In brief: Brightree expands resupply solution, Numotion to distribute eye technology

ATLANTA - Brightree has expanded Brightree ReSupply to support categories other than sleep therapy. HME providers servicing a wide range of medical supply patients can now benefit from Brightree ReSupply, formerly called ConnectPRO, for incontinence, diabetic and enteral supplies. “We take pride in continually innovating based on the feedback and request of our customers, and the expansion into these new segments is an example of just that,” said CEO Matt Mellott. “Now providers in these additional disease segments have a true end-to-end solution for resupply that allows customers to support more of their patient population within a single platform.” Brightree ReSupply is a patient contact management solution featuring live-agent inbound and outbound calls, as well as email reminder capabilities.

Numotion to distribute Independence Drive

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - Numotion has signed a deal to distribute Independence Drive, a technology that enables power wheelchair users to control their wheelchairs with their eyes. The technology was developed in response to a challenge by former NFL player Steve Gleason, who lives with ALS. The system will be available nationally in late May of this year. “Independence Drive is one of the most exciting innovations we've seen in our industry,” said Mike Swinford, CEO of Numotion. “The technology has the ability to significantly improve the independence and mobility of people living with ALS and others who have limited physical abilities.”

Rowheels forms advisory board

MADISON, Wis. - Rowheels has named the members of its newly formed advisory board. They are Doug McCormack, managing director of CG Ventures; Mahesh Mansukhani, CEO of WillowWood and former president of Ossur; Ivan Sabel, CEO of Orthotic Holdings and former CEO and chairman of Hanger Orthopedic Group; Philip Hilgers, who served on the management board for Ottobock; and Dale Benzine, vice president of business development at Healthcare Capital and Mergers. “We are pleased to receive such a strong backing from this group of distinguished industry executives on the Rowheels Advisory Board, a clear endorsement of our high growth business plan and strong future,” said CEO Gaurav Mishra. “We look forward to their valuable contributions to the future growth of Rowheels.”

UPitt to offer scholarships

PITTSBURGH - The Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology at the University of Pittsburgh has established scholarships valued at up to $10,000 for candidates interested in pursuing a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Technology. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the assistive technology professional board examination soon after graduation. The RT master's program is currently 44 credits that can be completed in one or two years. Courses cover topics that include manual and powered mobility, smart home technology, augmentative communication, computer access, ethical considerations in health care, funding, policy, service delivery models, evidence-based practice, among others.

UPitt conducting survey on repairs

PITTSBURGH - The University of Pittsburgh is conducting a web-based survey on wheelchair repairs to gain understanding of challenges, strategies and opportunities for complex rehab technology service delivery. The survey is for ATPs, technicians, managers/owners and staff in the U.S. who support repairs. Findings from the survey may be used to assist with lobbying activities. Survey respondents will have the chance to win a year of free online CEUs. The survey is open until April 26 and can be taken here.

VGM details upcoming Heartland Conference

WATERLOO, Iowa - VGM has announced the schedule and education program for this year's “future-focused” Heartland Conference, set for June 10-12 in Waterloo, Iowa. The educational program includes sessions on topics like retail, rehab, marketing and leadership, with each expected to address the future of the industry. “The Heartland 2019 schedule will be fairly familiar to those who have attended in past, but with quite a few updates and new additions,” said Jill Blaser, design and development manager at VGM Education, who oversees Heartland's educational offerings. “One reason for this is that we wanted Heartland to be future-focused this year. There's a lot to be optimistic about in the HME industry, and Heartland should reflect that.” This year's event will also feature more than twice the number of panel sessions than in the past and community dinners to give providers the opportunity to discuss larger industry trends. To see the full schedule: www.vgmheartland.com

NSM takes order tracking online

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - National Seating & Mobility has officially launched mynsmorder.com, a digital tool offering real-time tracking of open equipment and service orders. The tool displays information both on-demand and as a notification, without the need to register. “When we engaged focus groups prior the development of our order status tool, we heard loud and clear that our clients were interested in something that was simple and easy to understand and offered real-time information,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. “mynsmorder.dom is exactly that.” The tool tracks orders within the six-step fulfillment process, with a text notification sent each time the order moves to the next step. Leading up to the official launch of the tool, NSM has provided an average of 20,000 text notifications per week and has more than 2,000 clients logging into the tool per week.

Permobil helps children go

LEBANON, Tenn. - Permobil and the Permobil Foundation will sponsor and host occupational therapy students and researchers from Belmont University and Vanderbilt University on April 12 to fit and train children to use custom-fit toy cars. The cars are meant to improve the day-to-day lifestyle of children with mobility impairments as part of the Go Baby Go program. Students and researchers from the universities and Permobil employees will modify the battery powered ride-on cars to be custom fit for each child based on a clinical assessment of the child's needs. Go Baby Go is a national, community based research, design and outreach program that provides modified ride-on cars to children birth to age 3 who have limited mobility. The program began in 2012.

WellSky, Citus Health partner on patient engagement

LENEXA, Kan., and NEW YORK - WellSky and Citus Health are launching an integrated, web-based and mobile patient engagement module for WellSky CPR+ and CareTend home infusion clients that allows them to improve documentation processes and engage in real-time, direct communication with patients and clinicians. “At Palmetto Infusion, we know that increasing collaboration and communication between infusion patients, clinicians, and internal staff improves care quality and outcomes for our patients,” said David Goodall, CEO of Palmetto Infusion Services, a WellSky client the recently selected CareTend software and the module powered by Citus Health. “This engagement module empowers our team members to easily and securely connect directly with patients.” The module connects the Citus Health solution with WellSky's CPR+ and CareTend solutions, enabling seamless data and document sharing between technologies. It also automates manual processes with digital workflows, secure forms and electronic signatures, facilitating patient assessments, supply inventory requests, assignment of benefits, nursing notes and more.

Aeroflow sponsors Madeline Delp

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Aeroflow Healthcare's Urology Division will sponsor Asheville's own Madeline Delp when she competes in the Miss North Carolina USA Pageant on Nov. 10 as the first contestant to compete in a wheelchair. “Madeline is an exceptional example of how a physical or urological condition doesn't have to prevent you from going after your dreams,” said Mica Phillips, director of Aeroflow Urology. “Aeroflow Urology is proud to be Madeline's premier sponsor as she continues her inspirational journey.” Delp, who became paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident at 10, was Ms. Wheelchair USA in 2017.

Honor roll: Penrod Medical Equipment, CareCentrix

Craig Rae, owner of Penrod Medical Equipment in Salisbury, N.C., was recently named to the National Small Business Association Leadership Council. Rae joins the NSBA Leadership Council alongside other small business advocates from across the country as they work to promote the interests of small business to policymakers in Washington, D.C. Rae acquired Penrod Medical in 2011, after 30 years as a corporate executive for leading manufacturing companies. Penrod Medical serves 35 counties in central and western North Carolina�CareCentrix has been selected as one of the Tampa region's top employers, according to the Tampa Bay Times 2019 Top Workplaces. A survey that gathers responses on 24 factors, including company values, effectiveness and connection, is used to develop the rankings. More than half of CareCentrix's 800-plus employees in the Tampa region completed the survey.