Archive: September 2015
NCPA videos examine changing healthcare models
September 30, 2015HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The National Community Pharmacists Association has launched a five-part video series that looks at how community pharmacies can adapt to changing healthcare models and improve patient care. Topics include the role of technology, marketing, and new models of payment, according to a press release. “Pharmacy is changing and the shift toward quality standards and value-based patient care presents opportunities, as well as challenges,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey. “Community...
HME provider opens second location
September 30, 2015Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
DENVER, Colo. - YouCan TooCan Home Medical Supply has opened a new store in Colorado Springs, it announced today. The 2,500-square-foot store offers scooters, wheelchairs, lift chairs, respiratory equipment and aids to daily living. The store is owned by Marvin Holland, who acquired it in November 2014.
BraunAbility sells to Swedish investment firm
September 29, 2015HME News Staff
WINAMAC, Ind. - BraunAbility has signed an agreement to sell to Patricia Industries, a division of Stockholm, Sweden-based Investor AB.
BraunAbility will join Permobil on Patricia Industries' roster of “high-quality, high-growth” companies, according to a press release.
“With the support of Patricia Industries, we will be positioned to accelerate our rate of growth, powered by product innovation, development of our brand promise within the communities we serve and continued...
Short takes: Brightree, AOPA, Masimo, Nonin
September 29, 2015HME News Staff
Brightree's electronic health record solution for home health and hospice has been selected by Merida Health Care Group. Merida already uses Brightree's solution for HME…The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association has announced the winners of its annual student poster awards: Tyler Klenow has received the Otto and Lucille Becker Award for his orthotic abstract, “A Functional Comparison of Carbon Fiber AFO and Two Modular KAFO Conditions Using Outcome Measures in a Veteran...
Use Univita as lightning rod for action
September 25, 2015Letter to the Editor
This is exactly the situation that we said would happen with this type of model that limits providers and limits access to care (“Chaos erupts as Univita loses biz,” September 2015 ).We need to get this story out to Congress and to state Medicaids across the country. Our words mean nothing to them; however, the result of this bankruptcy should resonate loud and clear that the train needs to stop rolling down the track because the only light at the end of the tunnel is the train!We need...
TIME TO RETHINK THE HME SERVICE MODEL
September 25, 2015Guest Commentary
Back in 1999, as an industry consultant, I wrote a special report for HME News called “Lessons from Polk County.” In 2001, I left home care to re-enter the hospital world. But in May of 2011, I returned to home care as director of procurement at Univita Health, where I served until October of 2014. In January of this year, I re-entered the consulting world through my company Valumatrix, LLC. Today, I see DME companies as heroes in health care who help patients live independently in their...
Provider is old hat at competitive bidding
September 25, 2015Tracy Orzel
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Once the bid window for Round 1 2017 opens on Oct. 15, Maurie Lecker will begin formulating his bids, but this isn't the provider's first rodeo.“The bidding process really hasn't changed over all these years,” said Lecker, co-owner of Medical Homecare Supply in West Palm Beach, Fla.Though CMS offers educational materials to help providers submit accurate and complete bids, Lecker says he doesn't need them.“Once you've done it once or twice, it's pretty easy...
Aeroflow on track to hit record sales
September 25, 2015Tracy Orzel
Looking at the numbers, it's no surprise that Aeroflow Healthcare landed on this year's Inc. 5000 list for the first time, coming in at No. 3,089.In 2014, the provider reported revenues of $41.2 million, hired an additional 90 employees, and experienced a three-year growth rate of 112%, according to the magazine.“So far this year, we're well on track to break goals,” said CEO Casey Hite.First and foremost, Hite credits employees and the company culture for Aeroflow's success.“We...
Mike Barner: 'We need a stronger voice'
September 25, 2015Tracy Orzel
A lot has changed since Mike Barner got his start in the HME industry as a driver in 1985. Barner, an administrative manager at the University of Michigan Wheelchair Seating Service, took over the role of NRRTS president in July. He recently spoke to HME News about the importance of collaboration.HME News: What do you hope to achieve as president?Mike Barner: I hope to bring the ability to create collaboration with all of the entities out there, such as NCART, RESNA, AAHomecare, and U.S. Rehab. We're...
Embrace the benefits of interoperability
September 25, 2015Guest Commentary
In our professional life, most of us have been exposed to the definition of insanity. As the home and durable medical equipment industry manages multiple challenges within the sector, one constant remains true: we chase paper. This workflow is simply unsustainable and no longer a viable option to managing physician orders, documentation, audits and additional payer requirements. By manually managing paper, faxes and phone calls, our industry produces insufficient insight and data related to patient...