Briefs: Keeping fraud in the family

MIAMI - Proving the old adage that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, a Miami mother and her two daughters have been charged with healthcare fraud, according to a March 29 article on miamiherald.com. Isabel Torres, 48, was also charged with identity theft. Her daughters, Samantha Carta, 21, and Natasha Miranda, 24, were each charged with making a false statement to law enforcement. Torres allegedly recruited her daughters to manage the daily operations and distribute checks to hide the ownership of several durable medical equipment companies.

Provider broadens online offerings

MOBILE, Ala. - Hasco Medical has added 8,000 products to its website, www.mysouthernmed.com, the provider announced Feb. 25. "Our website is going to evolve over time to become a trusted and easy online tool for all of our patients to get information and communicate directly with the company," stated Hal Compton in a release. Hasco also offers respiratory and home medical equipment services to patients in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi.

MedCare grows hospital network

GREENSBURG, Penn. - MedCare Equipment brought Washington, Pa.-based Washington Hospital into its network of hospitals, it was announced in February. The provider offers home medical equipment and oxygen to patients in southwestern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia. MedCare formed in 2008 and includes four other hospitals in its network: Excela Health, Conemaugh Health System, Heritage Valley Health System and Butler Memorial Hospital.

Publication zeroes in on Zelenko

PITTSBURGH - AdvaCare has been named one of Pittsburgh's largest women-owned businesses by the Pittsburgh Business Times, the provider announced in February. President and CEO Tammy Zelenko has grown the HME and respiratory business to 48 employees with three locations and four sleep labs. "My main concern is helping our patients enjoy a more independent lifestyle," Zelenko said.

Short takes

Wytheville, Va.-based Community Health Care has moved to 510 West Main St. The provider  was established in 1979...Charlotte, N.C.-based Griffin Home Health Care in March promoted Samantha Jimenez and Nikki Shugart to team leaders.