In brief: ResMed buys mementor, CMS wants input on MA 

MARTINSRIED and LEIPZIG, Germany – ResMed has acquired Leipzig, Germany-based mementor in a move that strengthens its overall sleep portfolio with a digital solution for insomnia, the company says. 

mementor developed and owns somnio, Germany’s first, and so far only, Digital Health Application (DiGA) for the treatment of insomnia that’s reimbursable. 

“mementor is an ideal fit for ResMed Germany and, more important, millions of people across Germany who want to improve their sleep and overall health,” said Katrin Pucknat, president at ResMed Germany. “The founders have identified a large and neglected area of healthy sleep with an opportunity to help millions of people solve their chronic sleep issue with an easy-to-use digital at-home solution. We look forward to working with the team at mementor to help even more people in Germany achieve good, healthy sleep.” 

mementor will be integrated into ResMed in Germany as a separate business segment and will serve as a platform for further developments in the field of digital health. The business segment will be co-led by mementor co-founder and CEO Dr. Noah Lorenz and Katherina Jekerle, who was previously ResMed Germany’s senior marketing director and member of the German leadership team. 

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

CMS wants input on Medicare Advantage 

WASHINGTON – CMS has released a request for information seeking public comment on the Medicare Advantage program.  

The agency is asking for input on ways to achieve its vision that all parts of Medicare are working toward a future where all beneficiaries receive more equitable, high quality and person-centered care that is affordable and sustainable.  

“We see a huge opportunity for partnership with as many stakeholders as possible to better understand how care innovations are changing outcomes and costs and how Medicare Advantage is working for enrollees,” said Dr. Meena Seshamani, CMS Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicare. “It’s important that CMS engage as many stakeholders as possible to achieve our collective vision of equity, access, quality and affordability.”  

CMS says feedback from plans, providers, beneficiary advocates, states, employers and unions, and other partners will help inform the Medicare Advantage policy development and implementation process.  

The Request for Information can be accessed from the Federal Register here.   

Belluscura, VGM ink deal 

LONDON and PLANO, Texas – Belluscura has entered into an agreement to supply portable oxygen concentrators to VGM Group members. “Our partnership with VGM enables us to work together to provide access to our next generation portable oxygen concentrators,” said Robert Rauker, CEO of Belluscura. “The partnership provides a further opportunity to support the group's continued growth. We look forward to working with VGM in expanding access to our high performing, lighter oxygen technologies and improving the quality of life for patients." VGM is a member service organization comprised of more than 2,500 providers with nearly 7,000 locations. Its provider members will immediately gain access to Belluscura's X-PLOR POC, which was launched in late June 2022, and later this year to its DISCOV-R POC. 

Owens & Minor exec honored 

RICHMOND, Va. – Owens & Minor has announced that David Myers, vice president of national accounts, has been elected to the Bellwether League Foundation’s Hall of Fame Class of 2022 for Healthcare Supply Chain Leadership to honor his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the industry. “We join the Bellwether League Foundation in celebrating Dave for his remarkable contributions and dedication to innovation and collaboration,” said Edward Pesicka, president and CEO. “His innate talents in bringing industry stakeholders together and success in enhancing value and transparency for our customers continue to have a positive impact on our efforts to drive our mission forward.” The Bellwether League Foundation recognized Myers based on his history of challenging industry norms by championing a customer-first philosophy, his successes in driving supply strategies that include all stakeholders, and his innovation and leadership in strategic relationships.  

NSM re-ups ADA sponsorship 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility will return as the official ADA sponsor of Pilgrimage Music & Culture Festival, which includes headliners Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlisle, The Avett Brothers and Elle King, along with 50 additional acts across five stages. “We are proud to serve as the official ADA sponsor of the Pilgrimage Festival again this year,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. “Ensuring that events like this one are accessible to all guests is imperative and we are pleased to provide support to ensure that this incredible event is welcoming to everyone.” ADA accessible viewing platforms will be set up around the festival main stages to ensure a clear view of the performers for those with disabilities. NSM will also offer complementary water bottles to attendees on the platforms. The festival takes place Sept. 24-25, 2022, at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tenn. 

Soleo Health to provide Cuvitru 

FRISCO, Texas – Soleo Health has been chosen as one of a select few specialty pharmacies to provide Cuvitru, manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, to patients nationwide. “Access to Cuvitru rounds out Soleo Health’s comprehensive immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy offering,” said Drew Walk, Soleo Health’s CEO. “With this addition, Soleo Health now offers all FDA-approved Ig therapies available in the marketplace today. We continue to cater to the needs of our patients and prescribers by broadening our therapeutic portfolio and providing exceptional care.” Cuvitru replaces antibodies not working correctly or are missing from one’s body to help protect it against infection. Cuvitru is for treating primary immunodeficiency in adults and children two years of age and older.  

NRRTS recognizes CRT leaders 

LUBBOCK, Texas – NRRTS on July 27 hosted its 30 Year Anniversary Open Meeting, where it presented several awards to individuals who make contributions to complex rehab technology. Awards were given to five deserving contributors to CRT: Simon Margolis Fellow Award, Mike Seidel; Distinguished Service Award, Jason Kelln; Leadership Award, Greg Packer; Leadership Award, Linda Norton; and Consumer Advocate Award, Karen Roy. 
  
Aeroflow Breastpumps survey: Barriers to breastfeeding remain 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The findings from a new survey from Aeroflow Breastpumps suggest that broadened access to lactation services through insurance coverage and employer benefits would enable moms across the country to more easily meet and exceed their breastfeeding goals. Aeroflow Breastpumps surveyed pregnant women who are planning to breastfeed and new moms with children under two who were or still are breastfeeding. “Breastfeeding is not an easy task, and without broadened access to lactation support and resources, many mothers who want to breastfeed may struggle to achieve their breastfeeding goals,” said Dr. Jessica Madden, medical director of Aeroflow Breastpumps. “Among the new moms we surveyed who are no longer breastfeeding, one in three intended to breastfeed for nine to 12 months, but only 13% of them achieved that goal. What’s more, 75% of the expectant moms we surveyed are planning to breastfeed anywhere between three to 12 months, and they need and deserve the resources necessary to help them reach that.” Among the survey’s other findings: 55% of new and expectant moms believe there is not enough awareness surrounding the existence of lactation support services; 63% of new moms believe that increased access to breastfeeding resources would’ve allowed them to breastfeed longer; and 38% of new moms are planning to breastfeed for a longer period of time due to the ongoing nationwide formula shortage and nearly 19% are now more motivated to use lactation support services. 

AOPA launches So Kids Can Move initiative for recreational prostheses 

ARLINGTON, Va. – The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association has launched the So Kids Can Move initiative, a state-by-state policy-based initiative to raise awareness and expand access to recreational prostheses as medical necessary health care for children. AOPA has launched the initiative in partnership with the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics and Forrest Stump, a Pacific Northwest nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to promoting equitable access to physical activity for individuals with disabilities. The initiative is being piloted in Oregon and Washington state, where the organizations hope to secure coverage for recreational prostheses. Maine recently became the first state to approve coverage. 

Wearable Health Solutions appoints new member to advisory board 

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Wearable Health Solutions Inc., a manufacturer of multiple lines of proprietary personal medical alarm and home security devices, has welcomed Tom Paprocki to its newly created advisory board to help guide it through its next phase and future business cycles. "The advisory board is an important addition to our infrastructure as we navigate the opportunities in front of us,” said Marc Cayle, vice president of innovation and development. “Tom has a tremendous background in technology, products and services aimed at the senior care space.” WHSI will be launching its latest PERS device, the iHelp Max, this summer. The iHelp Max is a 4G cellular PERS device with advanced features such as fall detection, geo-fencing, AI utilizing Google Assistant and Alexa, notifications, daily check-ins and medication reminders. 

Lifeway adds third location in California 

SAN DIEGO – Lifeway Mobility is expanding its coverage in southern California with a new location in San Diego. The company will offer stair lifts, wheelchair ramps and a variety of basic transfer aid solutions to those living in San Diego County. “We are excited to be expanding the West Region coverage in the state of California and the opportunity to be of greater service to a growing population of residents with their aging-in-place needs,” said Luis Mendoza, California general manager. “Our goal is to be the most trusted voice in the industry.” The new location is Lifeway’s third in California. The two other locations serve the Los Angeles, Orange County and San Francisco Bay areas. Lifeway has opened or acquired a number of new locations this year, including Health & Comfort Equipment Service in Kansas City in July.  

Coram downsizes in NY 

ALBANY, N.Y. – Coram, a subsidiary of CVS, is closing its office in Colonie, N.Y., according to the Times Union. The company has notified the state Department of Labor that it will close the office in September, resulting in the loss of 70 jobs. A spokeswoman told the newspaper that Coram has decided to scale back its services to focus on specialty medications. "We regularly review operations to focus resources as efficiently as possible and pivot when necessary to invest in health care services and solutions that will make the greatest impact," said Tara Burke. "As a result, we are closing some Coram pharmacies, including the Albany (Colonie) location." Coram is also closing an office in Queens that employs 138 people, the newspaper reported. 

On sale: Stand Up tickets 

ATLANTA – AAHomecare is currently selling tickets for the Stand Up for Homecare reception at Medtrade East, Oct. 24-26 in Atlanta. The reception is an opportunity to connect and celebrate with fellow HME leaders. It will take place Oct. 25 from 5:30-7:30 on the rooftop of Ventanas. Funds raised at Stand Up for Homecare allow AAHomecare to support patient advocacy groups that represent a large cohort of people who depend on the products and services the industry provides. These groups, including the influential ITEM Coalition, are important allies on many HME public policy priorities. Purchase tickets here.  

NCPA names finalists for competition 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Pharmacy students from the University of South Carolina, the University of Arkansas and the University of Georgia have been named finalists for the 2022 Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition. The purpose of the competition is to motivate students in pharmacy school to create a thought-out plan for either purchasing an existing pharmacy or opening a pharmacy from the ground up, and to prepare tomorrow’s pharmacy entrepreneurs for a successful future. The three teams will present their business plans in a live competition on Oct. 1 at the NCPA Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo. The winning team will be announced Oct. 2. First place will receive $3,000 for the NCPA student chapter and $3,000 for the school in the dean’s name to promote independent pharmacy. Second place will receive $2,000 to the NCPA student chapter and $2,000 to the school in the dean’s name to promote independent pharmacy. Third place will receive $1,000 to the NCPA student chapter and $1,000 to the school in the dean’s name to promote independent pharmacy. The Student Business Plan Competition, which is supported by Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company and the NCPA Foundation, honors two great champions of independent community pharmacy, the late Neil Pruitt Sr. and the late H. Joseph Schutte.  

House passes new telehealth bill 

WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives last week passed a bill, the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act, to expand telehealth services. The bill seeks to continue a number of telehealth policies established during the public health emergency through Dec. 31, 2024. Among other things, the bill expands the practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services, removes geographic requirements and expands originating sites. The bill passed in the House by a large margin, 416-12, and now moves to the Senate. A previous bill signed by President Biden earlier this year extends telehealth services for 151 days beyond the PHE. Complex rehab stakeholders, in particular, have lobbied for these services to be extended to ensure that physical therapists and occupational therapists can continue to conduct remote wheelchair evaluations when appropriate. 

PHS expands services into Houston 

HOUSTON – Pediatric Home Service has expanded its infusion nursing and pharmacy service to include the Houston area. “At Pediatric Home Service, we believe that patients receive the best care when it is delivered in a coordinated and comprehensive manner,” said CEO Adam Nielsen. “By bringing infusion nursing & pharmacy to the Houston area, and eventually all of our Texas locations, we can help streamline care for patients and be a single-source provider for our healthcare partners.” The PHS story began in Minnesota, grew to include Wisconsin, and now serves patients throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and soon Iowa. The company says it is committed to expanding services in all locations to meet the needs of the medically complex pediatric population. In July, it announced new partnerships with Craig HomeCare, a provider of pediatric nursing services in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, and Cherub Medical Supply, a pediatric-focused respiratory and DME provider in the Kansas City area.   

Viemed builds acquisition infrastructure 

LAFAYETTE, La. – Viemed Healthcare has added Michael Freeman as chief business development officer and Jeremy Trahan as chief legal officer and executive vice president of acquisitions and strategic transactions. Prior to joining Viemed, Freeman and Trahan were executives at LHC Group, where they directed and were integrally involved in more than 100 transactions valued at about $1.9 billion collectively. “We are thrilled to expand our team of extremely talented executives by welcoming Michael and Jeremy,” said Casey Hoyt, Viemed CEO. “Together, they have a proven track record of success and their leadership and experience will support a strong acquisition infrastructure within our organization. I am confident that they will play a critical role in the next major chapter of our organizational growth.” Freeman and Trahan will oversee the acquisition and joint-venture strategies for Viemed. Their responsibilities include sourcing, evaluating and executing corporate transactions, including integration of acquired entities. Previously, Freeman was senior vice president of corporate development for LHC, and Trahan was vice president of legal affairs, transaction counsel for the company.