In brief: USM gains Tennessee footprint in new deal

ST. LOUIS - United Seating and Mobility (USM) announced June 1 that it finalized a stock purchase of Medical Mobility. Medical Mobility will continue to operate out of three Teneessee locations as a wholly-owned subsidiary of USM. The buy opens up the Tennessee market for USM and connects to locations in Kentucky, Georgia and Arkansas, stated Bob Gouy, USM president and CEO. “Entering this market creates an opportunity to enhance our service to the regional rehab centers in these states as well as their patients with complex mobility needs,” stated Gouy.

Hasco Medical reports 'dramatic' earnings

MOBILE, Ala. - A shift to providing handicap accessible vans has had “a dramatic positive impact” on Hasco Medical's earnings. The company in May reported net revenues of $8.8 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012, compared to $484,329 for the same period last year. Impacting revenues: the acquisitions of Mobility Freedom in May 2011 and Ride-Away in March 2012. Hasco Medical reported gross profit of $2.5 million for the first quarter this year compared to $2.2 million for the same period last year. It reported net income of $51,650 vs. a net loss of $155,656.

101 Mobility grows

DALLAS - 101 Mobility announced the opening of another franchise May 17, this one owned by Gordon and Jennifer Raney to serve the greater Dallas and Fort Worth metroplex. The providers will focus on helping clients age-in-place by selling, installing, and servicing ramps, stair lifts, automobile lifts, patient lifts, vertical lifts and barrier-free baths; and offering complete home modifications. 101 Mobility has signed 25 franchisees since September 2010.

Users rally for H.R. 4378

WASHINGTON - More than 240 consumers and advocates reached out to their congressional representatives within the first 24 hours of a new campaign to support H.R. 4378, said Ann Eubank, UsersFirst executive director. UsersFirst started an email campaign May 30 encouraging people to promote the bill, which would create a separate benefit for complex rehab. Providers who want to help patients involved can direct them to http://bit.ly/JwrrXx.

Short takes

The Scooter Store has been recognized for its efforts to improve employee health via work-site wellness initiatives by the San Antonio Business Group on Health... NRRTS conducted an online survey in May seeking registrant satisfaction data.

People news

Dan Witucki of Brainerd, Minn.-based North Central Medical Supply achieved RESNA ATP certification on May 22.