In brief: Cardinal Health to buy ADS, AMA fights prior auths, Williams Brothers names CEO

DUBLIN, Ohio – Cardinal Health has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Advanced Diabetes Supply for about $1.1 billion in cash, with plans to merge the company into its at-Home Solutions business. 

ADS, led by CEO Bill Mixon, serves about 500,000 patients annually by providing the latest innovations in diabetes therapies from leading manufacturers. 

"Last January, we elevated the priority of investing in our growth businesses like at-Home Solutions because this is exactly where the future of health care is going," said Jason Hollar, CEO of Cardinal Health. "Like at-Home Solutions, ADS has a proven track record for leading this industry with innovation, knowledge and unparalleled commitment to patients. We're confident that the highly synergistic combination will enhance our ability to take advantage of positive industry trends and drive further growth, deliver on our promise of exceptional service and solutions to customers, and create shareholder value." 

Cardinal Health expects the deal to close in early calendar year 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals. 

In the same announcement, Cardinal Health said it has also entered into a definitive agreement to acquire GI Alliance, a gastroenterology management services organization, in a move that accelerates its multi-specialty growth strategy. 

• Related: ADS named Bill Mixon as its CEO in July. Read our Q&A with him here. 
• Related: ADS recently partnered with StrideMD to offer select members with Type 2 diabetes access to a full suite of remote patient monitoring and virtual care support services from a team of endocrinologists, certified diabetes educators and other medical professionals. 
• Related: ADS recently expanded its Part B services to retail pharmacies to include management of diabetes supplies. 

AMA works to right-size prior auths 

ORLANDO, Fla. – The American Medical Association will consider legislative and legal actions to fight retrospective denial of payment for care that has been pre-certified by an insurer. 

A 700-member House of Delegates has approved a new policy that directs the AMA to support a federal prohibition on the inappropriate denial of payment for medically necessary care that has been pre-certified by insurers and encourages the association to take legal action against insurers that engage in appropriate post-service payment denials and payment recoupment. 

“Prior authorization, once granted, should be sufficient to guarantee payment,” said AMA Board Member Marilyn J. Heine, M.D. “It is unacceptable that a health plan gives a ‘green light’ to medically necessary care and then retains or creates barriers to payment. It's an affront to physicians, patients and employers, and leads to financial strain for practices and families.” 

The AMA’s FixPriorAuth.org grassroots campaign and sustained advocacy have led to federal and state policymakers working toward prior authorization reforms in 2024 that include:  

• CMS released final regulations making important reforms to prior authorization to cut patient care delays and electronically streamline the process for physicians. 
• Lawmakers in June introduced an updated, bipartisan version of the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act in both the House of Representatives (H.R. 8702) and Senate (S. 4532). 
• Over a dozen states enacted laws this year supported by the AMA and state medical associations that reduce care delays and wasted time experienced by patients and physicians due to prior authorization requirements. 

CMS announces 2025 premiums & deductibles 

WASHINGTON – CMS has announced that the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $185 for 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B will be $257 in 2025, an increase of $17 from the annual deductible of $240 in 2024. The increases are mainly due to projected price changes and assumed utilization increases that are consistent with historical experience, the agency says. The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible will be $1,676 in 2025, an increase of $44 from $1,632 in 2024. The Part A inpatient hospital deductible covers share of cost of beneficiaries for the first 60 days of Medicare covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period. In 2025, beneficiaries must pay a coinsurance amount of $419 per day for the 61st through 90th day of a hospitalization in a benefit period ($408 in 2024) and $838 per day for lifetime reserve days ($816 in 2024). For beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities, the daily coinsurance for days 21 through 100 of extended care services in a benefit period will be $209.50 in 2025 ($204 in 2024).  For a full breakdown, go here. 

Valere Health buys Piper Healthcare 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Valere Health, a provider of health care interoperability and connectivity solutions, has acquired Piper Healthcare, a health care consulting company that is known for its cutting-edge AI, analytics and automation solutions, the company says. The addition of Piper Healthcare strengthens Valere’s ability to offer a comprehensive suite of interoperable solutions that empower health care providers and drive operational efficiencies across the health care continuum, the company says. “This acquisition reinforces our commitment to leading change in health care through advanced technology,” said Dewey Roof, CEO of Valere Health. “By joining forces with Piper, we can deliver smarter, more scalable solutions that empower our clients to achieve new levels of efficiency and care. Together, we’re reimagining what’s possible for health care providers and patients alike.” Valere Health’s platform connects health care providers, payers, distributors and manufacturers through a seamless and secure system that supports real-time data sharing and enhances workflow management. As a result of the acquisition, Valere’s platform will offer capabilities such as automated data entry, real-time analytics and AI-driven insights, helping health care providers save time, reduce operational costs and unlock new revenue opportunities. “Bringing Piper Healthcare on is a strategic move to strengthen our ecosystem and offer unparalleled value to our partners and HME providers,” said Kris Srinivasan, chief strategy officer. “Their capabilities complement our existing offerings, allowing us to provide a more holistic suite of solutions that can address the dynamic needs of today’s health care landscape.” 

ADS, US Med donate diabetes supplies 

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Advanced Diabetes Supply and US Med have partnered with Omnis Health to bring diabetes testing supplies to the Mountain Area Health Education Center in Asheville, N.C. Their donation included essential diabetes management supplies, including blood glucose meters, lancets and test strips. “Asheville was one of the areas in Western North Carolina that was most affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Bill Mixon, ADS CEO. “We know the people of this region are working to put their lives back together and this was a way we could bring some peace of mind to those living with diabetes.” MAHEC will collaborate with community partners to distribute the supplies among four emergency shelters, including AB Tech Medical, AB Tech Non-Medical, WNC Agricultural Center and Gold’s Gym, as well as the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry Free Clinic. ADS says it continues to look for ways to aid in recovery efforts and support those impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

Williams Brothers announces succession plan 

WASHINGTON, Ind. - Williams Brothers Healthcare Pharmacy has announced Charles C. “Clay” Williams III, a fifth-generation pharmacist, as its next CEO. With roots back to his great, great, grandfather in 1899, Clay Williams takes the position previously held by his father Charles C. (C.C.) Williams II and his uncle Mark Williams. “It is a great honor to be named the CEO of Williams Bros. Healthcare Pharmacy,” Clay Williams said. “I intend to use the same philosophy that CC Williams used in 1902 to guide us into the future: Be nice to others and they will be nice to you.” C.C. Williams opened Williams Pharmacy in Farmersburg, Ind., in 1902. Today, the company has grown to eight pharmacies and 13 HME locations, two long-term care pharmacies, a specialty and mail order pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy and an infusion pharmacy. It employs more than 500. “Clay has worked very hard to put himself into this position, he has earned this opportunity, and we look forward to seeing his future success,” said C.C. Williams. “As his dad, I could not be prouder.” 

• Related: Williams Brothers recently opened its 14th location in Evansville, Ind. 

Medtrade offers Smart rates 

DALLAS – Medtrade’s SmartSaver registration rates are now in effect through Nov. 16. With these rates, an expo pass is $59 and a conference pass is $249. “A conference pass provides access to all educational sessions, the expo floor, and the Consultant Cocktail Hour,” says Kerry Tyler, associate show director, Medtrade. “At $249, it’s an excellent deal, but the time is highly limited. Whether you want the expo pass or the conference pass, now is the time to take advantage.” After Nov. 16, early rates will be in effect through Dec. 31. Medtrade is scheduled for Feb. 18-20 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas. Register here. 

• Related: Medtrade will feature a new hub on the expo floor specifically for complex rehab technology exhibitors and attendees. 

OPGA names Freedom providers 

WATERLOO, Iowa – The Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America recently honored several providers with a 2024 Freedom Award in recognition of their care of military personnel. “We’re proud to recognize these O&P providers for the exceptional care they provide to those who have sacrificed for our freedoms,” said Nikki Grace, director of OPGA. “The Freedom Award highlights their dedication to the distinguished veterans they treat and to our nation’s armed forces.” The award recipients are: 

• Allegheny Orthotics & Prosthetics — Altoona, Pa. 
• AtlanticProCare — Portland, Maine 
• Bionic Skins — Bedford, Mass. 
• Bremer Prosthetic Design — Flint, Mich. 
• Cape Prosthetics-Orthotics, Inc. — Marion, Ill. 
• Central Brace & Limb Co. — Indianapolis 
• Decker Integrated Orthotics and Prosthetics — Overland Park, Kan. 
• Freedom Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc. — Houston 
• Lima Brace & Limb — Lima, Ohio 
• Limbcare Prosthetics and Orthotics of Georgia, Inc. — Americus, Ga. 
• Limbcare Prosthetics and Orthotics of Georgia, Inc. — Valdosta, Ga. 
• Limbcare Prosthetics and Orthotics of Georgia, Inc. — Tifton, Ga. 
• Limbcare Prosthetics and Orthotics of Georgia, Inc. — Cordele, Ga. 
• Limbcare Prosthetics and Orthotics of Georgia, Inc. — Albany, Ga. 
• MedEast Post-Op & Surgical, Inc. — Bethlehem, Pa. 
• Mobility Prosthetics — Murray, Utah 
• NovaCare Prosthetics & Orthotics — Fond du lac, Wis. 
• NovaCare Prosthetics & Orthotics — Oshkosh, Wis. 
• NovaCare Prosthetics & Orthotics — Sheboygan, Wis. 
• NovaCare Prosthetics & Orthotics — Oregon, Ohio 
• O&P1 — Waterloo, Iowa 
• Orthocraft, Inc. — Brooklyn, N.Y. 
• Restorative Health Services — Murfreesboro, Tenn. 
• Sierra Prosthetics-Orthotics — Grass Valley, Calif. 
• Total Care Orthotics and Prosthetics — Tulsa, Okla. 

Golden to celebrate 40th anniversary, Cloud recliner chair at Medtrade 

OLD FORGE, Pa., and DALLAS – Golden Technologies will celebrate its 40th anniversary at Medtrade, Feb. 18-20 in Dallas. C.J. Copley, executive vice president, sales and marketing, for the company, says attendees can expect “something very special on the show floor” to commemorate the milestone. Among the products that Golden Technologies will be highlighting at Medtrade is the PR511 Cloud Plus 4 Zone Power lift and recliner chair, which features the Nirvana Swedish massage system for treating the lower and upper body, plus infrared heat for what Copley calls the next level of wellness. “This recliner offers four motors, feet, back, power headrest and power lumbar,” he said. “It also offers storage in both arms, a wireless cell phone holder, a USB port, a butler side table and a reading light – all standard. The Cloud Plus also has optional accessories, including a smart device holder, stem glass holder, diffuser, Bluetooth speaker and more. Thanks to increased production capacity, we have many in stock and only four-week lead times for custom orders.” Register for Medtrade here.