Archive: 2024
OxyGo names COO
May 13, 2024HME News Staff
ORLANDO, Fla. – OxyGo has named Chris Carter COO. He was most recently COO-Americas for TP Aerospace for five years and senior director of operations for Invacare for 17 years. “I am thrilled to join the OxyGo team,” he said. “I’m excited to apply my skills and experience as we work together. It’s a great time to be part of this passionate group, and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together.” Carter’s expertise includes highly regulated...
RESNA seeks feedback on tilt
May 13, 2024HME News Staff
ARLINGTON, Va. – RESNA announced on May 8 that it has opened for public comment an update to the “RESNA Position on the Application of Tilt, Recline and Elevating Leg Rests.” The original position paper was published in 2017. “This updated paper includes a Wheelchairs Literature Update,” the organization stated. “The paper synthesizes current literature to guide practitioners in decision-making and use of seat functions for individuals who require customized medical...
FDA releases guidance on ‘remanufacturing’ of devices
May 13, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued final guidance to provide the medical device industry clarity on the definition of “remanufacturing” for reusable devices needing maintenance or repair. The final guidance was issued following the agency’s extensive review of post-market information and consideration of public comments, which highlighted the need for clarity, considering the different regulatory implications between “servicing” and “remanufacturing”...
Ascension Healthcare assesses impact of cyberattack
May 13, 2024HME News Staff
ST. LOUIS – Ascension Healthcare has announced it detected unusual activity on select technology systems on May 8 and now believes it is due to a cybersecurity event.
The large health system says it has engaged Mandiant, a third-party expert, to assist in the investigation and remediation process, and it has notified the appropriate authorities.
“We responded immediately, initiated our investigation and activated our remediation efforts,” a spokesperson said. “Access...
AAHomecare: Fly-in can be ‘difference maker’
May 10, 2024Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON – Industry leaders are headed to Capitol Hill on May 15 to “rile up” lawmakers on the need to pass legislation extending 75/25 blended Medicare reimbursement rates in non-rural areas.
While the industry’s efforts to pass reimbursement reform have received bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, the blended rates have not been included in recent spending bills.
“We've continued to talk to House and Senate leadership in the committees,...
Viemed broadens strategy
May 10, 2024Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
LAFAYATTE, La. – Viemed Healthcare’s integration of HMP is “hitting its stride,” helping the company build out a more diversified product offering, says CEO Casey Hoyt.
Viemed closed on its acquisition of Tennessee-based Home Medical Products, Inc., a large regional provider of respiratory focused home medical solutions in June 2023. That deal, and a recent joint venture with East Alabama Health that gave Viemed a controlling interest in East Alabama HomeMed, provides...
Inogen: ‘We’re happy with what we’re seeing’
May 10, 2024Liz Beaulieu, Editor
GOLETA, Calif. – Inogen shared the ways it’s increasing “synergies and efficiencies” across its various sales channels during a recent conference call to discuss its financial results for the first quarter of 2024.
The company’s president and CEO, Kevin Smith, said these efforts include training its team to execute in both its direct-to-consumer and rental channels, launching partnerships within its business-to-business channel and generating new targets in...
Ryan Wood on the ‘automation race’ in cybersecurity
May 10, 2024Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WATERLOO, Iowa – Ryan Wood, VGM Group’s new chief information security officer, believes health care companies, as a general rule, need to “assume compromise” in the wake of the Change Healthcare cyberattack.
“Without knowing the specifics of the Change Healthcare cyberattack, I think we should be leaning on building our cyber program and infrastructure for resilience, rather than being focused on backup and recovery,” said Wood, a recent guest on the...
In brief: SoCal’s new ‘powerful platform,’ Vertess’ recognition, WHILL’s growth
May 10, 2024HME News Staff
TUSTIN, Calif. – SG Homecare, a provider of HME and supplies, has acquired Western Drug Medical Supply, creating a platform to scale in Southern California.
The combined entity has more than $150 million in annual revenue and more than 500 employees.
"This is a transformative moment for both SG Homecare and Western Drug Medical Supply," said Jay Wendt, CEO, SG Homecare. "We're committed to a seamless integration, fostering a powerful platform for growth....
Last call to pass DME sales tax exemption in Maine
May 9, 2024HME News Staff
AUGUSTA, Maine – AAHomecare urges providers in Maine to contact their elected officials and ask them to support LD 1184, a bill that would exempt durable medical equipment, breast bumps and mobility equipment from sales tax. The Maine legislature will vote on the bill on Friday, May 10. The vote follows the Appropriations Committee passing the measure by a strong, bipartisan 8-2 margin on May 7. Providers can use AAHomecare’s Voter Voice advocacy tool to send a pre-drafted...