Archive: January 2018

WATERLOO, Iowa - The VGM Group has released its latest playbook, “Industry Snapshots: Forecasting 2018.” The free playbook includes articles on compliance, data and security, mega trends, tax bill implications and the economy. “In 2018 there is little debate there will continue to be change and uncertainty in the DMEPOS community,” said Clint Geffert, president of VGM & Associates, a division of VGM Group. “But, where there's a threat, a great opportunity awaits. Our...

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Aeroflow Breastpumps, a subsidiary of Aeroflow Healthcare, has launched a Lactation Support Directory, a national directory of more than 600 lactation consultants to help with breastfeeding questions. "Aeroflow Breastpumps' mission is to increase the instances of breastfeeding nationally," said Jennifer Jordan, Aeroflow director of Mom & Baby. "Part of that commitment goes beyond simply providing the best equipment and extends to providing resources, support and the education...

MINNEAPOLIS - Some sleep apnea patients may be able to manage their conditions with primary care providers, rather than sleep specialists, according to new research review from the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System and the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. Apnea patients treated by primary care providers who received additional training in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders have similar outcomes to patients treated by specialists, the researchers found. As part of their review, which...

PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Cooke & Burnell Orthopedic Supplies has closed, after an attempt to merge with another company failed, according to the Berkshire Eagle. Cooke & Burnell, which had four employees, stopped accepting new patients on Jan. 1, but it remained open for several weeks so that company officials could tie up loose ends. The merger was how they planned to renew their five-year license to sell orthopedic supplies, which expired at the end of 2017. Company officials decided to close the business,...

GLENDALE, N.Y. - New York & Atlantic Railway launched an Obstructive Sleep Apnea program on Jan. 23, screening nearly 40 NYA locomotive engineers and conductors in New York City and Long Island, N.Y. If needed, they will receive treatment under the support and care of the railway's medical team, according to a press release. “The detection and remediation of OSA will positively impact employee health and improve employee alertness for safety sensitive jobs,” said NYA President James Bonner....

TEMPE, Ariz., and BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - StateServ Holdings and Hospicelink have combined to become the leader for DME benefit management solutions in the hospice and post-acute care markets, the two companies say. Together, StateServ and Hospicelink operate a national network of more than 1,300 DME provider locations and 21 company owned distribution centers that serve more than 100,000 patients daily. “This marks the beginning of a long-term strategy to expand our leadership in the core hospice...

I emailed Theresa on Thursday morning to say I was taking a breather from the March issue that day to work on the educational program for the HME New Business Summit. Yup, it must be nearly February. I start allowing the thought of the Summit to enter my frontal lobe (that's the one responsible for “high-level mental functions,” or so my Google search just told me) some time in January, and by Feb. 1, it's go-time. By April 1, the panic attacks start setting in (joking, not joking). So...

LAS VEGAS - Early registration rates for Medtrade Spring expire on Jan. 31, show organizers remind prospective attendees. “An expo pass gets you in front of hundreds of exhibitors and products, and a conference pass includes that plus access to education and experts,” said Sarah Varner, marketing director for Medtrade. “Don't let this great value pass you by.” The show takes place March 27-29 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Beacon Home Care is transitioning its medical equipment and supplies business to Alick's Home Medical Equipment by the end of the month, according to the South Bend Tribune. The companies, which are both based here, are calling the change a “joint venture,” the newspaper says. Beacon Home Care will retain its nursing, therapy, home health aide and other services. “We are focusing our energies on what Beacon does best,” Heidi Prescott, a spokeswoman for...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - National Seating & Mobility is now in-network with Geisinger Health Plan in Pennsylvania, the provider announced Jan. 23. “Our experienced assistive technology professionals and branch teams in Pennsylvania look forward to bringing customized rehab solutions to plan members with mobility challenges,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO, in a press release. NSM currently has branches in Harrisburg, Reading and Allentown, Pa. Geisinger serves 557,000 members in the stat