In brief: Rotech gains 'momentum,' PPM integrates with Brightree

ORLANDO, Fla. - Rotech Healthcare continues rolling up DME companies with four new acquisitions, it announced Feb. 18. Rotech has bought the respiratory assets of two providers in Arkansas, serving Magnolia and Mountain Home; and two providers in Florida, serving Fort Myers and Orlando. “With the recent purchases in Arkansas and in Florida, we are gaining momentum,” said CEO Tim Pigg. The most recent buys are the latest in a string of acquisitions that kicked off in December. Already this year, Rotech has acquired the respiratory assets of providers in Natchitoches, La., and Gulfport, Miss.

Brightree, PPM Fulfillment integrate

ATLANTA - Brightree and PPM Fulfillment, a warehouse and logistics provider specializing in drop shipping CPAP supplies, now offer an integrated interface. Brightree Fulfillment Services allows customers to streamline business processes and improve time to reimbursement with direct-to-patient shipping of supplies from PPM Fulfillment, reducing shipping and inventory costs, according to a press release.

OIG finds inappropriate payments to prosthetic provider

WASHINGTON - A report from the Office of Inspector General found that San Antonio, Texas-based Prosthetic Science has received $25,125 in inappropriate Medicare payments. The OIG reviewed 166 claims totaling $1,785,355 for the period of January 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013. According to the report, the claims are considered inappropriate for the following reasons: one claim was not supported by any documentation, two claims were not supported by a physician order, and seven HCPCS codes were not included on detailed written orders. Prosthetic Science agreed with the findings, which it attributed to human error.

Developer of ordering platform expands

CARMEL, Ind. - Stratice Healthcare, the developer of an electronic ordering platform for the healthcare industry, plans to add 2,000 square feet to its 3,500-square-foot operations center here by the end of the year to accommodate and expand its e-prescribing platform. “Through our cloud-based platform, Stratice is poised to help lead the next chapter in innovation and interoperability for healthcare systems by forever changing the way home and durable medical equipment and supplies are prescribed for the end-user,” said John Brady, CEO and co-founder, in a press release.

Sleep association now offers products

LITITZ, Pa. - The American Sleep Association will offer sleep products to its members and viewers through affiliate relationships with top manufacturers, distributors and retailers, it announced Feb. 17. The association will offer CPAP and BiPAP/Bilevel devices and accompanying supplies, as well as anti-snoring mouthpieces. The ASA seeks to improve public awareness about sleep disorders, and to provide a portal for communication between patients, physicians/healthcare professionals, corporations and scientists.

Convaid donates EZ-Rider

TORRANCE, Calif. - Convaid recently partnered with Fighting for Families to surprise four-year-old Lydia Hayden, who was born with cerebral palsy, with a new Convaid EZ-Rider wheelchair. Fighting for Families is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that raises money to provide support and ancillary services to families with children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Darren Nordquist, a business development representative with Convaid, worked with Lydia to ensure that the wheelchair fit and met her exact specifications for safety, comfort and positioning.

HASCO ends 2014 on high note

ADDISON, Texas - HASCO Medical, a provider of wheelchair accessible vans, parts and service, expects net revenues of about $22.7 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2014, a 15% increase compared to $19.7 million for the same period in 2013. The company expects net revenues of $91.2 million for all of 2014, a 25% increase compared to $73.1 million for 2013. “Our team's relentless execution in the fourth quarter led to an unprecedented 25% growth in sales for the year, in spite of the cold weather and mid-year retirement of the Ford E-series line of vans,” stated CEO Hal Compton.

HASCO Medical expects service sales of about $4.2 million for the fourth quarter, a 36% increase. The company credits increased repairs, lift installs and sales of high-end electronic mobility controls driving equipment for the boost in service sales. HASCO also credits its successful quarter on a new customer relationship management solution and in-store enhancements aided by partners BraunAbility, Harmar, Pride Mobility Products and Q'Straint. Looking ahead to this year, Compton said, “As a consolidator, we are poised in 2015 to make acquisitions and find new locations that support our growth plan.”

Lakeland Pharmacy pursues gov't contracts

BRANSON WEST, Mo. - Lakeland Pharmacy will expand the sales of its home respiratory equipment by applying for distribution and pricing agreement certification and pursuing government contracts, the company announced Feb. 17. Many federal agencies, including Veterans Affairs, use DAPA certification as a way of procuring goods and services, knowing the companies with this certification have been thoroughly vetted, according to a press release. “The opportunity to service government accounts opens up significantly more markets throughout the region as our goal continues to be to expand sales of our in-home respirator and oxygen concentrator product line,” stated Jim Parten, home medical director at Lakeland Pharmacy. Lakeland Pharmacy specializes in caring for patients suffering from chronic respiratory failure and thoracic restrictive disease.

NCAMES sees 'Happy Days' at winter meeting

CARY, N.C. - The North Carolina Association for Medical Equipment Services (NCAMES) saw nearly a 10% increase in attendance at this year's winter meeting compared to last year's, it announced Feb. 13. It was the second year in a row that the association saw double-digit growth in attendance at the meeting, according to a press release. The two-day event, “Breaking Bad Habits for Happy Days, at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel on Feb. 12 and 13, featured education on VA contracting, audits and more. NCAMES also welcomed its new president, David Chandler of Liberty Medical Specialties, and new officers at the meeting. “We have a robust agenda for 2015 to make some meaningful changes in North Carolina for equipment suppliers and the patients we serve,” Chandler stated. “Through advocacy, communication, education and networking, NCAMES will continue to thrive and provide solutions to impact positive changes in care.”

Preferred Home Medical names contest winner

TYLER, Texas - Preferred Home Medical has given Daniel Hernandez, who has spina bifida, a Pride Mobility Sport Rider, a three-wheeled, motorcycle-inspired sport scooter, for liking and sharing the company's Facebook page. Hernandez was the winner among 1,187 likes, 1,008 photo likes and 1,050 Facebook shares. The scooter, valued at $3,800 to $5,000, has two speeds, a front headlight, a speedometer, a full suspension system, an adjustable high-back, seat and brake and hazard lights. Preferred Home Medical says the contest was a way to get the word out about its product selection and services, as well as the struggles that people with disabilities face.

People in the news: Amigo Mobility

Amigo Mobility has appointed Joe Mooney COO and Brent Lynch operations manager. “My goal is to continue Amigo's outstanding environment of quality, grow existing markets and expand into new markets, while leveraging engineering and customer service,” Mooney stated in a press release. Tim Drumhiller, formerly president, will remain an active part of the company as an adviser and partner in new business ventures.