In brief: AARP’s fraud recommendations, sleep’s communications breakdown, Purtill’s new role

WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should invest more in oversight and enforcement of program integrity as it seeks to curb fraud, waste and abuse, says the AARP.

The recommendation was one of several that the AARP included in its response to the agency’s RFI for “Related to Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH).”

Other AARP recommendations include:

• Strictly enforcing existing regulations on accrediting and quality standards for DMEPOS suppliers to deter unnecessary utilization of devices.
• Requiring enrollment in Traditional Medicare for providers participating in Medicare Advantage programs to better track fraudulent providers across plan networks and communicate the existence and status of any investigations.
• Substantially reducing the window for health care providers to file claims in Medicare, which it says will make it easier for individuals to keep track of their care and report any suspect activity.
• Ensuring accuracy and accountability of ownership data and requiring greater transparency regarding parent‑company and complex ownership structures.
• Ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability guide all uses of artificial intelligence (AI) or other algorithmic tools that make consequential decisions regarding a patient’s health, coverage or well-being.

Comments closed on March 30.

• Related: AAHomecare shares list of fraud-fighting recommendations.

Adults, physicians not discussing sleep, according to AASM survey

DARIEN, Ill. – Nearly half of adults (45%) have not discussed sleep with their health care professional, with women less likely to have these conversations than men, according to a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

“Sleep is deeply connected to cardiovascular health, mental health, immune function and longevity,” said AASM spokesperson Dr. Indira Gurubhagavatula. “When patients don't get the opportunity to address sleep disorders, the consequences can be serious. Insufficient sleep is linked to elevated risks of heart disease, depression, metabolic disorders, cognitive decline and daytime sleepiness, which can lead to driving accidents, workplace errors, and inappropriate sleep episodes. Discussing sleep habits with a health professional is important for both long-term well-being and quality of life.”

The AASM recommends that adults should sleep seven hours or more per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

Despite this guidance, many Americans are falling short. In fact, nearly one-third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis, according to the organization.

 “Sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea are often underdiagnosed because medical conversations about sleep simply never start,” added Gurubhagavatula. “When health care professionals don't ask about sleep, and patients don't bring it up, disorders can go untreated for years. We encourage clinicians and patients to make sleep part of the conversation at their next health care visit."

The AASM recommends that adults consider the following questions before meeting with their health care professional:

• Do you get the recommended seven or more hours of sleep each night?
• Do you wake up feeling rested and refreshed?
• Do you have trouble falling or staying asleep? For how long have you noticed this pattern?
• Do you regularly feel sleepy during the day?
• Do you snore? Or have you woken up in the night gasping for air?

View 2025 AASM Sleep Prioritization Survey results in the AASM newsroom.

Former Invacare exec moves to munevo to boost push into US market

LEANDER, Texas – munevo, which makes smart-glass-based alternative drive controls for power wheelchairs, has appointed Geoff Purtill as an independent strategic advisor. The company says with decades of executive leadership in complex rehab technology (CRT), including most recently as president and CEO of Invacare Holdings, Purtill brings a wealth of global commercial expertise as the company enters its next phase of rapid international growth. “As we scale our operations globally and push heavily into the U.S. market, having access to Geoff’s global playbook and his deep industry network is a game-changer for us,” said Claudiu Hidas. CEO. “His experience will help us align our clinical excellence with enterprise-level distribution, ensuring that more individuals with severe mobility impairments gain access to our technology.” In this role, Purtill will support munevo’s executive team in deepening strategic partnerships with major global wheelchair manufacturers and expanding its footprint within the industry. Purtill’s appointment is effective immediately. "I have watched munevo’s innovative approach to alternative drive controls with great interest,” said Purtill. “The munevo DRIVE system offers a level of dignity and independence that is truly disruptive to the traditional CRT market. I am thrilled to support Claudiu and the team in scaling this technology globally and ensuring it reaches the clinicians and end-users who need it most.”

Medline recognized for supply chain resiliency

NORTHFIELD, Ill. – Medline has received two supply chain recognitions by the Healthcare Industry Resiliency Collaborative (HIRC), a neutral, nonprofit standardization organization that gives health care organizations tools to measure, compare and strengthen supply chain resiliency. Medline earned the HIRC Highest Member Choice Award for Supplier Partnership, which recognizes suppliers who "engage providers as long-term partners through shared problem-solving, commercial maturity and durable collaboration.” The recognition is based on nominations from health care provider partners and is the highest in HIRC's supplier partnership award category. Medline also received the HIRC Distinguished Member Choice Award for Resiliency, a nomination-based recognition honoring suppliers who "consistently strengthen continuity through operational rigor, demand discipline and real contingency readiness.” "This award is for our customers – whom we get up every day to work for – validating the thought and investment that we've put into resilience and transparency," said Marc Phillips, Medline senior vice president, supply chain solutions. "This recognition continues to fuel our market-leading supply chain approach.”

BOC’s new microcredential addresses growing demand for compression garments

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has launched a new microcredential for a Certified Lymphedema Compression Fitter (CLCF).

The organization says this microcredential validates specialized knowledge in fitting medical compression garments for lymphedema and related conditions.

“For more than 40 years, BOC has advanced quality patient care through trusted credentialing,” said Judi Knott, president and CEO of BOC. “The CLCF reinforces the organization’s commitment to advancing the quality of patient care and expanding opportunities for professionals to enhance specialized skills. As patient conditions create demand and access to medical compression garments expands, it is essential that providers can demonstrate compliance and competency in proper fitting to support optimal patient outcomes.”

BOC says it developed the credential through a rigorous process that reflects current industry needs and standards, incorporates a psychometric approach to defining criteria and draws on extensive input from highly respected subject-matter experts.

The organization says the CLCF addresses a growing patient need tied to expanded access to medical compression garments under the Lymphedema Treatment Act of 2024. BOC also says the credential also addresses demographic and health trends, including an aging population and increasing rates of chronic conditions.

Eligible CLCF candidates must hold an active credential in a relevant health care field and complete approved compression garment training prior to taking the online examination. Education completed for an applicant’s current credential may satisfy CLCF educational requirements and will be evaluated during the application process. Examples of credentials that satisfy the active credential prerequisite include, but are not limited to:

• BOC Certified Orthotic Fitters (COF)
• BOC Certified Mastectomy Fitters (CMF)
• BOC Certified DME Specialists (CDME)
• BOC Certified Orthotists (BOCO)
• BOC Certified Pedorthists (BOCPD)
• BOC Certified Prosthetists (BOCP)
• Nurses (RN, LPN), Nurse Practitioners (NP)
• Physical or Occupational Therapists (PT, OT)
• Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLT)
• Orthotists, Prosthetists, and Pedorthists
• Physician Assistants and Physicians (PA, MD, DO)
• Athletic Trainers
• Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT)
• Medical Assistants

For more information about the Certified Lymphedema Compression Fitter microcredential, visit www.bocusa.org/certification/clcf.

VGM names Matt Filippis to executive biz development for mobility, accessibility

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates has named Matt Filippis director of business development for Clinical Mobility and Accessibility. In this role, Filippis will focus on executing the business development strategy to drive growth and profitability for the clinical mobility and accessibility membership channels, including U.S. Rehab, VGM Live at Home and OPGA. “Matt has been a trusted leader in the DMEPOS industry for years as a champion of national advocacy and dedication to improving patient access and outcomes,” said Ted Metcalf, vice president of Clinical Mobility & Accessibility, VGM & Associates. “His industry knowledge and experience make him the ideal fit for this leadership role.” Filippis brings 25 years of experience in the DMEPOS industry, with a focus on complex rehab, mobility, orthotics, prosthetics and home accessibility. His background includes leadership roles with Wright & Filippis, National Seating & Mobility, and most recently, director, rehab operations, at AdaptHealth.