In brief: Target exec joins VGM, FDA classifies ResMed recall 

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Fulfillment, a VGM Group company, has named Peter Martin, most recently group vice president – food supply chain for Target, as president. 

Martin, who has lived in the Cedar Valley, where VGM is headquartered, will also join the company’s senior leadership team. 

“Through an extensive interview process, Pete stood out as an incredible addition to VGM,” said Jeremy Stolz, CEO of VGM Group. “The HME industry is constantly evolving. With his decades of distribution and logistics experience, Pete is perfectly positioned to help take VGM Fulfillment and our entire industry into the future.” 

Martin replaces Stolz, who launched VGM Fulfillment in 2009 and who grew the division to become a key player in the CPAP resupply business. 

At Target, Martin was responsible for all aspects of the company’s $10 billion food and beverage supply chain operations across the United States. 

“I am thrilled to have a chance to serve the HME industry as president of VGM Fulfillment,” he said. “HME providers and partners directly impact the quality of life of some of our nation’s most vulnerable patients. I’m honored to be able to do my part to help our providers serve their patients, and to ensure our industry realizes long-term success.” 

FDA classifies ResMed recall 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified ResMed’s recall of CPAP masks with magnets a Class I recall, the most serious type. 

ResMed in November issued an urgent field safety notice to patients detailing possible interference with its AirFit and AirTouch masks and certain medical devices. Then the company in December announced a voluntary global field action to update its guides. 

“ResMed is recalling these masks to update the labels, add more warnings and information to guide patients and health care professionals on safe usage when using masks with magnets,” the FDA states. “This recall and label update came after a review of potential risks to medical implants due to magnetic interference.” 

There have been six reported injuries due to the issue, according to the FDA, and no reports of death. 

The FDA noted ResMed’s communications to patients to keep magnets at a safe distance of six inches away from certain medical devices; reach out to their physician or the manufacturer of their medical device for further details on possible negative effects of magnetic fields; and visit the ResMed Magnet Update website for updates to contraindications and warning labels. 

AAHomecare prioritizes education 

WASHINGTON – AAHomecare will now offer all education programs as a member benefit, the association has announced. The association is making education a priority through a new Education Committee and a new position for Tilly Gambill, now senior director of education, marketing and events. “AAHomecare will strive to offer high-level, educational programming with practical application for the industry on topics covering advocacy, payer relations, emerging trends, and regulatory/legal requirements,” it stated. “A focus for the Education Committee is to strengthen the knowledge base of the industry to help our members' businesses thrive and be better equipped to support patients. This includes trends, technology, and policy that can affect your operations.” The education lineup so far:  

• Jan. 25 – “How You Can Take Advantage of the 2024 Medicare Advantage Final Rule,” presented by the AAHomecare Payer Relations Team (further information below) 
• Feb. 13 – “Copayment Collection and Patient Assistance Programs,” presented by Jeffrey Baird, Esq. and Matthew Earl, Esq. of Brown & Fortunato 
• March 12 – “Proven Audit and Appeal Strategies,” presented by Noel Neil of ACUServe 
• April 16 – “Cash-Only Retail: How to Succeed,” presented by Jeffrey Baird, Esq. and Matthew Earl, Esq. of Brown & Fortunato (Registration coming soon) 

AAHomecare will provide registered attendees with a recording and a presentation deck for each session. 

BOC launches lymphedema accreditation 

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Board of Certification/Accreditation has added a new lymphedema/compression accreditation in response to CMS’s decision to start covering compression garments and related accessories through Medicare Part B on Jan. 1, 2024. “This recent development by CMS represents a significant victory for patients struggling with lymphedema and the health care providers dedicated to their care,” said BOC’s COO Matthew Gruskin, MBA, BOCO, BOCPD, CDME. “We are proud to offer this new product and play our part in making a difference for those affected by lymphedema.” BOC will host a complimentary webinar, “Understanding the New CMS-Approved Lymphedema Compression Coverage,” on Jan. 24, 2024, from 12-1 p.m. EST for professionals, including therapists and clinicians, and other parties interested in learning more. The webinar will review the newly expanded CMS coverage for lymphedema treatment products and explain the steps to become a DMEPOS supplier, which will enable providers to offer more comprehensive treatment to patients under the new CMS Product Category S04. The webinar will be hosted by BOC and presented by Steven Gray, CPED COTA/L, a consultant for Allstate DME Solutions. Gray is a certified pedorthist, certified occupational therapy assistant and DMEPOS accreditation consultant. 

ATF Medical launches education series 

NEWNAN, Ga. – ATF Medical has launched “Making Complex Simple,” an educational series for case managers. The national provider of complex equipment and adaptive housing programs for the workers’ compensation industry will offer three courses in the first quarter that allow attendees to earn one hour of continuing education for certified case managers and state nursing licenses. “We believe it’s critical to provide credible education on these complex products and services to our partners,” said Brendan Swift, vice president, payer partnerships and marketing. “Ongoing advancements in technology drive the need for continued education and awareness. This series is just another way ATF Medical works to provide support, communication and knowledge to our partners nationwide.” The first course, “Introduction to Complex Rehab Technology,” takes place Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. ET. The next two courses take place Feb. 28 (“Benefits of Standing Wheelchairs”) and March 27 (“Introduction to Home Modifications”).  

Joerns Healthcare launches new website 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Joerns Healthcare has launched a new website for North America featuring the company’s outcome-based solutions, products and health-tech offerings, as well as resources and a blog. The launch of the new website follows the news in November that the company would be exiting the long-term care rental business to refocus on medical equipment sales and service. Joerns Healthcare, which has been in business for 134 years, has also embarked on a multimillion-dollar capital improvement project for its 300,000-square-foot manufacturing and supply chain facilities in North America. 

Mobility City Holdings opens franchise in Kentucky 

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Mobility City Holdings has announced the grand opening of a franchise in Louisville, Ky., owned by Chris Downs. “Launching my store is a dream come true,” said Downs, who has a background in the medical products industry. “Now I’m helping people in my community with mobility options that improve their quality of life. I plan to do that for many years to come.” The new franchise offers a wide range of mobility equipment, including scooters, power chairs, power recliners, rollators and more. Mobility City Holdings has franchises in almost 50 locations in top markets in the United States. 

State regulatory update: Virginia and New York 

WASHINGTON – In Virginia, DME policy for Medicaid was updated on Jan. 1, 2024, to include several revisions that stakeholders asked for, including adding coverage of complex rehab technology for recipients living in a nursing facility, according to AAHomecare. The updated DME policy also allows for continuous rental of non-invasive ventilators and allows for certain enteral nutrition substitutions in the event of formula shortages. In New York, the Medicaid program increased reimbursement for enteral nutrition by 10% to 36% for seven codes starting Jan. 1, 2024. AAHomecare worked with ACMESA and NEMEP, respectively, to secure these changes.