In brief: Owens & Minor earnings, DMEscripts integration, F&P launch

RICHMOND, Va. – Owens & Minor reported consolidated revenue of $2.7 billion for the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 4% year over year. 

Of that, Patient Direct revenue was $660 million, an increase of 4%, driven by continued strong growth in diabetes and sleep supplies. 

“Our Patient Direct segment performed in line with our expectations, and we expect the segment to benefit from seasonality and recent organic investments during the back half of the year,” said Edward A. Pesicka, president & CEO. 

Other highlights from the quarter: 

• Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $127, representing year-over-year growth of 12% 

• The company has recently reaffirmed financial guidance for the full year:  

• Revenue for 2024 to be in a range of $10.5 billion to $10.9 billion 

• Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 to be in a range of $550 million to $590 million 

• Adjusted EPS for 2024 to be in a range of $1.40 to $1.70. 

Owens & Minor in July acquired Rotech Healthcare for $1.36 billion. 

Tandem, Dexcom integration approved in Canada 

MARKHAM, Ontario – Tandem Diabetes Care and Dexcom have announced the updated t:slim X2 insulin pump software is compatible with both Dexcom G7 and Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems and is authorized for sale by Health Canada. This integration allows users of the t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology, to have even more choice in how they manage their diabetes. "This integration marks the first time an AID system in Canada is compatible with both Dexcom G7 and Dexcom G6 CGMs, demonstrating our commitment to continued leadership in advancing AID systems and offering choice," said Mark Novara, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Tandem Diabetes Care. "We are proud to celebrate more than 10 years of partnership with Dexcom through this milestone that allows users in Canada to benefit from our No. 1 recommended insulin pump brand, now with Dexcom's most advanced CGM technology." Commercial availability is expected to begin this fall. Tandem will email instructions to all users in Canada with an in-warranty t:slim X2 pump to offer the option to choose between Dexcom G7 and Dexcom G6 via a free remote software update. New customers will receive t:slim X2 pumps pre-loaded with the updated software. 

Northwood, DMEScripts integrate 

MADISON HEIGHTS, N.J. – DMEscripts’ e-prescribing platform has been integrated with Northwood’s supplier portal and third-party administrator technology as a result of a new agreement. This integration aims to dramatically increase the speed and efficiency of DMEPOS authorization requests and allow secure access to supporting medical documentation, the companies say. “The integration between Northwood and DMEscripts will enable our supplier network to further leverage all the advantages of DMEscripts’ e-prescribing platform by requesting service authorizations from Northwood with a single click,” said Kenneth G. Fasse, president and CEO, Northwood. “Northwood’s philosophy is to embrace existing technology to the benefit of the DMEPOS ecosystem and DMEscripts is another powerful step in that direction.” The integration and development plan between Northwood and DMEscripts is expected to be completed and implemented by the end of the year. “We are thrilled to partner with Northwood to integrate our e-prescribing platform with their advanced supplier portal and administration technology,” said DMEscripts CEO John Brady. “By combining our strengths, we are enhancing efficiencies for the industry while also improving the delivery of care experience for patients and healthcare providers. This integration exemplifies our commitment to leveraging technology to simplify and accelerate the delivery of care to the home." 

Aeroflow Breastpumps sponsors tour 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Aeroflow Breastpumps has partnered with Pumpspotting on its third-annual tour of The Breast Express, a mobile pumping bus. The Breast Express, better known as Barb, is embarking on a 15-city tour from July to October of this year with an important maternal mental health mission: reduce isolation, create support for parents, and transform the feeding experience into something positive by building baby-feeding confidence and fostering community. The tour, which kicked off in Portland, Maine, July 25, provides hands-on access to breast pumps and products, interactions with lactation consultants and service providers, and connections with local experts, parents and support resources. 

F&P launches all-in-one humidifier 

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has launched a new platform in the U.S. that is able to provide humidification for all vent applications in one system. The F&P my820 provides heated humidification during the delivery of invasive ventilation, noninvasive ventilation and humidified high-flow therapies for adult and pediatric patients. “The F&P my820 is the result of years of dedicated investment in new technologies that improve care and outcomes for patients in their homes,” said Andrew Somervell, vice president, Products & Technology. “It provides peace of mind that adults and children can continue to receive high-quality care after they leave the hospital.” Designed specifically to perform in home environments where temperatures can fluctuate, the F&P my820 automatically adapts to environmental temperature changes using a built-in sensor, mitigating circuit condensate while also reducing device-wire clutter and providing patients with a simplified setup process.  The platform is currently available in Australasia, Europe, Canada and the U.S., with more markets being added as regulatory clearances are received. 

VGM offers insights into patient-centered care 

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates has released the third playbook of the year, “Boosting Results in Patient-Centered Homecare.” The playbook contains insights and approaches from industry leaders regarding patient-centered care and proven methods to boost patient satisfaction and results. "As we continue to navigate the pivotal topics that are shaping the future of the post-acute homecare industry, this publication offers VGM members perspectives on how best to implement patient-centered care in order to continue driving positive change in their businesses and beyond,” says Mandi Rodgers, vice president of marketing, VGM & Associates. “It is our goal to influence and actively shape the post-acute homecare industry to raise awareness of its impact, and we believe this playbook is an important step in this direction.” Topics include how to enhance patient outcomes while optimizing costs, perspectives on innovative, holistic approaches, how outcomes related to wound care and orthotics & prosthetics services can elevate patient care, and how to harness technology to improve outcomes and the patient experience.  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. 

Shields Health Solutions expands access to treatment through partnership 

DES MOINES, Iowa – Shields Health Solutions, a specialty pharmacy accelerator, has expanded its partnership with UnityPoint at Home, a subsidiary of Iowa-based UnityPoint Health, to extend a specialty pharmacy program that provides patients with complex, chronic conditions access to specialized pharmacy services designed to lower costs, broaden treatment options, improve medication management and overall health. “UnityPoint at Home has been a highly valued partner for years, and we are excited to expand our relationship with an organization dedicated to providing outstanding care for complex patients,” said Stephen West, CEO of Shields Health Solutions. “By securing access to 90% of the limited distribution drugs that complex patients need and opening the door to restricted payer networks, our accelerated partnership will continue to create access to affordable care, while improving therapy management and care coordination for UnityPoint at Home’s patients.” Shields’ expansive access to payer networks and complex drugs, including recently approved and newly available drugs, will allow patients with chronic, complex conditions, to receive all their services through UnityPoint at Home with increased access to specialty treatment options. Shields currently partners with nearly 80 health systems around the country, helping partners reduce co-pays, promptly receive medication delivery, and improve medication adherence.