News
Wearables are a benefit – ‘full stop’
May 17, 2024Liz Beaulieu, Editor
YARMOUTH, Maine – Wearables like the Samsung Galaxy Watch will raise awareness of the importance of sleep on health and increase the number of people seeking CPAP therapy, according to nearly 73% of respondents to a recent HME Newspoll.
The Galaxy recently received de novo authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use to detect signs of obstructive sleep apnea.
“Information is key to decision-making,” wrote one respondent. “Many people are...
In brief: Philips sues SoClean – again, AAH re-engages lawmakers, Enos re-enters sleep market
May 17, 2024HME News Staff
PITTSBURGH – Philips has sued SoClean in a bid to get the company, whose ozone cleaners it says “attacks” the foam in its CPAP devices, to pay part of its recently announced $1.1 billion settlement.
Philips announced the settlement in April to resolve the personal injury litigation and the medical monitoring class action related to a recall of certain sleep and respiratory devices in the U.S.
“(SoClean’s) negligent and intentionally misleading...
AAH: Keep the message alive
May 16, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare is calling for stakeholders to be a “force multiplier” to the more than 140 meetings that were held on Wednesday with lawmakers and their staff on the need to extend 75/25 blended Medicare reimbursement rates in non-rural areas.
The meetings took place as part of a fly-in organized by AAHomecare and attended by nearly 60 industry leaders.
“The message is simple: Ask your senators and representatives to reach out to leadership in their...
In brief: Another cyberattack, DOJ task force on monopolies & AI use in health care
May 15, 2024HME News Staff
ST. LOUIS – Ascension Healthcare has announced it detected unusual activity on select technology systems on May 8 and now believes it is due to a cybersecurity event.
The large health system says it has engaged Mandiant, a third-party expert, to assist in the investigation and remediation process, and it has notified the appropriate authorities.
“We responded immediately, initiated our investigation and activated our remediation efforts,” a spokesperson said. “Access...
ProSomnus seeks ‘renewed foundation’
May 15, 2024HME News Staff
PLEASANTON, Calif. – ProSomnus, which makes a CPAP alternative for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, listing more than $26.3 million in assets and $52.89 million in debts.
In connection with this process, ProSomnus has secured the support of multiple key investors and lenders under a plan that is designed to deliver an aggregate of approximately $20 million of new capital into the...
DOJ targets health care monopolies, collusion
May 14, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice has formed a Task Force on Health Care Monopolies and Collusion (HCMC) within its Antitrust Division to guide its enforcement strategy and policy approach, including by facilitating advocacy, investigations and, where warranted, civil and criminal enforcement in health care markets.
“Every year, Americans spend trillions of dollars on health care, money that is increasingly being gobbled up by a small number of payers, providers and...
Ascension Healthcare assesses impact of cyberattack
May 13, 2024HME News Staff
ST. LOUIS – Ascension Healthcare has announced it detected unusual activity on select technology systems on May 8 and now believes it is due to a cybersecurity event.
The large health system says it has engaged Mandiant, a third-party expert, to assist in the investigation and remediation process, and it has notified the appropriate authorities.
“We responded immediately, initiated our investigation and activated our remediation efforts,” a spokesperson said. “Access...
AAHomecare: Fly-in can be ‘difference maker’
May 10, 2024Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON – Industry leaders are headed to Capitol Hill on May 15 to “rile up” lawmakers on the need to pass legislation extending 75/25 blended Medicare reimbursement rates in non-rural areas.
While the industry’s efforts to pass reimbursement reform have received bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, the blended rates have not been included in recent spending bills.
“We've continued to talk to House and Senate leadership in the committees,...
Ryan Wood on the ‘automation race’ in cybersecurity
May 10, 2024Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WATERLOO, Iowa – Ryan Wood, VGM Group’s new chief information security officer, believes health care companies, as a general rule, need to “assume compromise” in the wake of the Change Healthcare cyberattack.
“Without knowing the specifics of the Change Healthcare cyberattack, I think we should be leaning on building our cyber program and infrastructure for resilience, rather than being focused on backup and recovery,” said Wood, a recent guest on the...
In brief: SoCal’s new ‘powerful platform,’ Vertess’ recognition, WHILL’s growth
May 10, 2024HME News Staff
TUSTIN, Calif. – SG Homecare, a provider of HME and supplies, has acquired Western Drug Medical Supply, creating a platform to scale in Southern California.
The combined entity has more than $150 million in annual revenue and more than 500 employees.
"This is a transformative moment for both SG Homecare and Western Drug Medical Supply," said Jay Wendt, CEO, SG Homecare. "We're committed to a seamless integration, fostering a powerful platform for growth....