New provider looks to capitalize on booming diabetes market

DENVER - U.S. MedSys announced in August that it has established Global Medical Direct, a new Medicare provider specializing in diabetic supplies and disease management services. Lenexa, Kan.-based Global Medical Direct is positioning itself to capitalize on the opportunities that will arise as the U.S. diabetes epidemic continues to grow. Currently there are 18.2 million cases of diagnosed diabetes in the United States, including 8.6 million patients with the disease in the Medicare population. Another 1.3 million people are diagnosed annually. Through a combination of marketing direct to consumers and forming strategic partnerships, Global Medical hopes to develop its Medicare business at a rate exceeding 1,000 patients monthly for the first six months. A contract with the 2,600 podiatric physicians in the burgeoning Practice Management Corporation Foot Care network is expected to immediately drive Global Medical's growth. The company will provide diabetic supplies and disease management services for clients participating in the network, which is expected to grow to 6,000 physicians in the next six months. The company's product and service offerings include diabetes supplies, therapeutic shoes, orthopedic inserts, pharmacy medications and disease management. Global Medical is also launching a respiratory supply and medication product line to offer to its diabetic patient base. Estimates indicate that 20% of diabetes patients also have a respiratory illness. Industry-veteran Robert Shea took the helm at the new company as president and CEO. Shea previously has served as vice president of national accounts at Matria Healthcare and vice president of Matria Laboratories.