In brief: Gauge invests in Reliable, BioMatrix buys First Choice, AMA pushes telehealth
By HME News Staff
Updated 10:05 AM CST, Fri January 9, 2026
NASHVILLE, Tenn., and SOUTHLAKE, Texas – Gauge Capital has partnered with the management team of Reliable Medical to provide growth capital and recapitalize the business.
Gauge Capital, a middle-market private equity firm based in Southlake, Texas, acquired Reliable Medical from Seven Hills Capital, which first invested in the company in 2018 and re-invested in 2024.
“We’re excited to partner with Gauge, whose experience scaling health care services businesses will help us invest further in our people, expand access to care, and accelerate our growth in a thoughtful and disciplined way while staying true to what matters most: serving our customers well,” said Charles Sargeant, CEO of Reliable Medical.
Founded in 1989, Reliable Medical is a provider of complex rehabilitation technology and related mobility and home medical equipment solutions across the United States. The company says it has built a strong reputation as a trusted clinical and service partner to patients, referral sources, and payers through its experienced assistive technology professionals (ATPs) and high-touch post-delivery service model.
Under Seven Hills Capital, Reliable Medical has made several acquisitions in recent years, including Smyrna, Ga.-based Certified Seating and Mobility in February 2025.
“Charles and the broader Reliable management team have done an excellent job building a differentiated CRT platform with strong clinical capabilities, durable reimbursement characteristics and a compelling growth profile,” said David Friedman, partner at Gauge Capital. “We have been impressed by Reliable’s operational discipline, its ability to recruit and develop ATP talent, and its track record of executing both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. We are thrilled to partner with the team in this next chapter.”
David Friedman, Alex Asbill and Alex Amato of Gauge Capital have joined Reliable Medical’s board of directors. McDermott Will & Schulte served as transactional legal counsel to Gauge, with Cain Brothers, a division of KeyBanc Capital Markets and Bailey & Company as buy-side advisors. Harris Williams served as financial advisor to Reliable Medical.
BioMatrix buys First Choice Wellness, expanding access in Southeast
Deal includes 11 locations, robust payer access
PLANTATION, Fla. – BioMatrix Infusion Pharmacy has acquired First Choice Wellness Centers, a regional leader in ambulatory infusion services. The company says the deal marks another significant step in its strategic growth and commitment to expanding high-quality, community-based infusion care.
The deal will allow BioMatrix to expand access throughout key markets in the Southeast. First Choice Wellness Centers operates 11 established ambulatory infusion centers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee, serving patients with complex and chronic conditions.
"First Choice Wellness Centers has built a trusted reputation for patient-centered care delivered in comfortable, accessible ambulatory settings," said Ted Kramm, CEO at BioMatrix. "Their clinical model and commitment to high-touch service align perfectly with BioMatrix's mission to deliver exceptional infusion care closer to home. We are thrilled to welcome this talented team into the BioMatrix family."
First Choice Wellness Centers’ care model emphasizes clinical oversight, local provider collaboration, and ease of access—ensuring continuity of care and a seamless patient experience.
"We are proud to see First Choice Wellness Centers join BioMatrix and further elevate the standard of infusion care in our communities," said Mark Osborne, owner, First Choice Wellness Centers. "Together, the organizations will continue delivering compassionate, clinically sound care while expanding access and convenience for the patients and providers First Choice Wellness Center serves."
BioMatrix will begin integrating First Choice Wellness Centers operations immediately, with no anticipated disruption to patients, providers or referral partners.
AMA urges Congress to make telehealth changes permanent
WASHINGTON – The American Medical Association (AMA) is urging Congress to enact permanent authorization of Medicare telehealth services and end the repeated cycle of temporary extensions that have undermined reliable access to virtual care.
The current Medicare telehealth waiver expires on Jan. 30.
“Since the COVID-19 public health emergency, Congress has repeatedly extended telehealth flexibilities for Medicare patients—often at the last moment—creating uncertainty for millions of patients and their physicians,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. “As the current waiver deadline approaches, Congress must finally act decisively to prevent a disruptive and abrupt halt to the expanded telehealth services that have improved care continuity, chronic disease management, and access for rural and underserved communities.”
A newly released AMA issue brief advocates for a comprehensive approach to evaluating the value of telehealth—one that goes beyond short-term cost modeling and considers the broader, enduring impact of virtual care. While current Congressional Budget Office (CBO) scoring is based heavily on historical data and limited assumptions about future utilization and costs, the AMA calls for a more robust analysis. This means factoring in long-term savings generated by early intervention, improved chronic disease management, and reduced use of costly emergency and inpatient services -- factors that are not reflected in current cost estimates.
AARP says certain drug costs could fall 50%
WASHINGTON – Out-of-pocket expenses for 10 high-cost prescription drugs are projected to fall by an average of more than 50% for Medicare Part D enrollees when lower prices take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, according to a new analysis released by the AARP. The analysis, conducted in December 2025, examined enrollee cost-sharing and other coverage characteristics among stand-alone Part D plans that were available in five states with high Medicare enrollment. The analysis found that substantial reductions in enrollee cost-sharing will lead to lower monthly out-of-pocket costs for patients, including expected reductions of more than 50% on seven of the 10 drugs analyzed. The AARP’s analysis also found that seven of the 10 drugs are set to cost less than $100 per month – up from only two drugs in 2025 – once new policies to lower drug prices take effect.
Next Day Access rolls out new franchise in Colorado
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Next Day Access has announced the purchase of Next Day Access Colorado Springs, as well as the launch of Next Day Access Northern Denver and Next Day Access Northern Colorado. The owners and operators are Owen and Maria Curry, and Tom and Jeri Ann Conaty. The Currys have decades of experience in business ownership and community service, serving on various leadership boards throughout their area. Tom Conaty has a 35-year career in corporate IT, and Jeri Ann Conaty runs her own businesses in property management, corporate organizing and legal assistance. “Collectively, we have hands-on experience launching and operating successful franchise businesses, and together, we combine the strategic and operational strengths needed to open and scale our Next Day Access locations with confidence and efficiency,” said Tom Conaty. The franchises will provide accessibility and mobility solutions to individuals of all ages in the greater Austin area and surrounding communities. They sell, deliver and install solutions such as wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, pool lifts, grab bars and more.
NHIA seeks board member applications
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) is accepting applications for members of its board of directors. Board members serve three-year terms as representatives for the NHIA member organization. Seats are open to provider members and are assigned at the organization level. Two seats are currently available for hospital providers (a provider that is wholly owned and operated as part of an acute-care system). Companies interested in serving on the NHIA board must submit a letter of interest to Connie.Sullivan@NHIA.org no later than Friday, Jan. 30. The letter should describe the company, history of involvement with NHIA, why the company would like to be considered for a board seat, and the name of the individual that would serve as its representative. Applicants are evaluated based on the following categories of participation in NHIA/NHIF.
Inovalon joins NHIA’s Future of Infusion council
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) has announced that Inovalon has joined its Future of Infusion Advisory Council (FIAC). This partnership will bring valuable data analytics and health care technology insights to support infusion providers in addressing operational and clinical workflow challenges facing the industry, the association says. “Inovalon’s participation in NHIA’s Future of Infusion Advisory Council reflects our continued commitment to advancing the pharmacy ecosystem through innovation, partnership, and data-driven insight,” said Ernie Shopes, president of Inovalon’s pharmacy business unit. “As the industry responds to evolving stakeholder demands and a greater volume of infused products, we believe technology and actionable intelligence will play a defining role in improving operational agility, regulatory readiness, and patient outcomes. We look forward to working alongside NHIA and fellow council members to help shape the future of home infusion care.” FIAC is a strategic advisory group comprised of manufacturing and service companies that are deeply invested in the home and alternate site infusion industry. The group consistently works with the association’s staff and board of directors to address critical issues, challenges and opportunities facing this growing segment of health care.
NCPA taps new finance lead
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has named Casey McAllister as its new lead finance professional. McAllister brings more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit financial management, strategic planning and technology integration. “Organizations like NCPA can best support our members when we’ve ensured our infrastructure is as strong as possible,” says NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, pharmacist, MBA. “Casey will play an important role in that – in our work to continue optimizing our organization and maintaining positive margins so that we can fight on behalf of independent community pharmacies. We’re glad to have him on our team.” Most recently, McAllister served as vice president of finance and accounting for Printing United Alliance, where he oversaw an $18 million not-for-profit enterprise and directed the consolidation of a $16 million media company. His leadership strengthened financial resilience during the pandemic through effective liquidity and risk management strategies, guided multiple mergers and acquisitions, and advanced digital transformation initiatives. His earlier career also included key roles in accounting, IT systems management, and financial consulting for both trade associations and CPA firms. McAllister was recognized by DCA Live as a 2020 Nonprofit Star CFO for his outstanding leadership in nonprofit financial management.
Encore Healthcare promotes Proffitt to chief development officer
LIVINGSTON, Tenn. – Encore Healthcare has promoted Carrie Proffitt, RRT, to chief development officer (CDO). Proffitt first joined Encore as director of clinical operations, quickly establishing herself as a trusted leader known for her clinical excellence and relentless work ethic, the company says. She was later promoted to vice president of clinical operations, and then to senior vice president of operations, overseeing not only clinical operations but also software development and IT. “Carrie’s journey with Encore has been marked by steady growth, exceptional leadership, and an unwavering commitment to both our mission and our people,” said Zach Gantt, CEO. “When I first asked her how she would lead a software development team, she told me, ‘I may not know much about software development, but I know how to lead people.’ That comment was a true sign of a leader willing to do whatever it takes to drive our company forward. Today, she knows more about software development than anyone outside the dev team.”
As CDO, Proffitt will be responsible for:
- Staff development and leadership growth
- Program development and clinical operations
- Encore’s newest population health initiative
- Information technology and software development
Integra inks deal with HelixVM
TROY, Mich. – Integra Partners has entered a strategic partnership with HelixVM, a provider of 24/7 virtual care, under its group purchasing organization (GPO) offer. This partnership is intended to create an integrated pathway linking telehealth encounters with immediate access to durable medical equipment, prosthetics and orthotics (DMEPOS). HelixVM's digital platform delivers compliant documentation and physician orders directly back to the DMEPOS practice-removing delays that stall reimbursement and patient care. "We are consistently looking for ways to amplify the value we deliver to our network of providers," said Michael Dorrie, VP of network expansion & partnerships at Integra Partners. "We're excited to be rolling out this new opportunity that addresses a major challenge within the home healthcare industry." Integra’s nationwide network includes 60 payer lines of business, and their solutions extend to more than 20 million covered lives across commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, ACOs, at-risk medical groups, and self-insured health plans. Integra Partners is a wholly owned subsidiary of Point32Health.
- Related: Integra, DMEscripts expand relationship
- Related: Trella Health, Integra partner
TwelveStone, Tennr partner to streamline referral, operational processes
NEW YORK – TwelveStone Health Partners, a leading provider of comprehensive chronic care medication services, has partnered with Tennr to automate patient processing for referral-based care. "At TwelveStone we are dedicated to delivering quality care around the needs of our patients, including leveraging advanced technology to expand access," said Shane Reeves, CEO, TwelveStone Health Partners. "We are constantly looking for ways to strengthen communication with both patients and referring providers. Tennr was a natural fit – helping us eliminate delays in the referral process to ensure patients are seen faster, on their terms." Through this partnership, Tennr will support automating various parts of the TwelveStone operations including fax management, referral intake and data entry, eligibility and benefits investigations, and the qualification of patients against complex payer criteria. "From our first meeting with TwelveStone, it was clear this team has a day-zero mindset, even though they've been in business for nearly a decade," said Trey Holterman, co-founder and CEO of Tennr. "They choose to better the patient in everything they do and we're excited that they see Tennr as a tool to further impact the patient experience."
ACHCU learning management system earns five-year accreditation from IACET
Cary, N.C. – The Accreditation Commission for Health Care’s learning management system, HealthTrainU, offered through its educational subsidiary ACHCU, has earned a new five-year accreditation from the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). The accreditation period runs from Dec. 1, 2025, through Nov. 30, 2030. “We are proud to once again meet the ANSI/IACET Standard and provide healthcare organizations with a trusted, flexible platform for education and compliance,” said Greg Stowell, associate director for education and training at ACHCU. “As the education arm of an international accrediting body, we value IACET accreditation as a confirmation of quality in ACHCU programs for organizations we serve.” Fewer than 500 organizations worldwide currently hold this accreditation. As part of the review, the IACET Commission evaluates a provider’s instructional design, learning environment, administrative processes, and how continuing education units (CEUs) are awarded and maintained. HealthTrainU offers more than 300 courses across 20-plus content libraries, giving organizations a centralized, customizable platform for staff training. Users can assign, track and evaluate employee progress, and organizations may upload their own content to support onboarding, competency development and ongoing compliance with accreditation, licensure and regulatory requirements.
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