical device (SaMD) cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, combines patient-tracked health data and connected sources such as fitness trackers, blood glucose meters, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), blood pressure monitors, scales, heart rate monitors and medical labs and pharmacies. In clinical studies, patients using the app saw improvements in several important measures related to their condition, including reduced (A1C), lower blood pressure and lower body weight. 

Other benefits of the platform and app include digital coaching, diet and nutrition support, GLP-1 medication support, reporting insights and mental wellbeing guidance. 

AAH releases Impact Report 

WASHINGTON – AAHomecare and its members secured $4.5 billion in HME wins from 2022-24, delivering tangible ROI for the industry, according to the association’s 2024 Impact Report. 

Those wins include payer and policy changes that impact reimbursement and operations, new tools to navigate industry challenges, and collaboration across the HME community, AAHomecare says. 

“This is about real-world impact—not just for the HME industry, but for the end users and families who rely on home-based care every day,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “Our 2024 Impact Report demonstrates what’s possible when our industry comes together, reflecting the strength of our community and the critical role AAHomecare plays in advancing HME priorities. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re focused on continuing to deliver meaningful results for the HME community.” 

Key takeaways from the report include: 

• Advocacy wins that matter – From reimbursement relief to regulatory progress at the federal and state levels, these victories keep businesses operational and protect end user access to care. Examples: Streamlined ordering for PAP and RAD, and updated coding and payment rules for power seat elevation systems. 
• Member resources that deliver results – Educational tools and council initiatives to help the HME community address emerging trends and operational challenges while strengthening their businesses. Examples: Educational webinars, conference presentations and white papers. 
• Building a stronger community – A collective effort from members and staff that amplifies the HME voice at every level. Examples: Stand Up for Homecare and Leadership Legislative Conference. 

AAHomecare invites stakeholders to explore the report and see how the association is advancing the industry, delivering value to members and strengthening home-based care. 

Read the full report here. 

ITEM Coalition presses policymakers to address repair issues 

WASHINGTON – Forty-one members of the ITEM Coalition are calling on policymakers to address a set of policy recommendations to improve access to timely and consistent manual and power wheelchair repairs and maintenance. 

“There is strong support to take steps to solve this problem from all those affected by this problem, including consumers, clinicians, and suppliers,” stated Peter W. Thomas, ITEM Coalition co-coordinator. “In fact, the only resistance to our proposals were from those who felt we needed to go farther in our recommendations to solve this critical problem for people with disabilities.” 

The ITEM Coalition has outlined a series of proposed solutions to help address this pressing issue: 

• Cover and pay for preventative maintenance for CRT manual and power wheelchairs.  
• Require suppliers to repair the devices they provide in a timely manner. 
• Require suppliers to provide appropriate “temporary replacement” chairs that are in good working order while repairs are being made.  
• Reduce delays caused by prior authorization and additional insurance documentation requirements.  
• Alleviate financial burdens on consumers and systemic challenges in supplier reimbursement.  
• Reimburse suppliers for the time they travel to access a device in a patient’s home, evaluate and diagnose needed repairs, and provide specialized labor to ensure quality service.  
• Establish clear communication channels for repair options and timelines. These changes would help ensure timely, safe, and efficient repairs for individuals with mobility disabilities. 
• Establish the right of beneficiaries to self-repair their own mobility device. 

Members of the ITEM Coalition include United Spinal Association, Spina Bifida Association, the ALS Association and AAHomecare. 

ACHC names new associate director 

CARY, N.C. – The Accreditation Commission for Health Care has hired Deborah Panza, BS, RRT, RPSGT, as its associate director of DMEPOS, sleep and mobile dentistry. She brings 25 years of experience working within the respiratory therapy, sleep and DMEPOS programs in the University of North Carolina health System. “We are excited to welcome Deborah to the ACHC team,” said José Domingos, president and CEO of ACHC. “Her leadership experience, clinical expertise, and deep understanding of these settings will be instrumental in strengthening our accreditation programs. We look forward to the impact she will have in supporting providers and elevating the standards of care beyond compliance, to excellence.” In her new role, Panza will leverage her extensive clinical expertise and leadership experience to guide ACHC’s teams focused on DMEPOS, sleep and mobile dentistry programs. ACHC says her practical understanding of regulatory compliance combined with decades of frontline patient experience uniquely position her to understand what providers need to use the accreditation process to add value, improve business efficiency and elevate the care they deliver to their patient populations. “I am eager to build upon ACHC’s strong foundation in DMEPOS, sleep, and mobile dentistry accreditation,” said Panza. “As a clinician, leader, and educator, I deeply value ACHC’s collaborative approach to accreditation and look forward to empowering providers with the guidance, resources and support they need to achieve excellence.” 

Stakeholders push for longer extension for hospital at home 

WASHINGTON – Moving Health Home has spearheaded a letter signed by almost 100 stakeholders urging Congress to include a full five-year extension for the hospital at home waiver in the March government spending package. “Americans want home to be the center of their health,” the group stated. “Federal flexibilities, such as the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) waiver allowed hospitals to do just that. Another extension of the waiver effectively builds the bridge from demonstration to a more permanent model by giving more certainty to those hospitals currently on the sidelines waiting for regulatory clarity.” The letter was sent to John Thune, Senate Majority Leader; Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House; Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader; and Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader. A bill that would extend the waiver, renamed the Thomas Carper, Tim Scott, Brad Wenstrup, Earl Blumenauer Acute Hospital at Home, has passed out of the Ways and Means Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee and is supported by the Senate Finance Committee. Stakeholders say hospital at home lowers spending and shortens hospital stays. The stakeholders signing the letter include the AARP, Mount Sinai Health System, Best Buy Health, Sanford Health and WellSky. To read the full letter, go here. 

Baxter issues correction for faulty vent 

DEERFIELD, Ill. – Baxter Healthcare Corporation has issued a correction for its Life2000 Ventilator due to a nonconforming battery charger, which triggers a battery alarm and renders the ventilator inoperable, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recall involves correcting devices and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. Affected devices include these model numbers and unique device identifiers: REF BT-20-0002|UDI/DI 00887761978201; REF BT-20-0002A and REF BT-20-0002AP|UDI/DI 00887761981638; MS-01-0118|UDI/DI 00887761978089; and MS-01-0118|UDI/DI 00815410020537. Baxter recommends always having an alternate means of ventilation or oxygen therapy available. The company says the issue is a result of a failed crimping operation during manufacturing that caused the crimp to puncture the insulation of the charger connector, thus resulting in an audible and visual alarm, which when engaged makes the ventilator inoperable. There have been no reported injuries. There have been no reports of death.   

NSM becomes exclusive distributor for Ekso 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility has partnered with Ekso Bionics Holdings to broaden access to Ekso’s Indego-powered exoskeleton device for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and other mobility challenges throughout North America. “NSM is committed to investing in resources and partnerships that enable us to bring the most advanced mobility and accessibility solutions to those we serve,” said Crispin Teufel, CEO of NSM. “We are proud to partner with Ekso Bionics to expand access to the life-changing Ekso Indego Personal device to those who rely on CRT equipment and can benefit from the mobility and therapy this innovative technology provides.” Ekso Indego Personal is a wearable lower extremity powered exoskeleton that enables many individuals living with SCIs the ability to stand and walk independently. CMS’s 2024 Home Health PPS rule added exoskeletons to Medicare’s brace benefit category, which expanded coverage of personal-use devices like the Esko Indego. “We are excited to expand the distribution of the Ekso Indego Personal device through this strategic commercial partnership with NSM,” commented Scott Davis, the Ekso’s CEO. “Both companies see a world where people have widespread access to innovative technologies that allow them to rethink their current physical limitation. We are looking forward to working with NSM to make that a reality. And as a fast-growing, well-established company in the CRT space, NSM’s proven expertise and robust infrastructure are well aligned with our growth strategy.”