Specialty Providers
Study: NIV at home shows benefits, but underutilized
March 2, 2021Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
LAFAYETTE, La. – A recent study showing positive outcomes for patients treated with non-invasive ventilation at home is a step toward closing a “data gap” that prevents more patients from benefiting from the therapy, says Dr. William Fraizer, chief medical officer for Viemed Healthcare.
Patients treated with NIV at home had a 50% decrease in all-cause mortality during the study period; a 28% decline in the risk of hospitalization; and a 52% reduction in the risk of an emergency...
Roche, Priority Healthcare settle for $43M
February 24, 2021HME News Staff
INDIANAPOLIS - Priority Healthcare Corp. has agreed to pay $43 million to Roche Diagnostics to settle allegations that it filed fraudulent claims for diabetes testing supplies.
In a lawsuit filed in September 2018, Roche, a manufacturer of diabetes testing supplies, says it paid $37.5 million in “unwarranted” rebates to insurance companies and their pharmacy benefit managers for claims submitted by PHC, a network of pharmacies in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas,...
Henry Schein follows health care ‘migration’
February 19, 2021Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
MELVILLE, N.Y. – With more and more health care migrating outside the hospital setting, Henry Schein’s acquisition of Prism Medical Products was a “natural progression” for the company, giving it a home care platform on which to grow, says President Brad Connett.
Driving that migration to the home: reimbursement changes by payers that prioritize the value and effectiveness of that care, as well as “consumerism,”...
NCPA says DIR fees threaten pharmacies
February 12, 2021Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – After failing to get relief on direct and indirect remuneration fees through legislative and regulatory pathways, the National Community Pharmacists Association says it was left no choice but to file a lawsuit to stop what it says is an “existential threat” to independent pharmacies.
The lawsuit, filed in January against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, states that the fees are without reasonable transparency,...
Roche, Humana settle kickback allegations
February 10, 2021HME News Staff
INDIANAPOLIS - Roche Diagnostics and Humana have agreed to settle a whistleblower lawsuit for $12.5 million, after the government declined to intervene in the case.
Roche was charged with violating the Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act, causing false claims to be submitted to the Medicare Advantage program and defrauding taxpayers, in a lawsuit filed in 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by a former employee of the company.
Humana...
All hands on deck, including community pharmacies, for vaccination effort
January 15, 2021Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – On a recent Saturday, Community Pharmacy of Springdale partnered with two other community pharmacies to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to 609 health care workers – about 18 patients every 10 minutes, says pharmacist/owner Victoria Hennessey.
“It was highly efficient, but it took a village of volunteers,” she said. “Student pharmacists played a critical role, (as did) the Office of Emergency Management, staff...
NHIA, NAHC press for vaccine access
January 13, 2021HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Home Infusion Association and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice urge the federal government to ensure home infusion pharmacies have access to COVID-19 vaccines.
The two trade associations have asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and state health departments to ensure state-licensed infusion pharmacies are able to supply vaccines, either directly or in collaboration with home health agencies....
Non-invasive vents decrease mortality, hospitalization, ER visits, Viemed study shows
January 11, 2021HME News Staff
LAFAYETTE, La. – Viemed Healthcare has published a study that shows non-invasive ventilation at home improves survival and decreases health care utilization in Medicare beneficiaries with COPD with chronic respiratory failure.
“This study is the first of its kind published in the U.S. and represents a significant milestone in our mission of educating the medical community on the benefits of NIVH,” said Casey Hoyt, Viemed CEO. “The data supports...
Antibody pilot mobilizes home infusion providers
January 8, 2021Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Upstate HomeCare is among the providers that recently began participating in a pilot program to get monoclonal antibody therapy to patients in skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, where COVID-19 is spreading quickly.
The pilot, part of Operation Warp Speed, is a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Home Infusion Association. Option Care Health is...
Henry Schein enters supplies market with strategic acquisition of Prism Medical
January 7, 2021HME News Staff
MELVILLE, N.Y. – Henry Schein Inc., a provider of health care solutions to medical and dental offices, has acquired a majority ownership position in Prism Medical Products, a national provider of home medical supplies with a focus in advanced wound care.
Founded in 2006, the Elkin, N.C.-based Prism Medical has more than 200 employees and 10 fulfillment centers. For the 12 months ended Sept. 30, 2020, it reported revenues of approximately $52 million.
“Expanding...