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In brief: Gov't recovers $3.3B, FDA clears Snug Seat

In brief: Gov't recovers $3.3B, FDA clears Snug Seat

WASHINGTON - The government's healthcare fraud prevention and enforcement efforts recovered $3.3 billion in taxpayer dollars in fiscal year 2014, the Justice and Health and Human Services departments announced March 19. For every dollar spent on health care-related fraud and abuse investigations in the last three years, the government has recovered $7.70—the third highest return on investment since the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program was established in 1997, according to the agencies. In all, more than $27.8 billion has been returned to the Medicare Trust Fund over the life of the program, they say.

FDA gives Snug Seat green light

MATTHEWS, N.C. - The Food and Drug Administration has released Snug Seat from a product specific hold. The company may now resume distributing 15 products in the United States that are manufactured in Denmark by its parent company R82. Snug Seat has been under a product specific hold for the last 18 months, following the FDA's finding that R82 was in violation of six “good manufacturing requirements.” Snug Seat plansto confirm previously placed orders over the next two weeks and start filling open orders according to inventory and age of order by late March.

Univita Health secures $40M

MIRAMAR, Fla. - Univita Health has secured a credit facility of $40 million from Genstar Capital and a private lender, it announced March 17. The provider says it will use the credit facility to expand its roster of health plan partners. Currently, Univita has contracts with more than 20 Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. Through those contracts, the provider manages care for more than 5 million members. In 2014 alone, Univita added 1 million members on Medicaid plans in Florida.

MHA launches advocacy website

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Managed Health Care Associates, which owns The MED Group, has launched a website dedicated to legislative advocacy, it announced March 17. The website, www.cqrcengage.com/mha, provides members with the ability to communicate with their federal and state legislatures about issues affecting their companies and industries. It also features information about bills that have been introduced in Congress that will affect long-term care, home infusion and specialty pharmacies, and DME providers. “With so many changes taking place in our industry, it is vital that we support our members in staying engaged with their legislators,” stated Wayne Grau, vice president of legislative affairs for MHA, in a press release. “This site will help our members and their employees to understand legislation that may impact our industry and take action to make their voices heard by their legislators.”

U.S. Rehab revamps training program

WATERLOO, Iowa - U.S. Rehab, a division of The VGM Group, has revamped its popular Tech Training program to provide a “deeper dive” into repairs for power mobility equipment. The program now has two tracks: online training for newer repair techs; and in-person, advanced training for techs with two or more years of experience. Training will be provided by Richard Fuller of Richard Fuller Consulting; Elizabeth Cole, clinical director of U.S. Rehab; and Permobil, Invacare, Motion Concepts and Sunrise Medical. “Problem areas will be frankly discussed,” stated Greg Packer, president of U.S. Rehab, in a press release. “This is not a sales pitch posing as a tech seminar.” U.S. Rehab will offer advanced training on May 4-6 in California; June 16-18 at the Heartland Conference in Waterloo, Iowa; Aug. 3-5 in Dallas; and Oct. 12-14 in Atlanta. Those who complete the program will receive 2.1 continuing education units. The fee is $450 for VGM/U.S. Rehab members and $500 for non-members.

Universal Software strengthens ties with McKesson

DAVISON, Mich. - Universal Software Solutions now offers VendorLink, a module for drop shipping patient orders to McKesson Medical-Surgical, free of charge. The module automatically stores shipment confirmations, tracking numbers and invoice data documents to help process claims faster. It also helps cut down on handling and warehouse costs; eliminates re-keying and data entry errors; and provides a complete cycle of documentation.

GWP expands presence in Pacific Northwest

WASILLA, Alaska - Geneva Woods Pharmacy has acquired Vancouver, Wash.-based CHS Pharmacy and Kirk's Drugs. The providers offer HME, complex rehab, respiratory and long-term care pharmacy services in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado and Nevada. GWPplans to double its workforce in the Vancouver area over the next 24 months and establish a “lower 48” headquarters in the city. The acquisition is GWP's ninth.

3B Medical sues ResMed for antitrust violations

LAKE WALES, Fla. - 3B Medical has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida against ResMed for antitrust violations. 3B Medical's complaint alleges that ResMed is “choosing winners and losers in the CMS competitive bidding process (with) preferential pricing, creating an environment of fear and bullying among customers, and interfering in 3B Medical's business relationships.” “This action is intended to restore competition, increase patient choice and lower product pricing for sleep products,” stated Daniel Kotchen of Kotchen & Low, 3B Medical's attorney. In a statement following the filing, ResMed's global general counsel, David Pendarvis, said there is no substance to the claims in the case. “ResMed conducts business in an ethical and lawful manner,” he stated. “Physicians, customers and patient prefer our products because they are better. We expect to win this case if it is brought to trial.” Pendarvis also pointed out that ResMed recently won a case for patent infringement against 3B Medical and its Chinese-based manufacturer, BMC Medical Co.

Grip Solutions launches new website

EBENSBURG, Pa. - Grip Solutions has redesigned its website, www.mygripsolutions.com, to optimize viewing using different devices. The website also features a YouTube video so users can easily understand the company's products and see them in action, and a twitter feed so they can get real life, real time insights. Grip Solutions is a line of non-slip products designed to help with a variety of activities of daily living.

Short takes: BOC, Active Healthcare, Sigvaris

Owings Mills, Md.-based The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has won a Stevie Award for sales and customer service for the third consecutive year. It earned a silver award in the “Innovation in Customer Service” category. BOC also received a bronze award for the “Business Development Achievement” category…Lisa Feierstein, co-founder and president of Raleigh, N.C.-based Active Healthcare, was selected from more than 5,000 women to be featured in the 2015 Woman's Advantage Shared Wisdom Calendar. The calendar provides advice for women business owners. Feierstein's advice: “Recipe for attaining goals: 1 part exercise, 2 parts diet, 6 parts sleep. Blend together and your goals will bake”…Sigvaris has launched a brand video addressing common leg problems like varicose veins and work-related leg pain, and medical conditions like deep vein thrombosis and diabetes. “The campaign is designed to raise much needed awareness about the importance of overall leg health,” stated Judith Brannan, associate director of education & medical affairs at Sigvaris North America. View the video here: http://bit.ly/SIGmevfl.

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