In brief: Philips recall & response, telehealth flexibilities, Rhythm hire, Viemed donation
By HME News Staff
Updated 9:38 AM CDT, Mon September 15, 2025
WASHINGTON – Philips Respironics has removed certain DreamStation devices due to programming errors that can result in failed therapy modes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The affected devices are:
- DreamStation Auto CPAP UDSX500S11F 00606959423314
- DreamStation Auto BiPAP UDSX700S11F 00606959423338
- DreamStation Auto CPAP UFRX500S14 00606959455045
Reason for recall
Philips Respironics is recalling certain DreamStation Auto CPAP and Auto BiPAP devices due to a programming error introduced during rework by a supplier, which may result in incorrect therapy modes (e.g., BiPAP configured as CPAP), limited pressure, unavailable features or improper sensor/humidifier function.
Use of the affected devices may cause serious health consequences, including hypoventilation, disrupted sleep, skin or airway burns and ineffective treatment of sleep apnea, which could worsen comorbidities.
There have been three reported injuries and no reports of death, according to the FDA.
What to do
- Continue using the device until a replacement is delivered.
- Contact Philips at 1-877-387-3311 or PatientSupport@philips.com.
- Return affected devices using the included instructions and prepaid label when the replacement arrives.
- Be aware that Philips is calling affected patients and suppliers and sending replacement devices with return instructions.
Response from Philips
Philips Respironics has intensified efforts to strengthen patient safety and quality across the company. We are methodically working through product quality at all levels and businesses in a multi-year program. We act fast on post market surveillance signals, proactively issuing corrections, updates or recalls when we identify potential issues.
In July 2025, the company issued a notice to customers of certain DreamStation Auto CPAP and DreamStation Auto BiPAP devices. This affects approximately 93 units total, in the U.S. (65) and France (28).
The July 2025 customer notice is a re-issuance of a similar product notification from October 2023 to those customers who had not yet responded by phone to the prior customer outreach. Philips Respironics continues to send replacement devices to customers as needed, as well as recover affected units.
The updated notice indicates that a limited number of devices exhibited a testing error and may have been programed with an incorrect device configuration while being remediated by a Philips supplier.
At the time of this notification, Philips Respironics has not received any reports of serious patient harm due to this issue. Until replaced, affected devices may continue to be used in accordance with their Instructions for Use (IFU) and the guidance in the notice.
rtNOW broadens service to help HME providers meet new coverage criteria
FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – rtNOW has launched rtNOW Engage, a suite of turnkey service lines to support durable medical equipment (DME) companies, including follow-up checks for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and BiPAP patients to meet the new CMS coverage criteria and evolving needs of DMEs and their patients.
“The introduction of rtNOW Engage comes at a critical time, as CMS’s updated reimbursement and compliance guidelines for respiratory assist devices (including CPAPs, BiPAPs, and NIVs) require further documentation, which rtNOW Engage provides,” said Chuck Stadler, Jr., CEO at rtNOW. “rtNOW Engage represents our commitment to empowering respiratory care for DME providers and their patients in compliant, scalable and meaningful ways.”
Key features of rtNOW Engage include:
- Virtual CPAP and BiPAP setup: Expert-led, remote setup services to guide patients through the initial use of their respiratory devices, ensuring proper education.
- Initial PAP adherence support: 90-day advocating and monitoring by a respiratory therapist to help patients maintain compliance with therapy, improving long-term health outcomes.
- NIV and BiPAP follow-up checks: Specialized quarterly virtual assessments to optimize NIV therapy, support patient comfort and resupply needs, and provide required documentation of the improvement of symptoms for individuals with chronic respiratory failure consequent to COPD.
- Initial 6-month NIV and BiPAP adherence program: BiPAP and NIV patients with chronic respiratory failure consequent to COPD now have six months to become compliant under new CMS rules. Ongoing virtual advocating and monitoring fosters the 1:1 patient/respiratory therapist relationship.
- Ongoing NIV and BiPAP adherence program: New programs designed to address ongoing compliance required by CMS for NIV, and beneficial for BiPAP and CPAP patients for resupply.
Congress looks to extend telehealth flexibilities into 2027
WASHINGTON – Bills to extend telehealth for Americans enrolled in Medicare through fiscal year 2027 have now been introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Reps. Earl “Buddy” Carter, R- Ga., and Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., introduced the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2025, on Sept. 2. Sens. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, introduced the bill on Sept. 8. Telehealth flexibilities for Medicare beneficiaries is set to expire Sept. 30.
Rep. Carter’s statement:
“Telehealth is a vital part of our health care system, and we must ensure that it is available to patients who need it. By extending telehealth flexibilities for patients, we are making health care more accessible, regardless of their physical location. As a pharmacist, one of my top priorities has been increasing the accessibility and quality of health care; this bill does both, in a bipartisan manner, and paves the way for more patients and providers to use 21st century technology.”
Sen. Scott’s statement:
“Improving access to high-quality health care for Americans is essential. We saw during the pandemic how effective telehealth can be for patients, and the Telehealth Modernization Act will ensure these services remain available for those who depend on them. By modernizing our telehealth laws, we can reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for patients across South Carolina and the country.”
UPDATED: DermaRite Industries issues voluntary nationwide recall
NORTH BERGEN, N.J. – DermaRite Industries is expanding its voluntarily nationwide recall to additional products and lots due to microbial contamination identified as Burkholderia cepecia, which can result in serious and life-threatening infections.
For a list of the now 32 affected products, which were distributed nationwide in the United States and Puerto Rico, go here.
"We recognize the impact this situation may have caused and sincerely regret any inconvenience,” the company stated on its website on Sept. 8. “Restoring full product availability is our highest priority. Our actions reflect our dedication to acting quickly, transparently, and responsibly, so that we can maintain the highest standards of care. We will continue to provide further updates as additional information becomes available. We greatly appreciate your cooperation, patience, and trust as we work through this process together.”
DermaRite says Burkholderia cepacia complex in these products may result in serious and life-threatening infections if the products are used by immunosuppressed individuals or by people attending to immunosuppressed individuals. For healthy individuals with minor skin lesions, the use of the product may result in local infections; in immunocompromised individuals, it may result in the infection spreading into the blood stream, potentially leading to life-threatening sepsis.
The company says its wound care and nutritional products are not part of the voluntary recall and remain available for continued use.
Rhythm Healthcare adds oxygen expert Bob Fary to leadership team
NEW YORK – Rhythm Healthcare has appointed Bob Fary as vice president of respiratory in a move that it says further strengthens its sales leadership. In this role, Fary, most recently senior vice president of global sales for Belluscura, will partner with Rhythm’s sales team to enhance customer engagement, support provider relationships and translate clinical expertise into meaningful value for the company’s respiratory portfolio. “Bob brings a unique blend of clinical knowledge and commercial expertise,” said Vanessa Saltmarsh, chief commercial officer of Rhythm Healthcare. “He has a proven ability to empower sales teams and build strategies that resonate with customers. His leadership will help strengthen our partnerships with providers and expand access to the solutions patients depend on.” Fary brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the respiratory medical device industry, with global expertise in oxygen therapy, ventilation and home healthcare. Prior to Belluscura, where he launched multiple products and built high-performing teams, he spent nearly two decades at Inogen as vice president of strategic alliances, where he played a key role in launching the groundbreaking Inogen One portable oxygen concentrator and scaling B2B sales from zero to more than $300 million annually. He began his career as a respiratory therapist, a foundation that continues to shape his customer-focused approach. “I’m thrilled to join Rhythm Healthcare and work with such a talented team,” said Fary. “My focus will be on equipping our sales organization with the clinical insight and messaging needed to better serve providers and ensure our solutions deliver meaningful impact for patients.”
Soleo Health elevates Flax for top ops role
FRISCO, Texas – Soleo Health has promoted Holly Flax to COO. Flax joined Soleo in 2014 as one of the company's first group of employees and since then, she has successfully held several roles, each with increasing responsibility. “Holly's strategic mindset and proven successes have been invaluable to our business, significantly contributing to Soleo Health’s market position and growth trajectory,” said CEO Drew Walk. “Over the past decade, Holly has demonstrated exceptional skills in both sales and operations, excelling in each area. These qualities highlight her versatility, resilience and strong business acumen. We look forward to her continued contributions to the company.” Most recently, as executive vice president of operations, Flax led the organization through significant growth, enhancing patient care delivery, optimizing operational processes and ensuring a culture of accountability and collaboration. In her new position, she will continue these responsibilities to enhance Soleo’s differentiated patient service model and elevate patient care and satisfaction.
VGM Playbook guides providers in tech adoption
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates has released “VGM Playbook: Technology-Driven Strategies and Resources” to help its members harness the power of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to drive smarter operations, better care and long-term growth. The playbook, the third this year, explores how innovation is reshaping the DMEPOS landscape – from streamlining operations to enhancing patient care to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. “Technology is no longer just a tool – it's an essential strategic advantage,” said Mandi Rodgers, vice president of marketing at VGM & Associates. “From AI-powered systems to automation and digital platforms, this playbook is designed to equip our members with the insights and inspiration they need to solve what’s next – for both patients and providers.” The playbook features expert insights on internal benchmarking, emerging tech trends and practical strategies for applying innovation in real-world business settings. Additionally, it includes a curated index of VGM vendor partners offering tech solutions tailored to the industry. Members can download their copy here.
ATLAS hires Chenna Strange to boost RCM strategies
LAS VEGAS – ATLAS Technology has added Chenna Strange to its team to enhance revenue cycle management (RCM) strategies, ensuring that subscribers maximize the value of the company's solutions. ATLAS says Strange brings a wealth of experience in RCM, subscriber engagement and workflow improvement for both complex rehab technology (CRT) and home medical equipment (HME) operations. “We are thrilled to welcome Chenna to the ATLAS family,” said Bill Paul, CEO. “Her unique ability to bridge technology with operational excellence will help our subscribers gain even more from their partnership with ATLAS.” In this role, Strange will collaborate with subscriber organizations, working to refine processes, identify opportunities for workflow efficiency and drive results that directly impact bottom-line performance. ATLAS also recently joined forces with RxWeb (formerly Rehab Accelerate), a front-end documentation and ATP rehab platform, to deliver future-forward solutions for CRT providers, the companies say.
HIDA recognizes Ken Spett of Graham-Field
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) has announced that Ken Spett, CEO of Graham-Field, will receive the 2025 John F. Sasen Leadership Award. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment and service to the health care products distribution industry and HIDA, the association says. “Ken leads with both strategy and heart,” said HIDA President & CEO Matthew J. Rowan. “His transformative tenure at Graham-Field has helped shape the company into a respected force in medical products. His influence reaches far beyond corporate walls, as a dedicated leader in industry organizations and public service. Ken's legacy is one of mentorship, excellence and service to others.” Spett has served on the HIDA Educational Foundation (HEF) board of directors since 2018 and has held the role of treasurer since 2022. He is also a member of the Healthcare Manufacturers Network (HMN) and Professional Women in Healthcare (PWH), reflecting his commitment to collaboration and innovation across the health care sector. Spett has been the CEO of Graham-Field since May 2011. He also serves on the company’s board of directors.
ISS announces online event for seating and mobility professionals
PITTSBURGH – The International Seating Symposium (ISS) will host a Virtual Professional Summit (VPS) on Jan. 28 and Feb. 25. “The ISS:VPS will feature presentations by rising stars and industry veterans alike, sharing their expertise in seating and mobility,” organizers said. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits (CEUs). The fully online event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST on both days. Each day will feature a different lineup of presentations with breaks for social discussions, as well as product demonstrations by industry partners. Organizers say more information will be available soon. ISS is also offering on-demand content from its 39th ISS in March to registrants of that event. Additionally, the organization is partnering with Abilities Expo to bring education to its events in Los Angeles, New York and Miami in 2026.
Acelleron celebrates sales tax exemption for breast pumps
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - Acelleron celebrates the passage of LD 145, which establishes a sales and use tax exemption for breast pumps and other essential home medical equipment in Maine. The legislation is now part of the state budget. By removing the sales tax burden, the state affirms that devices such as breast pumps are not luxury items, but essential tools for infant nutrition and family health, the company says. “This achievement is the result of years of dedicated advocacy,” said Jason Canzano, managing director of Acelleron and board member of the Home Medical Equipment & Services Association of New England (HOMES). “HOMES has worked tirelessly for approximately three years to advance this initiative, and it is gratifying to see it successfully incorporated into the state budget. Bringing this measure to the finish line is a meaningful step for Maine families and for the DME community as a whole.” Acelleron says it worked alongside key partners to champion this legislation and is thrilled to see this impactful policy enacted. The company says the policy change is expected to improve affordability for patients and reduce administrative complexity for providers across Maine. Aeroflow also applauds the passage of the bill.
University, Viemed open new center to draw RTs to field
EUNICE, La. - Louisiana State University Eunice and Viemed Healthcare held a dedication ceremony recently for the newly named Viemed Respiratory Care Laboratory inside the Health Technology Building on campus. Lafeyette, La.-based Viemed invested $100,000 to renovate and upgrade equipment, including a new medical air-gas system. “At Viemed, our mission has always been to improve the quality of life for patients through exceptional respiratory care,” said Casey Hoyt, CEO of Viemed. “Partnering with LSUE to support the next generation of respiratory therapists ensures this mission continues well into the future. With LSUE’s investment in state-of-the-art equipment and training resources, we are proud to help provide students with hands-on, real-world experiences that will prepare them to serve on the frontlines of healthcare in our communities.” The university says the new lab will help to draw more students into respiratory therapy. It says there are about 8,800 openings for RTs expected each year on average. “This is another great example of partnering with local businesses to provide more opportunities for our LSU Eunice students,” LSU Eunice Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson said. “Our goal is to provide best-in-class facilities and training for our students to become the next workforce leaders of our area.”
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