Invacare unwraps provider programs

Booth 1017 - "Invacare Delivers," the theme at Medtrade's largest booth, has a double meaning for attendees at this year's show: It not only conveys the Elyria, Ohio-based manufacturer's commitment to efficient supply chain principles but also pertains to Invacare's new line of provider assistance programs. Company officials acknowledge that the stringent HME reimbursement climate requires economically sound procedures and in response, have developed new programs to help providers maintain profitability. For instance, the Invacare 5-Star Service Plan is designed to give providers another option in delivering service to power chair and scooter customers. Additionally, the new Web-based Invacare Marketing Toolbox offers information to help HME companies bolster their sales and marketing effectiveness. To help providers better understand the upcoming reimbursement changes, the Invacare booth features kiosks offering policy analysis and financial services options. Product-wise, Invacare is emphasizing its Standard Product Division's new Value Line of cost-competitive models - including bariatric versions - that offer economical price points. Among them is the Second Generation TDX Total Driving eXperience SP power wheelchair, which is priced to fit within the scaled-back reimbursement climate. The Respiratory division is showcasing the Invacare Complete Respiratory Solution for Oxygen products, featuring the debut of featherweight cylinder assemblies for the HomeFill II. Through its new distribution agreement with AEIOMed, Invacare's Sleep Division is introducing two new products: the Invacare Polaris TR CPAP and Invacare Twilight NP Mask. "We want providers to walk away from Booth #1017 knowing that Invacare is serving the HME Industry with resources for reimbursement information, a full range of products, numerous provider support programs, competitive pricing and innovative product technology," said Lou Slangen, senior vice president of global market development.