Archive: April 2021

WASHINGTON – CMS’s decision to delay finalizing a proposed rule could signal the agency’s intent to focus on other matters, say industry stakeholders.  “We believe CMS is planning on issuing a proposed rule to modify the bid program,” says Cara Bachenheimer, who heads up the government affairs practice at Brown & Fortunato, where she is also a shareholder. “My guess is they are focused on that.”   In a notice...

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – There’s only a “small risk” that the sound abatement foam in the first-generation DreamStation is being compromised by outside factors, including ozone cleaners, but Philips has chosen to be proactive and fix or replace these CPAP devices in the U.S., says CEO Frans van Houten. The occurrence rate of deterioration of the foam is about 0.03%, based on internal user reports and testing, the company says. “The use of ozone is typically a U.S....

SAN DIEGO – The odds were against ResMed in a number of ways in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, but the company expects a rebound in the next several quarters.  ResMed’s third quarter is typically slower due to insurance deductibles resetting in March, then the company faced a tough comparable – it generated $35 million in COVID-related revenues in the same quarter last year that haven’t been sustained.  “As we look further forward, we...

GLEN ALLEN, Va. – Home Care Delivered plans to use a recent investment to increase its reach in the disposables market, says Gordy Fox, CEO and founder.  HCD, a provider of disposable medical supplies, announced in April that it had received a majority equity investment from BPOC, a Chicago-based private equity firm.  “They are bullish on the market,” he said. “This allows us to accelerate what we are doing today and dive deeper into markets that we are in...

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. – AdaptHealth has expanded its credit by $300 million to boost acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.  The company amended its senior secured credit facilities to increase its term loan by $100 million and to expand the maximum borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility from $250 million to $450 million.   “We appreciate the support of the company’s lenders as we continue to execute on the company’s...

Between Zoom meetings, working remotely and virtual schooling, COVID-19 dramatically altered the way we connect with each other over the past year and in some respects, it forced people to utilize and better understand communications technology. It is emblematic of the adage “necessity is the mother of invention” – especially for HME providers toward business automation and interoperability. Information technology specialists are encouraged by signs of burgeoning connectivity...

FORRES, Scotland – Phoenix Instinct was recently named the winner of Toyota’s Mobility Unlimited Challenge, a three-year long contest meant to drive innovation in the field of assistive technologies, for its intelligent ultra-light carbon fiber wheelchair. The small, Scotland-based company beat out more than 80 teams from 28 countries around the world for the title and—more importantly—the $1 million prize to further develop its Phoenix i, which continuously adjusts its own...

Mastectomy boutiques are in a position to empower breast cancer survivors to live “fully and beautifully,” says Dana Donofree, founder of AnaOno, a post-mastectomy clothing designer, and a survivor herself. To do that, providers need to engage with survivors through the three pillars of marketing: commerce, content and community, she says. “View your activity through these three pillars to determine the who, the what, and the why,” said Donofree during her recent EW...

NEW YORK – Seventy-five years ago, a small support group of paralyzed World War II veterans banded together to advocate for themselves and others in New York City. Today that small support group has 57,000 members and goes by the name of United Spinal Association. HME News spoke with Vincenzo Piscopo, president and CEO, about how the organization is celebrating its year-long anniversary campaign and where the next 75 years will take them. HME News: Who are some of the advocates United Spinal...

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The National Community Pharmacists Association is extending its “The Truth” campaign, which resulted in 2.5 million impressions on social media and more than 27,000 letters to state lawmakers in its first 12 weeks. First launched in October 2020 and fully launched in January, the campaign seeks to educate state legislators, regulators and patients about how pharmacy benefit managers manipulate drug costs, steer patients to PBM-affiliated pharmacies and...