Provider builds better wound care

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Provider Brian Pavlin was so confident there was a better way of treating pressure wounds he launched a company to develop a line of products to do just that.

Pavlin, owner of Therapy Support started the I-Heal Company in April to develop Immersion by Design, a line of products that includes fall prevention products, and mattresses and seat cushions that make patients more comfortable and prevent pressure wounds.

“We went ahead and developed these products that are less expensive but have the clinical outcomes,” said Pavlin. “There's not a lot of money in preventative care but we're seeing that we can change that paradigm of thinking.”

It's the perfect fit for Therapy Support, which focuses mainly on supplying wound care, bariatric and patient safety equipment for hospice patients.

“So many of our patients are dealing with pressure wounds because they are bedridden,” said Phaedra Craig, marketing director for Therapy Support. “It's a win-win when we can keep people comfortable, so they don't develop into a situation where the patient has to be readmitted to the hospital.”

Pavlin is preparing to publish a clinical study on the effectiveness of the product line, which he is now selling to other DME providers.

“We figured if Therapy Support benefitted, others would as well,” he said.

Therapy Support was founded in 1997 by Pavlin and his brother, Dave. It serves more than 10,000 patients through 21 branches in seven Midwestern states. In March, it acquired Town & Country Medical in Overland Park, Kan.

“Town & Country has a strong legacy in that market and our goal is to build on that legacy, improve operations and introduce new products.” said Craig.