In brief: MSC makes buy, CMS proposes CGM changes, SpinLife opens physical location

CLEVELAND – Medical Service Company has acquired ProMedica Home Medical Equipment, a provider of respiratory, diabetes and other home medical equipment services in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. 

ProMedica serves the largest health system in Northwest Ohio.  

“We are excited to announce a long-term partnership with ProMedica Health System to provide best-in-class discharge planning and care management services across their expansive care network,” MSC stated in a press release.  

As part of the acquisition, MSC also welcomes 150 new team members and nine locations. 

The company’s 600 employees at 50 locations provide chronic care management for more than 100,000 patients in their homes. 

Earlier this year, MSC acquired Ascension St. Vincent’s Medical Equipment, a full-service DME provider in Evansville, Ind. 

SpinLife provides ‘quick access’ with physical location 

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - SpinLife, a division of Numotion, has opened its first physical location in New Castle, Del. 

“We are thrilled to open our first physical location in Delaware,” said Pattiann McAdams, SpinLife senior vice president and general manager. “SpinLife is committed to specializing in mobility equipment for both the aging and disabled populations, offering unique products in key categories, such as scooters, power and manual wheelchairs, lift chairs, beds, and related home access products. These allow consumers to experience a full range of products available to improve their lives daily. Our new location will provide quick, close-to-home access for individuals in need of mobility and independence solutions.” 

Founded online in 1999, SpinLife has grown to be a top retailer of lifestyle mobility products. 

The Columbus, Ohio-based company, which was bought by Numotion last year, serves 80,000 customers annually.  

CMS proposes modifications to CGM coverage 

WASHINGTON – CMS has published a proposed LCD that modifies the coverage criteria for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) based on the best available evidence. 

The agency seeks to modify criteria to allow coverage of a CGM for beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus who are insulin treated or have a history of problematic hypoglycemia. Problematic hypoglycemia is defined as: 

• recurrent level 2 hypoglycemic events (<54mg/dL (3.0mmol/L) that persist despite multiple (2 or more) attempts to adjust the medication dosage(s); or the diabetes treatment regime; or 
• history of one level 3 hypoglycemic event (<54mg/dL (3.0mmol/L) requiring the assistance of a third-party for treatment of hypoglycemia. 

Other changes: 

• Removing the requirement for frequent adjustment of the beneficiary’s insulin treatment regimen on the basis of the home blood glucose monitor (BGM) or CGM testing results. 
• Retaining the requirement for a visit with the treating practitioner every six months to assess adherence, although it has clarified language to specifically address the long-standing policy that allows for the use of Medicare-approved telehealth visits.  
• Eliminating the intensive insulin management requirement and the inclusion of telehealth options may also promote health equity for vulnerable rural and non-Asian ethnic minorities, as well as Medicare beneficiaries in areas with health care-professional shortages. 
• Not extending coverage to beneficiaries solely on the basis of having stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease, gestational diabetes mellitus, bariatric surgery or pancreatectomy who do not otherwise meet the outlined coverage criteria. 
• Adding criteria to ensure the CGM is being used in accordance with FDA indications and the beneficiary has received proper training in the use of the device. 
• Continuing to allow CGM supply allowance to be billed monthly, as it is not within the purview of the DME MACs to modify this requirement. 

 CareCentrix’s Driscoll to take lead role at WBA 

DEERFIELD, Ill. – CareCentrix CEO John Driscoll will assume a new role as executive vice president and president, U.S. Healthcare, at Walgreens Boots Alliance, which includes Walgreens Health, later this month.  

WBA in October 2021 said that it planned to invest $330 million in CareCentrix for a 55% stake in the company, as part of a plan to launch Walgreens Health. It recently entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 45% stake in CareCentrix for approximately $392 million. 

“We continue to see strong results and potential for growth from our partnership with CareCentrix,” said Roz Brewer, CEO, WBA. “Our full acquisition further accelerates our transformation to become a consumer-centric health care company, leveraging innovative platforms that extend our capabilities into fast-growing segments of health care. CareCentrix is key to offering services to our patients at every stage of the care continuum, and to driving long-term, sustainable growth as part of our U.S. health care strategy.” 

Driscoll will report directly to Brewer and serve on WBA’s executive committee. CareCentrix CFO Steve Horowitz will assume the role of CareCentrix CEO. 

In his new role, Driscoll will oversee integrations with WBA’s health care partners, including VillageMD, Shields Health Solutions and CareCentrix, as well as the organic growth of the Walgreens Health business, which focuses on population health through initiatives like Walgreens Health Corners. 

“It is an honor to take this leadership position with a company committed to integrating the key pieces to deliver better health care at lower costs to so many,” said Driscoll. “I look forward to working closely with Roz and WBA’s U.S. Healthcare leadership team to create a truly differentiated experience for consumers across their healthcare journey, while bringing greater value to payors, providers and other partners.” 

CCS partners with Welldoc, ZeOmega 

DALLAS – CCS has announced a new technology partnership with Welldoc and ZeOmega to expand its LivingConnected solution and reduce costs of care. 

The partnership will help improve patient outcomes and reduce costs of care for employer groups and health plan customers by integrating clinical devices and care utilization data. 

“The experience for those living with chronic diseases is fragmented, at best,” said Marian Lowe, executive vice president and general manager of digital health at CCS. “At worst, it’s negatively impacting the health outcomes and actual lives of patients. That’s why we’re excited to bring together connected device data and marry that to the member’s health care utilization through this partnership. Only then can we truly do more to help maximize preventive care and minimize unnecessary use of costly emergency department visits and hospitalizations.” 

The Welldoc digital health tool allows individuals to track device readings and access coaching. The ZeOmega platform captures utilization patterns and claims data. 

With the combination of these digital health products powering the LivingConnected program, certified CCS clinicians will now have real-time visibility into glycemic control to customize member engagement and guide necessary clinical interventions. Also, employers and health plans leveraging LivingConnected will benefit from being able to better assess the health outcomes and the financial impact of CCS’s holistic chronic care management approach.  

LivingConnected is an evidence-based clinical solution developed by CCS using millions of instances of device readings and encounter data to save time and eliminate the guesswork in diabetes management. The solution pairs smart biometric devices with 24/7 monitoring, coaching, advice, education and support for individuals living with diabetes.  

CCS recently announced a new CCS Health division to formally expand and scale the education, monitoring, and coaching solutions they provide to health plans and employers. 

Virtis Health opens AIC in Atlanta  

NORCROSS, Ga. – Virtis Health, a division of Soleo Health, has opened an ambulatory infusion center in the Atlanta area. “The opening of the new Virtis Health Atlanta AIC, combined with Soleo Health’s complex specialty pharmacy services, affords the company yet another opportunity to extend its abilities and clinical expertise to bring highly personalized care to patients and providers alike,” said Jennifer Joiner, RN, VSN, regional vice president. “Since we offer additional resources and options in the community, we are confident our model will quickly become a preferred choice for the delivery of specialty infusible and injectable medications in the alternate care setting.” Virtis Health Atlanta offers therapy management services and treatments for patients with autoimmune disorders, including chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis. The AIC also provides treatments for and manages patients with various inflammatory conditions, such as thyroid eye disease, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, as well as primary immunodeficiencies and rare and ultra-rare diseases. Concurrent with the opening, Turquoise Holmes, FNP, was appointed nurse practitioner at Virtis Health Atlanta, supervising the overall clinical practice. Holmes is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and former ICU nurse. Virtis Health in August opened an AIC in Houston. 

BOC seeks nominations for Certificant of the Year 

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) is calling for nominations for its Certificant of the Year Award. The award recognizes one BOC-certified individual for outstanding achievements in service, research and outreach. “Through our Certificant of the Year Award we honor and celebrate the vast talents and achievements of BOC-certified professionals who go above and beyond to improve the lives of their patients,” said Matthew Gruskin, COO. “We look forward to learning more about the outstanding work of our certified professionals and their impact on the community at large.” The BOC Certificant of the Year Award distinguishes a professional in good standing in any of BOC’s six certification areas (DME Specialist, Mastectomy Fitter, Orthotic Fitter, Orthotist, Pedorthist or Prosthetist). Nominees should demonstrate exceptional service to patients, notable achievements in research, commitment to giving back to the community and/or outreach to developing countries or other underserved areas. BOC will accept nominations online at www.bocusa.org/certificant-of-the-year through Dec. 12, 2022. Nominations can be submitted for a colleague, coworker or industry professional; family member and self-nominations are not permitted. 

OM announces leadership changes 

RICHMOND, Va. – Owens & Minor has appointed Andrew Long as executive vice president, CEO, Products & Healthcare Services segment, replacing Jeffrey Jochims, who will be leaving the company. Long has served as executive vice president and CFO since joining Owens & Minor in 2019. “Andy has been a great leader at Owens & Minor and I am looking forward to having Andy in this role where his skillset will help drive the Products & Healthcare Services segment to a stronger future,” said Edward Pesicka, present and CEO. “Andy is well prepared for these new responsibilities and has a track record of success - building a world-class finance organization, leading and strengthening our IT capabilities and developing and deploying the Owens & Minor Business System.” In addition, Alexander Bruni has been promoted to executive vice president and CFO, replacing Long. “Alex has successfully served as the operating CFO of each segment as well as leading our corporate FP&A function,” sad Long. “This broad experience has given Alex a view across the entire organization and a deep understanding of the global enterprise, preparing him very well for this new role.” OM has also updated its earnings guidance for 2022 and now expects adjusted net income per share to be in the range of $2.50-$2.60 for the full year and adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $527 million to $537 million. Previous full year guidance for adjusted net income per share was in the range $2.85-$3.15 and previous full year guidance for 2022 adjusted EBITDA was $570 million to $610 million. 

VGM launches latest playbook 

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates has released its final playbook of 2022, “VGM Playbook: Business Planning and Leadership,” which provides insight on how DMEPOS providers can enrich their business planning and leadership opportunities within their company. Topics also include leveraging technology to build patient and provider relationships, growing sustainably through merger and acquisition strategy, and optimizing sales to drive growth. “Business planning and leadership are critical to the success of your company,” says Krista McNurlen, senior vice president of marketing for VGM & Associates. “At VGM, our focus is to constantly be forward thinking and helping members stay current on industry trends.” Members can download their copy at vgm.com/playbook or by logging in to the VGM members-only portal and downloading it from the Playbook tab. 

Ascensia completes initial launch of Eversense E3 in Europe 

BASEL, Switzerland – Ascensia Diabetes Care has successfully completed the initial European launch of the next-generation Eversense E3 CGM System. The benefits of this fully-implantable, long-term CGM system are now available to people with diabetes in all launch markets across Europe in Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Spain, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Andorra. “We are proud to have successfully brought the Eversense E3 to Europe, where we believe it can make a big difference in the lives of people with diabetes,” said Torstein Myhre, region head of Europe at Ascensia Diabetes Care. “The Eversense E3 CGM System makes managing diabetes easier, offering unparalleled convenience and flexibility alongside exceptional accuracy. With a six-month sensor lifespan, the system frees patients from frequent sensor insertions, and its other features have been specifically designed to address improvements desired by the diabetes community.” The Eversense E3 was approved earlier this year for use up to six months. 

‘All together again’ at MAMES fall conference 

WELCH, Minn. – The Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services & Supplies hosted more than 250 attendees for its fall conference and display hall Oct. 5-7 at the Treasure Island Resort & Casino. “It was amazing to see over 250 of our members – our second-highest attendance on record – all together again, learning, teaching, networking and interacting as friends, colleagues and MAMES family members,” said Rose Schafhauser, executive director. The event’s new schedule included 13 education sessions that covered everything from operating more efficiently to increasing profitability. The event also featured an exhibit hall with 57 MAMES association members and opportunities for one-on-one meetings between vendors and providers. The association hosts its next event, the spring conference and display hall, April 26-28 in Des Moines, Iowa. 

Rhythm Healthcare: ‘Good partners share in both good and bad times’ 

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Rhythm Healthcare has announced that it has eliminated ocean surcharges. “The addition of ocean surcharges in 2021 was always intended to be temporary,” the company announced in an email to customers on Oct. 10. “These were necessary to offset the up to tenfold increase in shipping costs experienced with both air and water freight. During this time, we at Rhythm Healthcare never chose to pass along more than 50% of those extras. We have always approached our relationship as partners, and good partners share in both good and bad times. Today, I am happy to announce the elimination of ocean surcharges.” Lifestyle Mobility Aids changed its name to Rhythm Healthcare last year. In April of this year, it added a third distribution center in Ontario, Calif., to better serve and grow its customer base in the western United States.  

Permobil Foundation honors Judy Heumann 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Permobil Foundation has named Judy Heumann, the “mother of disability rights,” as the recipient of its Hero Award. “For more than 30 years, Judy has been involved on the international front working with disabled people’s organizations and governments around the world to advance the human rights of disabled people,” said Ashley Davis, executive director of the Permobil Foundation. “The impact she has had, and the lives she has improved, make her a true hero in our eyes!” The foundation honored Heumann, who published a memoir last year titled “Being Heumann” and who was in the award-winning movie “Crip Camp,” in front of more than 250 Permobil employees, sponsors and wheelchair users at the 4th annual Roll the Dice fundraising and awareness event on Oct. 6. The foundation has given out the Hero Award every year since its launch in 2017. The recipient is nominated and voted on by the foundation’s board of directors. This year’s Roll the Dice event, sponsored by U.S. Rehab, Permobil, National Seating & Mobility and others, raised more than $101,000. 

Hart Medical: Text us!  

GRAND BLANC, Mich. – Hart Medical Equipment is leveraging text messaging to help reduce hold times and, overall, improve communication with customers. Customers can now text the company’s main line (888-606-8778). The first time customers text Hart they will receive a message that asks them to accept the company’s HIPAA policies. Hart’s supply, patient pay, PAP intake and main call center departments now all accept text messages. Hart has shared ownership by Henry Ford Health, McLaren Health Care, Ascension Genesys Hospital, Blanchard Valley Health System, Wood County Hospital and the Bellevue Hospital. The company believes its unique model helps it coordinate care and better understand the needs of its customers. Hart has 23 showrooms in Michigan and Ohio. 

DME owner sentenced for ‘lead’ scam 

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh sentenced a businessman from Jackson, Mo., to 30 months in prison for health care fraud and ordered him to repay $7.5 million. Jamie McCoy, 42, pleaded guilty on Nov. 23, 2020, to three felony counts: committing health care fraud, making false statements related to health care matters, and offering and paying illegal kickbacks for referrals. He admitted owning or operating companies that supplied orthotic braces and other DME: AE Wellness, Summit Medical Supply, Patriot Medical Supply. McCoy contracted with marketing firms who placed ads on television and online that offered orthotic braces at no cost. The companies sent patient information to a telemedicine doctor who signed an order for medical equipment without evaluating or even communicating with the patient in some cases, McCoy’s plea agreement says. Those leads, consisting of the patient information and the medical equipment order, were then sold to DME companies. McCoy admitted paying 70% to 80% of his profits to one person who supplied leads to AE Wellness. Another received $35-40 for leads without a doctor’s order and $280-$300 for a “full lead.” 

Dynarex supports breast cancer screenings 

ORANGEBURG, N.Y. - Dynarex Corp. Is sponsoring “Rides & Strides” on Oct. 23 to support the Breast Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital. The event helps raise funds to provide free breast cancer screening services for underserved members of the community. “We are delighted to support this important event as it builds awareness and raises funds to provide access to services that are so vital to women’s health,” said Dynarex CEO Zalman Tenenbaum. “As an active member of the Rockland County community for more than 20 years, Dynarex takes great pride in building engagement and uniting local community members in support of such a vital cause. The event is a fun, active way for people of all ages to come out and show their support while enjoying local scenery.” The event will kick off at Boulders/Clover Stadium in Pomona, N.Y., and from there participants will cycle, run or walk several scenic routes in the area, including in the Hudson Valley. Registration and donation information, as well as scheduling details, are available here.