In brief: Rumored sale, new CFO

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - American HomePatient (AHP) is reportedly considering a sale. The Deal has reported that the provider has retained Jefferies & Co., to explore a sale. AHP was acquired by Highland Capital Management in 2010 in an effort to avoid bankruptcy. At the time, it had $226 million in debt. Like many companies in the HME industry, AHP has struggled with reduced reimbursement rates. Founded in 1983, the provider offers respiratory services, HME and home infusion services through 250 locations to more than 1 million patients nationwide. In January 2014, Mark Lamp took over as president and CEO, replacing longtime head Joseph Furlong, who retired.

Pride appoints new CFO

EXETER, Pa. - Pride Mobility has named Mario Patone to the newly-created position of chief financial officer. In his new role, Patone is responsible for all areas of finance and accounting, as well as asset management, according to a press release. A certified public accountant, Patone has more than 20 years of experience with both public and privately-held companies and has held management and executive positions at accounting firms PricewaterhouseCoopers and Baker Tilly. Patone's appointment was effective Dec. 1.

VGM Forbin names new president

WATERLOO, Iowa - Jeremy Kauten is the newest member of the VGM Group's executive team. Kauten was promoted to president of VGM Forbin, VGM's web development and marketing division. Kauten joined the company in 1999, and has worn several hats since then, including support desk and general manager. Forbin provides web design and development, custom programming, app development, web marketing, search optimization and social media consulting for more than 800 HME providers.

Binson's: 10 million served

CENTER LINE, Mich. - Binson's Home Health Care Centers filled order No. 10 million at its distribution center on Dec. 10. The order was filled by owner and president James Binson. The provider also recently launched its "Wilford Brimley" TV commercial campaign in local markets to promote its mail-order diabetes supply business. The actor has played roles in movies like “The China Syndrome” and “Cocoon.” Binson's has been in business since 1953.

ResMed wins award

SAN DIEGO - ResMed took home this year's Zenith Award for respiratory care industry excellence. Presented by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), ResMed was one of six honorees selected from 400 eligible companies, according a press release. Established in 1989, the winners are chosen based on equipment quality, sales personnel, responsiveness, service record and advertising.

Noble House marks silver anniversary

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. - Noble House is celebrating 25 years in business, the company announced recently. The software billing company was founded in 1989 by Richard Mehan, who sought to develop a user-friendly DME/HME billing software that was also robust. Noble House plans to release a more powerful and expanded version of its software early in 2015.

Calling all home infusion nurses

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The National Home Infusion Foundation (NHIF) is accepting applications for its new Lynn Giglione Memorial NHIF Scholarship Award for Home and Specialty Infusion Nursing. “The scholarship supports the mission of the Foundation to advance home and specialty infusion leadership, education and research, as well as to further elevate infusion practice to the highest level of patient care and value,” said foundation Chairman Christopher Maksym. All applications must be received by January 12, 2015.

Hasco teams up with taxi service

ADDISON, Texas - Hasco Medical's Ride-Away has partnered with Uber to offer discounts and preferred financing rates on wheelchair accessible vehicles in the Washington, D.C., area. “Our partnership with Uber is a major milestone and provides strong validation of our leading vehicular mobility solutions,” said Hasco CEO Hal Compton. Launched in 2011, Uber is a taxi service company that connects riders and drivers through a mobile app.

iPush hosts wheelchair giveaway

CUMMING, Ga. - The iPush foundation is holding its first Annual Wheeling for the Holidays Contest. From Dec. 9 to Dec. 23, the foundation wants visitors to its Facebook, Twitter and website to submit their story of “What do you push for?” One winner will be chosen to receive a custom-fitted Eagle Tornado wheelchair, built by Eagle Sportschairs and donated by At Home Medical. “As a quadriplegic myself, I have strong desire to give back to the wheelchair community,” iPush founder Chris Malcom says. “In the spirit of giving, it seemed like the perfect time of year to start what we hope becomes an annual contest to help people in need with a brand new wheelchair.” To participate: https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1774775/1705734/?v=a