In brief: Norco Medical broadens reach, Drive Medical rebrands, OIG drops fraud video
By HME News Staff
Updated 9:55 AM CST, Mon December 1, 2025
BOISE, Idaho – Norco Medical has acquired Kaysville, Utah-based Petersen Medical, broadening its service offerings and reach across eight states in the Northwest.
Norco Medical expects the acquisition to drive operational excellence and elevate patient experiences.
“We are thrilled to welcome Petersen Medical to the Norco family,” said Norco Inc. President Brent Seward and CEO Nicole Kissler. “Our combined strengths, expertise and shared values will allow us to serve our communities with even greater dedication. Together, we will continue to set the standard for quality, reliability and exceptional service in the health care industry.”
Petersen Medical, founded in 1968, serves patients mainly along the Wasatch Front, a 105-mile-long urban corridor in northern Utah that includes Salt Lake City, Ogden and Provo, as well as parts of Idaho, Colorado and Nevada. The company focuses on mobility, sleep and oxygen.
As the integration of Petersen Medical unfolds, Norco Medical will focus on its core mission of “Serving you better,” the company says.
“Continuity of service is at the heart of everything we do as we expand into the Utah market,” said Troy Johnson, executive vice president of Norco Medical. “Our top priority is ensuring that patients and partners experience a unified transition, uninterrupted access to care, and the same compassionate support they have always relied on. This acquisition strengthens our ability to deliver on that promise, every day.”
The family-owned Norco Medical – now led by third-generation Kissler – opened its first medical branch in downtown Boise in 1989. Today, it has 45 medical branches. The company also has industrial branches, bringing its total number of branches to 85, and has around 1,500 employees.
Norco Medical was named HME Provider of the Year in 2023.
Drive Medical returns to roots
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. - Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare is returning to its original brand Drive Medical across all markets.
The company says the move reflects a return to its roots and establishes a brand platform designed to support continued leadership, future acquisitions and global partnerships.
“The return to Drive Medical allows us to honor our heritage while presenting a cohesive identity that will guide our future growth,” said CEO Derek Lampert. “When our founders chose the name ‘Drive,’ they chose it for its meaning—momentum, purpose and a determination to push health care forward. That meaning has only grown stronger as we’ve evolved. Today, returning to Drive Medical brings our people, products and global partners back under a single, recognizable name that reflects our commitment to innovation, quality and patient-centered solutions.”
Over the years, Drive has grown through innovation and strategic acquisitions, expanding its reach and product offerings in the mobility, respiratory and long-term care sectors. The company bought DeVilbiss Healthcare in 2015, solidifying its platform in the sleep market. Since then, it has gone on to acquire several other companies, most recently the product line of De Oro Devices in 2025 and Mobility Designed (M+D) in 2024.
As part of the rebrand, Drive will strategically position its portfolio of trusted brands, including the DeVilbiss Healthcare respiratory line, to recognize their established reputations while leveraging the strength of the Drive Medical name. Those brands include:
- DeVilbiss by drive
- Hurrycane by drive
- M+D by drive
- Inspired by drive
Drive says the rebrand will be phased across all communications, products and corporate materials to ensure a seamless transition for customers, partners and employees worldwide.
Howard’s Medical buys Densow’s inventory
RICHLAND, Wash. - Howard’s Medical has finalized its acquisition of the inventory of Densow’s Medical Supplies, ensuring continued access to home medical equipment (HME) services for the Tri-Cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. The acquisition followed Densow’s closure earlier this year. “With this acquisition, we are honored to help carry forward Densow’s legacy in the Tri-Cities,” said Aleah Mickelson, president of Howard's Medical. “Densow’s served this community for generations, and we are committed to upholding that same standard of excellence by delivering high-quality products, expert support, and the individualized attention patients deserve.” Densow’s, which entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in 2023 and closed in January 2025, served the central Washington area for more than 75 years. Howard’s, based in Yakima, Wash., says it will integrate Densow’s inventory and will continue to prioritize patient-centered care. Howard’s has six retail locations in Washington state.
Lifeway Mobility expands into Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Lifeway Mobility has opened its first location in Tennessee, expanding its coverage in the Southeast. The location in Nashville will offer stair lifts, wheelchair ramps and lifts and transfer aids. It will add home elevators at a later date. “We’re excited to open in the state of Tennessee and provide an outstanding customer experience to Middle Tennessee residents,” said Nathan Colburn, DVP at Lifeway Mobility. “This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to helping individuals and families stay safe and independent at home. Our local team is eager to serve residents across the greater Nashville region, improving accessibility, comfort and quality of life, one home at a time.” Lifeway Mobility has been providing accessibility solutions in nearby states and surrounding regions for several years. The company also recently opened its first location in Wisconsin.
Home infusion bill sees boost from advocacy day
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) says 10 new cosponsors have signed onto the Protecting Patient Access to Home Infusion Act (H.R. 2172) following its Advocacy in Action Day in November. Immediately prior to the annual visit to Capitol Hill, Reps. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., and Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., joined the legislation in anticipation of meetings with home infusion providers, suppliers and patients. Since the event, Reps. Danny Davis, D-Ill., Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., Ted Lieu, D-Calif., Doris Matsui, D-Calif., Blake Moore, R-Utah, Burgess Owens, R-Utah, Darren Soto, D-Fla., and Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., have also signed on as cosponsors. “Home infusion is a proven, patient-preferred model that helps keep people out of the hospital while lowering total health care costs,” said Connie Sullivan, BSPharm, president and CEO of NHIA. “The fact that (10) members of Congress have joined this bill in just a few weeks is a direct reflection of the stories our members and their patients shared on Advocacy in Action Day. Their voices are driving this momentum.” In November, NHIA members held more than 130 meetings with lawmakers and staff from more than 25 states to highlight the Protecting Patient Access to Home Infusion Act, which would:
- Modernize Medicare’s home infusion therapy benefit by closing existing coverage gaps;
- Recognize pharmacy professional services essential to the safe delivery of care in the home; and
- Expand care for Medicare beneficiaries who require IV anti-infective treatments.
According to Congress.gov, the act has 22 co-sponsors. A companion bill in the Senate (S. 1058) has one co-sponsor.
OIG warns of DME fraud in new video
WASHINGTON – The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released a new video on combating durable medical equipment (DME) fraud. The OIG states:
“Durable medical equipment (DME), like wheelchairs, oxygen tanks and glucose monitors, is essential for millions of Americans. But this vital support system is also a frequent target for fraud, costing taxpayers billions and putting patients at risk. OIG is working to stop DME fraud through investigations, audits, evaluations and data analytics. Our new video explains how these schemes work, how they impact real people, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
In the more than three-minute video, the OIG says common fraud schemes include:
- Phantom billing – Charging for equipment never delivered
- Unnecessary equipment – Supplying items not medical needed
- Upcoding – Charing for more expensive items than provided
- Kickbacks – Paying for referrals or prescriptions
- Identity theft – Using stolen patient information to bill fraudulently
- Telemarketing scams – Using deceptive calls to offer free equipment
The OIG also highlights how it worked with other law enforcement agencies on the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown involving more than 150 defendants accused of fraudulently billing Medicare and other health care programs more than $13 billion for DME.
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