'The best just got even better'

LAKEWOOD, Colo. - AAA Medical acquired Adaptive Equipment Company (AEC) in November, strengthening the relationship between their RTSs and clinicians, and improving service. "With such a strong referral base, we'll have a home team advantage of sorts," said Teresa Acampora, director of marketing for ATG Rehab Company, the parent company of AAA Medical. "Our theory, here, is that the best just got even better." AEC is a subsidiary of Denver-based Craig Hospital, a rehab and research facility for patients with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. The 25-year-old AEC specializes in home medical equipment, including custom wheelchairs, for people with those types of injuries. AAA plans to meld AEC's operations with its operations in Lakewood, Colo. The provider hasn't made an official decision regarding AEC's employees, but "at least one will join AAA," Acampora said. Craig Hospital took AAA up on its offer to buy AEC because it allows all parties to focus on what they do best, Acampora said. "Some companies try to be so many things to so many people," she said. "We know people can get a typical commode from any provider, but when you work on critical care or custom equipment, not any provider or hospital can provide those things." Craig Hospital believes its patients will be in good hands with AAA. "AAA has a strong, combined focus for what both our customers and clinicians need most; timely and accurate fit of product; responsible repair service; and caring consistent communication at all levels," stated CFO Ron Branish in a release. ATG Rehab comprises seven rehab providers from California to Connecticut. "We're large enough to service nationally, but small enough to care," Acampora said.