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In brief: CPAP therapy may decrease cognitive impairment, Medline integrates with Brightree

In brief: CPAP therapy may decrease cognitive impairment, Medline integrates with Brightree

YARMOUTH, Maine - Sleep disordered breathing is associated with early mental decline and Alzheimer's disease, but treatment with CPAP therapy may delay the onset of problems, according to a new study. Researchers at New York University Langone Medical Center found people with sleep-disordered breathing became cognitively impaired an average of about 10 years sooner than those without the disorder. They also found, compared to those whose sleep disorder was untreated, those using CPAP therapy delayed the appearance of cognitive impairment by an average of 10 years. The study, which was published online in Neurology, analyzed information on the incidence of sleep-disordered breathing and the incidence of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in 2,470 people with the average age of 73.

Medline integrates with Brightree

MUNDELEIN, Ill. - Medline and Brightree now offer customers an integrated platform that allows ordering and drop-shipping products from a single interface. “Now more than ever, dealers need to find ways to remain competitive and efficient,” stated Dave Jacobs, president, post-acute sales division, Medline. “This new collaboration is an innovative way to simplify the ordering process so dealers can get back to what matters most—taking care of patients.” When a Brightree user creates a purchase order, a transmission is sent through a secure FTP connection to Medline, enabling providers to view item availability and pricing in real time. The user can then perform one-touch drop shipments, receive automatic confirmation and submit purchase orders directly to Medline. Brightree users can use the integrated e-purchasing feature at no additional cost.

Oncologix updates on earnings

LAFAYETTE, La. - Oncologix, a diversified medical holding company with operating divisions in medical devices, healthcare services and DME sales and distribution, expects to grow annualized revenues to $25 million by the end of 2015, it announced April 14. It also expects to achieve positive EBITDA of more than $2.6 million. “Our stock price does not accurately reflect the hard work and success of our operating activities and it remains severely undervalued,” CEO Wayne Erwin stated in the release. “With our continued execution on our acquisition and growth plan, we are confident that our stock value will rise in the coming year to its true, fair market values.” Oncologix is in the process of closing the acquisition of a DME company with annual revenues of about $9.8 million that will add $2.2 million in positive EBITDA.

Patientco adds millions of users

ATLANTA - Patientco added more than 2.4 million patients across multiple healthcare providers to its user base in the first quarter of 2015. The company, which helps providers collect patient payments, says enhancements like the new mobile-ready PatientWallet have helped to drive growth. “Healthcare organizations are learning how to factor patients into the traditional way they've operated from a revenue cycle perspective, which is not an easy task as most are dealing with shrinking margins, competing priorities and relying heavily on a new and powerful revenue source: patients,” stated Bird Blitch, CEO of Patientco, in a press release. “The Patientco team is dedicated to delivering modern, scalable and responsive technology to help our clients realize patient revenue success.” In response to the growth, Patientco has added 20 full-time employees.

Expert boosts Convaid's webinar program

TORRANCE, Calif. - Convaid has aligned with seating and mobility expert Missy Ball, a PT and ATP, to expand its webinar program. The first webinar scheduled for April 17, entitled “The Use of Equipment to Improve Future Outcomes for Clients,” will discuss how to manage and facilitate best outcomes for wheelchair users with musculoskeletal issues. Ball, a 38-year healthcare veteran, is the former acting director and past assistant director of the physical therapy department at Children's Hospital in New Orleans. Other webinars led by Ball: “Clinical and Technical Use of Tilt and Recline” on May 29, “The Place for Pediatric Dependent Push Wheelchairs in Early Intervention” on Aug. 7 and “Appropriate Seating and Mobility Needs for Specific Diagnoses” on Oct. 30. The webinars are free but there is a $20 processing fee for processing paperwork for 0.1 CEU credit.

State news: Colorado and Wisconsin

The governor of Colorado recently signed an amended bill that requires DME providers to obtain licenses. The bill was originally passed in 2014, but it was held up when the state attorney general expressed concerns that a brick-and-mortar requirement violated the Federal Commerce Clause. “To resolve the issue, the group from the Colorado Association of Medical Equipment Services and other Colorado DME suppliers decided to remove diabetic suppliers and small pharmacies from the bill and allow licensure requirements to be 100 miles from any of the supplier's patients,” according to a bulletin from The VGM Group…The governor of Wisconsin has signed into law a bill that allows HME providers to provide home oxygen therapy without a pharmacist on staff. The bill, which takes effect May 1, paves the way for providers to dispense oxygen through a licensure program administered by the Pharmacy Examining Board. Under previous law, oxygen intended for medical use was considered a drug and could only be dispensed by a pharmacist licensed by the board or by a physician or other authorized practitioner.

Short takes: Numotion, Accelleron, Hasco Medical & more

Rocky Hill, Conn.-based Numotion will continue as a “National Premiere Sponsor” for the ALS Association in 2015. Part of the company's commitment to the ALS community is its “ALS Fast Track Program.” For customers who qualify and for whom an evaluation is complete with all necessary documents received, Numotion will deliver equipment within 18 days…Guildford, Conn.-based Acelleron Medical Products has hired Jan Ferraro as director of education. Ferraro's job: to educate pregnant women about the Affordable Care Act and breast pumps. Previously, Ferraro was a childbirth and parenting educator at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, and Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven…Addison, Texas-based Hasco Medical will have a grand opening for its new Ride-Away location in Parkville, Md., on April 18. The location will be first dealer in the country where people with disabilities can see the BraunAbility Explorer MXV wheelchair accessible SUV, Mobility SVM SUV Suburban and Allegiant Mobility Honda Pilot…The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has been cleared by the Agency for Health Care Administration in Florida to accredit HME providers in that state. BOC is one of five organizations to earn this recognition…The American Association of Breast Care Professionals will hold a Post Mastectomy Policy Summit on Aug. 3, in Memphis, Tenn.

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