In brief: New hires, new contracts and a new app

WATERLOO, Iowa - U.S. Rehab has named Tyler Mahncke president of U.S. Rehab following the recent retirement of Greg Packer. Since 2022, Mahncke has served as vice president of U.S. Rehab. He is also vice president of the DMERT Group, an industry non-profit organization that provides continuing education programs for service technicians in the DME and CRT space. “We are extremely excited for Tyler’s promotion to president of U.S. Rehab,” said Lindy Tentinger, president of VGM & Associates. “Tyler has served U.S. Rehab in dedicated capacity since 2018 and demonstrates a strong passion to grow and advocate for the CRT industry. In this important role, he will continue leading U.S. Rehab to provide innovative solutions, savings and connections to members and partners in the CRT space, as well as offering a fresh perspective for the future of the industry.” U.S. Rehab has also named Ted Metcalf director of business development. Metcalf brings a wealth of experience, having previously served with multiple organizations on the provider side, as well as the distributor side, of the DME and CRT space. He most recently served as the regional account manager for VGM & Associates. 

CHME hires new director of marketing 

FOSTER CITY, Calif. – Melodie Shabat has joined California Home Medical Equipment as director of marketing and business development. Shabat has more than two decades of experience, including more than a decade dedicated to the health care industry and another decade focused on building market-penetrating strategies in the high-tech sector. "Her commitment to customers and the companies she represents is evident in her tireless energy and desire to bring products and services to customers whose lives she believes can be made better through those products and services," said Bernie Zimmer, CEO. As director of marketing and business development, Shabat will oversee company communications, public relations, contract management and development, social media, website content and community relations programs across all CHME’s business lines, including CHME and CHME Rehab. 

Lennartz named Health Mart president 

IRVING, Texas — McKesson has appointed Crystal Lennartz, Pharm.D., MBA, as president of Health Mart, an independent pharmacy franchise, and Health Mart Atlas, a pharmacy services administrative organization (PSAO). As president, Lennartz will focus on strengthening the overall health of Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas pharmacy members and elevate the role they play in people’s lives. She is an accomplished pharmacist, healthcare leader and advocate with more than 20 years of experience in managed care, clinical services, pharmacy operations, strategy, and business development. “Crystal is a formidable and proven leader and is highly respected as an active advocate for the industry,” said Scott Miller, president, Strategic, Community and Specialized Pharmacy at McKesson. “Crystal is dedicated to helping pharmacies innovate and thrive and I’m confident the future of Health Mart is bright with her at the helm.” Lennartz has been with McKesson for more than a decade in various roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, she served as vice president & general manager, Health Mart Atlas & Atlas Specialty.  

Medline inks several preferred vendor agreements 

NORTHFIELD, Ill. – PeaceHealth, a Vancouver, Wash.-based health system serving the Northwest, recently awarded Medline both its physician office and post-acute care prime vendor agreements. Through the agreements, Medline will provide an extensive portfolio of medical surgical supplies, equipment and devices to more than 400 PeaceHealth clinics – physician office, ambulatory care, community health and home and hospice care — in Oregon and Washington, with expansion plans for Alaska. Medline resources will also help enable PeaceHealth to more easily monitor key metrics, such as item utilization, contract compliance, price accuracy and spend by product categories for these divisions. “From remote areas in Alaska to urban centers in Oregon, PeaceHealth cares for everyone,” said Craig Cottrell, director of field sales programs at Medline, “And it’s a privilege to be a strategic partner with an organization that so clearly operates within a healing mission that drives all that they are and all that they do.” Medline also recently signed a prime vendor agreement with Youngstown, Ohio-based QUICKmed, which provides walk-in medical treatment for non-emergency health issues. Services include well visits, sick visits, medication refills, lab testing, X-rays, IV therapy and immunizations, among others. The provider is currently enhancing its standalone locations to offer primary care, women’s health and occupational health services. 

BOC seeks nominations 

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. “BOC’s Certificant of the Year Award is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate the extensive skills and accomplishments of BOC-certified professionals,” said Judi Knott, president & CEO. “We look forward to learning more about the remarkable contributions of our certified professionals and their influence on the broader community.” 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. Nominations will be accepted online at www.bocusa.org/certificant-of-the-year through Feb. 12, 2024. Nominations can be submitted for a colleague, coworker or industry professional. Family member and self-nominations are not permitted. 

SmartSaver rates in effect for Medtrade 

DALLAS – SmartSaver registration rates for Medtrade 2024 are now in effect though Jan. 22. With SmartSaver Rates, an Expo Pass is $30 and a Conference Pass is $125. “A conference pass provides access to all educational sessions, the Expo floor, and the Consultant Cocktail Hour,” said Kerry Tyler, associate show director, Medtrade. “At $125, it’s an incredible deal. Whether you want the Expo Pass or the Conference Pass, now is the time to take advantage.” Medtrade 2024 is scheduled for March 26-28, 2024, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. “Exhibitor sign-ups are strong, and we anticipate a vibrant show in 2024,” Tyler said. “We believe Medtrade is the perfect place to jump start the new year.” To register for Medtrade 2024, go here. 

Diabetes app eddii launches nationwide 

NEW YORK – eddii has launched nationwide, bringing its app featuring a gamified approach to diabetes management to all those living with diabetes. eddii functions as a smart, virtual health companion, delivering real-time feedback, unwavering support and in-app rewards as a testament to healthy behavior. “We pride ourselves on listening to our user's desires and always prioritize their needs,” said Farhaneh Ahmadi, CEO. “This is evident in our recent developments, implementing Spanish functionality across the app, introducing real-life gift cards as health incentives, creating an eddii Apple-watch widget, and of course improving our users’ favorite features, the quizzes, and character customization features.” In June, the company announced it had integrated with Dexcom. The app is available from the App Store and Google Play.