In brief: Non-invasive ventilation NCD, new AASM president, Medtrade call for speakers

WASHINGTON – CMS has released a final national coverage determination (NCD) for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in the home for the treatment of chronic respiratory failure consequent to COPD. 

The final NCD: 

• Provides coverage of respiratory assist devices (RADs) for the treatment of chronic respiratory failure that often accompanies COPD; and 

• For the first time, establishes coverage for home mechanical ventilation for patients with COPD. 

For all patient indications not included in the NCD, CMS says the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) have authority to decide coverage. 

• For more details on the clinical indications for RADs and HMV, go here.
• Industry stakeholders expressed concerns with a proposed NCD. 

ACHC supports affected BOC provider customers 

OWINGS MILLS, Md. - The Accreditation Commission for Health Care and the Board of Certification/Accreditation have established a strategic partnership to support DMEPOS providers impacted by CMS’s decision to restrict BOC from providing new accreditation and reaccreditation services in four states. 

Under the partnership, ACHC will provide accreditation services for impacted BOC providers in California, Florida, New York and Texas, many of whom face upcoming reaccreditation deadlines, the organizations say. 

“While BOC remains a CMS-approved accreditation organization in good standing in all states, this situation is unprecedented, and BOC is committed to prioritizing the needs of our customers and their patients,” said Judi Knott, President and CEO of BOC. “We are partnering with ACHC to help avoid gaps in accreditation. Our top priority is ensuring DMEPOS providers receive the support they need to continue serving patients without disruption. We appreciate the flexibility, partnership and commitment ACHC has demonstrated.” 

A dedicated team, led by Aimee Pope, customer experience manager for ACHC, is assisting BOC-accredited providers with account setup and onboarding to facilitate the application and survey process. 

While a lapse in accreditation may be unavoidable for some providers, ACHC is focused on minimizing any disruptions throughout the transition. It will offer educational tools, standards crosswalks and one-on-one guidance to help providers adapt quickly, it says. 

“ACHC is known for excellence in customer service and a supportive approach to accreditation,” said José Domingos, president and CEO of ACHC. “We take pride in our ability to step in to assist BOC at this critical time. Our goal is to help these suppliers maintain their commitment to quality and patient care as they navigate an alternate accreditation process.” 

• Related: Amid CMS action, BOC reaffirms commitment. 

SOS promotes Newby to president 

HOUSTON – Strategic Office Support (SOS), a provider of end-to-end DME staffing and RCM solutions, has promoted Sarah Newby to president. Formerly the company’s sales & marketing director, Newby has been a driving force behind SOS’s growth and brand leadership. As president, she will lead strategic initiatives across departments, guide the teams responsible for service delivery, and continue to drive SOS’s market expansion. “Sarah’s leadership has helped take SOS to the next level,” said Steve Cela, founder and CEO. “This new structure strengthens our ability to scale without compromising the high-touch service our clients expect. I’ll continue as CEO and remain fully engaged in our next stage of growth.” SOS is also proud to announce the following promotions: Maria Carvajal has been named implementation manager and Kristin Coste has been named client success manager. These changes reflect SOS’s commitment to investing in its team and building a foundation for long-term growth, says Newby. “We’re aligning our structure with our ambition,” she said. “These shifts help us deepen client partnerships and continue delivering best-in-class outsourced solutions for DME providers.” 

• Related: SOS expands in Philippines 

Shelgikar named president of AASM board 

DARIEN, Ill. – Dr. Anita Shelgikar has been named the 40th president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine board of directors. Shelgikar took the helm of the nation’s leading sleep medicine professional society during SLEEP 2025, the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, held in Seattle. During her one-year term, Shelgikar will lead the organization of 9,500 members, including physicians, scientists, and other health care professionals. She will help AASM achieve strategic goals related to public awareness, technology integration, practice success, and advocacy to improve patient outcomes. “Leading the AASM during this transformative period, I am committed to fostering innovation, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocating for research that will redefine patient care in sleep medicine,” said Shelgikar. As a longstanding member of the AASM, Shelgikar has served on several committees such as the Sleep Medicine Fellowship Directors Council Steering Committee, Fellowship Models Exploratory Committee, Education Committee, and the Innovative Fellowship Model Implementation Presidential Committee. She was elected to the board of directors in 2018, served as secretary/treasurer, and recently completed a three-year term as president of the AASM Foundation board of directors. “There are millions of individuals who are impacted by sleep disorders and millions more who struggle to get the healthy sleep they need,” said Shelgikar. “I am proud to lead the AASM in the ongoing effort to advance sleep medicine research and sleep disorders treatment to improve quality of life for our patients.” 

Viemed authorizes share repurchase program 

LAFAYETTE, La. – Viemed Healthcare’s board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program, effective through June 2026. Under the share repurchase program, Viemed may purchase up to 1,976,441 common shares of the company from time to time in accordance with applicable securities laws, representing approximately 5% of the total issued and outstanding common shares as of March 31, 2025. The Company intends to repurchase common shares through open market purchases, block purchases or otherwise in accordance with applicable securities laws. Subject to certain exceptions for block purchases, daily purchases will be limited to 25% of the average daily volume for the four calendar weeks preceding the date of purchase. “Our recent first quarter 2025 results and the increases in our 2025 guidance range midpoints demonstrate that we are executing well with strong underlying fundamentals in the business,” said Casey Hoyt, CEO. “We have a track record of disciplined capital allocation, with our latest example being the attractive acquisition of Lehan’s Medical that is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. Since our public listing, we have repurchased approximately 2.6 million shares, underscoring our commitment to executing on our capital allocation strategies. With no net debt and full availability on our $55 million credit facility, we have ample liquidity to improve shareholder value with a new share repurchase program while also funding our organic and inorganic growth initiatives.” 

Registration open for NCPA convention 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Registration is open for the National Community Pharmacists Association’s 2025 Annual Convention as well as for its Pre-Convention Growth and Profitability Programs. The convention is set for Oct. 18-21 in New Orleans, while the pre-convention events will take place Oct. 16-17. “NCPA’s annual convention is where leaders in independent pharmacy go each year for the latest ways to build their businesses, to share what has worked for them, and to build or strengthen relationships with others in the industry,” says 2024-2025 NCPA President Jeff Harrell, PharmD. “It is designed to help attendees get ahead and chart a winning path forward. I can’t wait to see everyone in New Orleans for what’s sure to be a great event.” To learn about and register for NCPA’s 2025 Annual Convention, click here. To learn about and register for the pre-convention programming, click here. More information will be released as it becomes available. Pharmacists should sign up for the convention by July 19 to receive up to $100 off with NCPA’s early bird rate. 

Samsung broadens access to sleep apnea feature 

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – Samsung Electronics has announced that the sleep apnea feature on the Galaxy Watch series, which is available through the Samsung Health Monitor app, is expanding to 34 European markets, as well as Australia and Singapore, bring the global total to 70 markets.  This growth follows the receipt of CE marking for the European Economic Area and approval by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority. “Recognizing the critical role of sleep in overall health, Samsung is committed to helping users improve sleep quality by understanding their sleep patterns, providing personalized sleep coaching and optimizing their sleep environments,” the company stated. “With the sleep apnea feature, more users can now detect symptoms earlier – helping to prevent health issues associated with this common yet often undiagnosed condition.” The feature has also received De Novo authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has been approved by Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Brazil’s health regulatory agency ANVISA and Health Canada. The feature enables users over the age of 22 who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) over a two-night monitoring period. With the feature, users can simply track their sleep twice for more than four hours within a 10-day period. 

• Related: Wearables are benefit – ‘full stop.’  

Breas integrates with Encore 

NORTH BILLERICA, Mass. – Breas Medical’s EveryWare Cloud Solution is now integrated through a custom API with Encore Healthcare’s Nexus respiratory management platform. “We are excited to connect EveryWare by Breas to the Nexus platform that provides RTs, physicians and care teams a streamlined access point,” said Chris Southerland, general manager of Breas Americas. “We understand the value of providing another way to interface with patient data to allow healthcare providers to focus on improved patient care.” The integration empowers health care providers with real-time insights, remote patient monitoring and data-driven decision-making tools in one centralized platform, the companies say. This enhances treatment adherence, facilitates proactive interventions and, ultimately, improves patient quality of life, they say. “When we built Nexus, our goal was to close the loop between clinical data and decision-making,” said Zach Gantt, founder & CEO, Encore Healthcare. “By integrating with Breas' ventilators, we’re turning that vision into a reality—delivering smarter care, faster interventions and better outcomes for patients and providers alike." 

Medtrade calls for speakers 

PHOENIX – Medtrade, in collaboration with its Educational Advisory Board, has opened its call for speakers for its 2026 conference in Phoenix March 2-4. Medtrade is committed to delivering attendees with original, quality content and topics built around clinical expertise, as well as the most up-to-date data, trends, technologies, and effective strategies to address challenges and leverage new growth opportunities in the industry. It’s looking for proposals that provide: 

• New content. No recycled or outdated content will be accepted. 

• A diverse perspective and voice within the conference program that will inspire and educate attendees. 

• Interactive discussions, panel sessions and real-world hands-on training and experiences that actively engage attendees. 

• Peer learning from presenters who are also providers willing to share their personal stories and knowledge. 

• Education that captures advanced learning levels, as well as beginner/introductory and intermediate concepts and practices. 

• “How-to” of relevant and timely industry topics.  

“We look forward to receiving your proposals and creating an inspiring and informative program for attendees,” Medtrade says. Medtrade suggests reviewing the tracks and descriptions to get started. The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, July 11. 

Gen.Heatlh.ai debuts 

BOSTON – Gen.Health.ai has launched its AI-powered automation solution specifically designed for durable medical equipment and home medical equipment providers. The company says its solution helps relieve the burden of complex workflows, such as medical intake, eligibility verification and prior authorizations. “DME providers deserve tools that reduce friction across every step of the order process – and they shouldn't have to rip out their systems to make it work,” said CEO Ricky Sahu. “Our AI integrates into existing customer apps without disrupting how their teams work today.” Gen.Health.ai says its solution, which was developed in close partnership with early DME customers, uses new advancements in AI and large language models (LLMs), combined with deep integrations into existing EMR and billing systems specifically for DME and HME providers. It says key capabilities of the solution include automated patient intake, real-time coverage and eligibility checks, medical necessity and prior authorization submission, seamless billing integration and payment analytics. Based on early implementations, Gen.Health.ai says it delivers 4x increase in orders processed per employee, 50% reduction in manual review time and 95%-plus alignment with human utilization management decisions. 

VGM Canada seeks HME Leader of the Year 

BURLINGTON, Ontario – VGM Canada has opened the call for nominations for the 2025 HME Leader of the Year Award, formerly the HME Woman of the Year Award. “At VGM Canada, we believe that leadership knows no bounds,” said Dave Davies, president, VGM Canada. “Renaming the HME Woman of the Year Award to the HME Leader of the Year Award reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and equity. This change ensures that we recognize and celebrate all individuals—regardless of gender—who are making meaningful, often quiet, contributions to the HME and mobility industry across Canada. It’s about honoring impact, not identity.” The award is open to all individuals working in the HME or mobility industry in Canada.  Whether they are under the radar or high profile, this individual makes rich contributions to the lives of the people they serve, VGM Canada says. Nominations must be submitted by June 30 and can be made online at https://www.vgmcanada.com/leader-of-the-year. The 2025 HME Leader of the Year Award will be announced at the Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference on Sept. 9, 2025. Brenlee Mogul-Rotman, B.SC. OT., OT Reg. (Ont.), ATP/SMS, national clinical & technical education manager at Permobil, was the HME Woman of the Year 2024. 

AECorner, Health Mobius partner 

CHICAGO – A new partnership will combine product reviews and educational content from Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner (AECorner) with the distribution network of Health Mobius, connecting innovative adaptive solutions with HME providers, pharmacies and consumers. “Our mission at Health Mobius has always been to empower health care providers and retailers with the best tools and products to serve their patients and customers,” said Kamal Haddad, CEO of Health Mobius. “By joining forces with AECorner, we’re not only expanding our product offerings but also ensuring that the most innovative adaptive equipment reaches those who need it most, supported by trusted, expert guidance.” AECorner, co-founded by Cindy Hardin-Weiss, MSPT, CAPS, and Christina Hardin-Weiss, MS/SLP, CAPS, is known for its in-depth video reviews and practical demos of adaptive equipment, helping caregivers and individuals make informed choices. The AECorner Superstore, powered by Health Mobius, will be featured at the Chicago Abilities Expo from June 20-22, 2025, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. “At AECorner, our goal is to empower caregivers and those seeking independence with honest, hands-on information about adaptive equipment,” Hardin-Weiss said. “Partnering with Health Mobius allows us to amplify our reach, bringing our community’s favorite products to a wider audience and making a real difference in daily living.” 

HME expands to Kamloops 

RICHMOND, B.C. - HME plans to open its 10th location in British Columbia this summer. The new location in Kamloops, along with existing locations in Abbotsford and Kelowna, gives HME full coverage for the Okanagan and Interior Region through a networked-location approach, the company says. “As a 100% B.C.-owned business, our new location in Kamloops will serve a fast-growing area with a diverse population,” said Robert Boscacci, CEO & co-founder. “HME has seen great success in the Interior region with our Kelowna location, and we want to expand our full pediatric and specialized adult rehab services to Kamloops and surrounding communities.” The location in Kamloops will mirror HME’s other nine locations with a full warehouse, showroom and custom-fitting assessment room. It will offer pediatric, adult rehab and accessibility divisions, with a focus on equipment demos. “HME Kamloops will allow us to serve the greater Kamloops area and extend further along the Trans-Canada to include routine service routes to Revelstoke to the east, along with services to the north extending to 100 Mile House,” said Michelle Harvey, COO. “Additionally, to ensure a high level of service in the region, HME has hired experienced industry professionals, including veteran sales reps, licensed technicians, and support staff.” Starting from a single operation in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland a decade ago, HME has expanded its client service coverage across the province in recent years. HME now has 10 locations and more than 85,000 square feet of office and warehouse space in Richmond, Victoria, Surrey, Nanaimo, North Vancouver, Kelowna, Sechelt, Abbotsford and Kamloops.