Tag: Merits
Technology driving complex rehab market
February 28, 2022John Andrews
A technology stalwart in the home medical equipment industry, complex rehab equipment hasn’t let the two-year pandemic slow down advancements in the field. If anything, the industry has gained momentum and manufacturers are working harder than ever to add more high-tech features to their products.
“The past two years have really pushed everyone to determine alternative solutions to provide clients equipment,” said Jay Brislin, vice president of Exeter, Pa.-based Quantum...
In brief: CMS guidance, Convatec acquisition, Drive CEO
April 2, 2021HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – CMS has instructed the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to hold all claims with dates of service on or after April 1, 2021, for a short period, in anticipation of possible congressional action to extend the moratorium on the 2% sequestration cuts.
“This will minimize the volume of claims the MACs must reprocess if Congress extends the suspension,” CMS wrote in a March 30 bulletin. “The MACs will automatically reprocess any claims paid with the...
In brief: Rotech financing, Kubat merger, Merits president
December 31, 2020HME News Staff
ORLANDO, Fla. – Rotech Healthcare has obtained $425 million in new financing via an amended and reinstated credit agreement with a diverse group of lenders.
The provider used part of the proceeds to pay a $100 million dividend to its holding company and will use the remainder to support growth through strategic acquisitions.
“This new credit agreement provides Rotech with sufficient capital over the next five years to continue our growth strategies, as well as to provide a $100...
Merits names new president
December 29, 2020HME News Staff
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Merits USA and its sister brands Avid Rehab, Precision Comfort and Pilot have named Mike Laiman as their new president. “As Merits continues to grow, we are excited to bring Mike on board,” said Dave Jones, executive sales director, Merits. “I believe his experience and goals align with the vision we have had for Merits.” Laiman, who is coming out of retirement to take the position at Merits, has a long history in manufacturing, including...
Merits promotes sales team members
October 6, 2020HME News Staff
FORT MEYERS, Fla. - Merits USA and its sister brands Avid Rehab, Precision Comfort and Pilot have promoted Bret Tracy and Kirk Grau to regional sales directors. Tracy was previously the eastern regional sales manager and Grau was the western regional sales manager. “Kirk and Bret have consistently met and exceeded sales goals and have showcased nothing short of exemplary leadership,” said Dave Jones, executive sales director at Merits. As regional sales directors, Tracy and Grau will...
People news: Merits Health, Philips Respiratory
January 12, 2018HME News Staff
Cape Coral, Fla.-based Merits Health Products has promoted Kevin Liu to president and Chris Blackmore to vice president of sales and business development. Liu has helped the company launch two new divisions, Avid Rehab for complex rehab and Pilot for home accessibility. He has also helped the company open new distribution centers and increase internal operating efficiencies. For his part, Blackmore has helped Merits increase sales by 300% in the past three years… Brent Shafer, CEO of North America...
Merits Health launches home access division
July 12, 2017HME News Staff
CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Merits Health Products has launched a new home access division called Pilot. The division currently offers an economical straight stair lift that it says is easy to work on and can be adjusted to fit most applications. Later this year, Pilot plans to launch additional products, with the goal of offering a full line of home accessibility products. Andy and Lisa Scothern are heading up the new division. “We are thrilled to have them on board,” said Chris Blackmore, national...
In brief: CMS publishes RAC results, Merits clears FDA hurdle
February 8, 2013HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Medicare's Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) identified $939.3 million in improper payments in fiscal year 2011, according to a report issued by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Feb. 5. Included in that number: 295,990 HME claims representing $34 million in overpayments, and 166 HME claims representing $12,400 in underpayments. The report also delves into how many claims were appealed and overturned in FY 2011. “Medicare providers appealed 60,717 claims,...
A dose of trouble mixed with a dash of opportunity
December 10, 2012Liz Beaulieu, Editor
A relatively small group of vendors dominated the headlines of HME News in 2012.
Four of the most read stories in 2012 had to do with three vendors that found themselves in the crosshairs of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for much of year, each for numerous violations. As 2012 wound to a close, Invacare, GF Health Products and Merits all maintained that they had made significant progress in returning to the FDA's good graces. Invacare was prepping for a third-party audit early in 2013,...
FDA woes drag on for HME manufacturers
June 8, 2012Liz Beaulieu, Editor
ATLANTA and CAPE CORAL, Fla. - GF Health Products and Merits Health Products, which received warning letters late last year about violations at their manufacturing facilities, say the ball is in the U.S Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) court.
At press time in June, GF was still trying to get the FDA to approve corrective actions for one last violation and Merits was trying to get the agency to re-inspect its facility in Taiwan.
“It is unusual for it to drag on this long,”...