ELYRIA, Ohio – Invacare reported net sales of $218.4 million in the first quarter, a 2.2% decrease compared to the same period last year.

It reported $87 million in net sales for North America, specifically, about a 1% increase, driven by increased respiratory and mobility and seating product sales.

The company saw a 4% increase in mobility and seating product sales, driven by a 16% increase in power wheelchairs and offset by a decline in manual mobility product sales. 

Gross profit was $63 million for the first quarter this year vs. $61.5 million for the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA was $5.9 million vs. $1.5 million. 

"We entered 2020 intending to build on our previous transformation progress and I am pleased to report good results in the quarter, demonstrated by strong financial performance across all business segments,” said Matthew Monaghan, chairman, president and CEO. “Our continued transformational initiatives drove measurable progress, including significantly improved profitability, as adjusted EBITDA more than tripled compared to the prior year. This was driven by expanded gross profit as we focused on a more profitable sales mix, improving material and freight costs, and reduced SG&A expenses driven by operational efficiencies.”

Option Care Health sees ‘robust’ growth

BANNOCKBURN, Ill. – Option Care Health reported net revenue of $705.4 million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of 48% compared to the same quarter in 2019.

Gross profit was $158 million or 22.4% of net revenue, an increase of nearly 61% compared to one year ago, and net loss was $19.9 million or 11 cents per share. Adjusted EBITDA was $40.2 million.

“We are very pleased with the strong financial results generated in the first quarter, including robust revenue growth and solid cash flow generation,” said CEO John Rademacher. “More importantly, as the COVID-19 pandemic arose in the latter part of the first quarter, I could not be prouder of how the team of more than 5,000 professionals that comprises Option Care Heath continue to rise to the challenge to combat the coronavirus.”

In March, the provider created a command central to focus on a collaborative and coordinated response to, among other things, ensure the health and safety of employees and maintain continuity of care for patients.

Option Care Health in April received approximately $11.7 million from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. With the extent that those funds offset the negative impact of the COIVD-19 pandemic undetermined, the company is unable to maintain previously communicated guidance for 2020.

Viemed report increases in first quarter

LAFAYETTE, La. – Viemed Healthcare reported net revenue of $23.8 million for the first quarter of 2020 and net income of $4.2 million, an increase of 31% and 117%, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2019.

The company saw its active vent count grow by 25%, compared to the same quarter one year ago.

“We believe the first four months of the year have demonstrated how important the Viemed mission is to the future of our country’s healthcare system,” said Casey Hoyt, CEO. “Our clinicians have come through to share their expertise with others to assist with COVID-19 solutions. In addition, we have established long-term relationships with hospitals and physicians that we expect will only be strengthened in the future as we continue to do our part in supplying ventilators and keeping hospital beds free for the patients who have become ill with the coronavirus.”

The company expects to generate net revenue of $42 million to $44 million during the second quarter of 2020, including approximately $20 million of sales related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

AAHomecare urges Medicaid to ensure access

WASHINGTON – AAHomecare is asking CMS to ensure state Medicaid program do not engage in cost-cutting measures that will access patient access to DME.

In a letter sent to the Deputy Administrator for Medicaid & CHIP Services, the association urges the agency to make sure that the financial pressures and health risks experienced by HME providers in ensuring patients have adequate access to medical services and items during the COVID-19 pandemic are taken into account in assessing any proposed rate cuts. AAHomecare also encourages the agency to issue a letter to state Medicaid directors affirming the continued applicability of medical access monitoring review plan requirements during the COVID-19 emergency.

Oklahoma Medicaid is planning to implement rate cuts July 1; Medi-Cal in California has recently implemented rate cuts and is looking to recoup money to new rates back to Jan. 1, 2019.

Register now for Heartland at Home

WATERLOO, Iowa – Registration is open for VGM”s virtual Heartland at Home Conference. The event takes place June 15 through July 10 and will feature five tracks covering billing and reimbursement, business operations and leadership, respiratory, rehab and accessibility. One day each week will feature a session from the five tracks. Speical sessions include a keynote address, “HME in the Post-Pandemic Era: Analysis & Commentary,” from Mark Higley, VGM’s vice president of regulatory affairs and Ronda Buhrmester, senior director of payer relations and reimbursement. “Although we needed to shift to a virtual learning experience, we’re excited that the same industry thought leaders we count on will still be sharing their expertise but from a safe distance,” said Jill Blaser, design and development manager with VGM Education and Heartland education chair. “We’re also happy to share that many of the sessions offer valuable contact hours or CEUs.” *Registration is free to VGM members. Stay up to date on all Heartland At Home developments by following VGM Heartland Conference on Facebook and vgmheartland.com/agenda

Tomorrow Health launches online medical equipment store

NEW YORK  – Tomorrow Health has launched a home-based care platform with more than 40,000 home medical products, including respiratory, mobility, wound care, urologicals and nutritional products, and two-day delivery. “At a time when keeping patients healthy at home has become mission-critical, we aim to serve as a partner and advocate for millions of Americans in need of home-based healthcare,” said Vijay Kedar, co-founder and CEO. The company works with Medicare and more than 100 private insurers. 

Medtronic offers pandemic assistance

DUBLIN – Medtronic has expanded its Medtronic Assurance program for U.S. customers who lose their jobs and health insurance due to COVID-19. Current eligible customers can receive a three-month supply of sensors, infusion sets and reservoirs at no cost. “Knowing that concerns around continuity of therapy are at the very top of mind for people living with diabetes, Medtronic wants to ensure during this stressful and challenging time that we can be there for our customers when they need it most,” said Sean Salmon, president of the Diabetes Group at Medtronic. The Medtronic Assurance program also has options that include flexible payment plans, payment deferrals for job loss or furlough and financial assistance for low-income families or those impacted by health care costs. To learn more: www.medtronicdiabetes.com/assurance or call 800-646-4633.

AdvaMed launches online platform

WASHINGTON – The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) has launched a new platform, www.ventconnect.org, to connect ventilator companies with component suppliers to help scale production and distribution. The platform was developed pro bono with the Aerospace Industries Association, Google and other partners. AdvaMed is a medical technology association representing more than 400 companies. “The medical technology industry is stepping up to meet the unprecedented demand from hospitals and patients across the country for ventilators,” said Scott Whitaker, AdvaMed president and CEO. “Our companies have added shifts, started new production lines, and hired new workers so that soon our capacity will be tenfold what it was before the pandemic. But to keep producing these life-saving devices, our member companies need a steady stream of key components from beyond the normal supply chain, and that’s where this new online platform developed with the AIA and Google will be of tremendous value.” 

NSC waives certain supplier standards

WASHINGTON – The National Suppliers Clearinghouse has waived supplier standards on location access and hours of operation, accruing to AAHomecare, which has been working with CMS on alleviating some standards during the COVID-19 pandemic. NSC has   waived: physical location access (standard No. 7), requirement for primary business telephone (standard No. 9), and minimum hours of operation (standard No. 30). In addition, revalidation visits have been suspended.

CareCentrix acquires Turn-Key Health

HARTFORD, Conn. – CareCentrix has acquired Turn-Key Health, a community-based palliative care company serving health plans, hospitals and physicians. Its proprietary Palliative Illness Management program (PIM) will be fully integrated into the CareCentrix platform. “Health plans and patients are looking for home-based palliative care that honors the hard choices that patients and families need to make as well as gives them the opportunity to remain at home,” said CareCentrix CEO John Driscoll. “The acquisition of Turn-Key is the next step in CareCentrix’s commitment to provide more home-based services for all patients as delivering care at home becomes the new norm.” CareCentrix has partnered with Turn-Key for the past year. PIM will allow CareCentrix to identify patients who could benefit from palliative care, by using data analytics and artificial intelligence.

NSM expands Colorado presence

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility has acquired the complex rehab division of Hartman Medical Equipment in Grand Junction, Colo., increasing its service area in Colorado’s Western Slope. “NSM remains committed to offering mobility and accessibility services nationwide,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. “We look forward to serving individuals in the Grand Junction area.” Hartman Brother, owned by Kirk and Jay Hartman, is a full-service DME provider with multiple locations. The rehab team from Hartman, led by ATP Brian Severson, will join NSM following the acquisition. 

Vertess makes new hire

FORT WORTH, Texas – Vertess has added Matt Moebius to its business development team. Moebius brings a long history of HME experience in all aspects of the business from sales and operations to logistics and business development. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Vertess has seen continued M&A activity. “Although the M&A markets have been a bit choppy, we still see great prospects for 2020," noted Bradley Smith, VERTESS Managing Director/Partner. "We are excited to expand our team and, thereby, our reach to the healthcare community.” Vertess was recently ranked No. 5 on Axial’s Top 20 Lower Middle Market Investment Banks list.

Commercial payers update guidelines

WASHINGTON – AAHomecare has updated its Third-Party Payer and MCO Tracking resource to include recent updates from several payers. Aetna has updated its home oxygen policy guidelines to state that requirements for qualifying Pa02 laboratory test values for home oxygen will be waived for COVID-19 infected persons. Anthem has waived prior authorization requirements in 13 states for home respiratory equipment including oxygen supplies, CPAP and ventilators, along with the requirement for authorization to exceed quantity limits on gloves and masks. CareCentrix has updated its guidance on several requirements, including order delivery, quantity changes and face-toface requirements. AAHomecare reminds suppliers that the resource is for summary and comparison purposes only and says to check with payers to confirm this information.

AUSTIN, Texas – National Seating & Mobility and Operation FINALLY HOME have partnered to provide a new wheelchair ramp for Ray Marin, who served in the U.S. Marines for six years during the Vietnam War.

After open-heart surgery, a stroke and a battle with cancer, Operation FINALLY HOME provided home modifications to support his needs.

“NSM is committed to breaking down barriers to support independence for all who deserve to live life without limitations,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. “We are honored to work with Operation FINALLY HOME to provide home solutions for our country’s veterans, including this deserving Marine and his family.”

NSM collaborated with National Ramp on the donation and the installation of the ramp.

“NSM responded so quickly and the new ramp looks like it was made for our back-door threshold,” Marin said. “Lucy and I can now go to our backyard to be in the sunshine, walk our dogs and enjoy our waterfall.”

Operation FINALLY HOME is a nonprofit that provides homes and home modifications to America’s military heroes and widows. For additional information or to apply for consideration for a home or home modification, please visit operationfinallyhome.org/apply.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility is committed to “Serving Safely” as it kicks off National Safety Month. The company prioritizes the health and safety of its clients and incorporates additional guidance into existing protocols that are part of its Joint Commission accreditation. “In this time of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to reinforce our commitment so those we serve can have full confidence in the industry,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. NSM backs its safety with an operational checklist of best practices, alternate service options and new technologies. The company is introducing a “Serving Safely” seal and launch kits, including internal and external signage, informational posters and vehicle magnets. Additional marketing resources will be distributed to NSM branches nationwide.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - National Seating & Mobility has acquired Active Mobility Products in Kelowna, B.C., strengthening its presence in the Interior Region of British Columbia in the Okanagan Valley.

Active Mobility was formerly owned and operated by Dino Padula, an adaptive seating and mobility specialist with more than 20 years of complex rehab technology experience. Padula will transition to the NSM team post-acquisition.

The Kelowna branch will be the first location outside of the U.S. branded as NSM. Over the next several months, two other NSM-owned companies in British Columbia, Advanced Mobility Products and SelfCare Home Health Products, will also rebrand as NSM.

NSM entered the Canadian market in early 2019 when it acquired SelfCare Home Health Products. A few months later, it also acquired Advanced Mobility Products.

Nashville, Tenn.-based National Seating & Mobility has been recognized as a 2020 Top Workplaces winner by The Tennessean. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by Energage. “NSM is honored to be named a Middle Tennessee Top Workplace again this year,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. “Our mission-centered culture of leadership is foundational to who we are as a company. This has been vitally important in recent months as our company, industry and country have faced a global pandemic. Although it has been challenging for us all, I have been proud to witness our team members come together in incredible ways to support each other and the individuals we serve”…Asheville, N.C.-based Aeroflow Healthcare has donated $10,000 to the Junior League of Charleston Diaper Bank. The donation will help to fund needed diapers and supplies for distribution to children and families in Charleston, S.C., and surrounding areas. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in early March, the Junior League of Charleston has distributed more than 60,750 diapers to families in the area, impacting 1,270 children and their families…Bill Leonard, the former director of e-commerce at Cardinal Health, has been named vice president of business development at Shoplet.com. “His vast experience will further guide us to make additional investments and expansions within the medical supply category,” said Tony Ellison, CEO of Shoplet. Leonard has more than 25 years of experience in home care medical supplies, building a track record of creating differentiated solutions and value-add strategies.

NASHVILLE – National Seating & Mobility has officially rebranded its service offerings as NSM360: Complete Mobility Solutions to better reflect the company’s full scope of mobility, home and vehicle accessibility and service and repair solutions. “For more than 25 years we have been known as the wheelchair experts,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. “However, we know mobility goes beyond the chair. NSM360 represents the full suite of solutions we provide to meet our client’s mobility needs, from simple to complex.” The company first announced the new branding at a symposium in February.

WASHINGTON – Starting Aug. 3, auditors will restart their audit functions, according to a recently published FAQ from CMS.

If selected for review, HME providers should discuss with their contractor any COVID-19-related hardships they are experiencing that could affect audit response timeliness, states the guidance.

CMS says all reviews will be conducted in accordance with statutory and regulatory provisions, as well as related billing and coding requirements. Waivers and flexibilities in place at the time of the dates of service of any claims potentially selected for review will also be applied.

Although claims billed during the public health emergency will be subject to audits, CMS will not be enforcing the signature requirement on proof of delivery for dates of service within the PHE, which is expected to be extended past its current July 25 end date.

CMS is also reinstating prior authorizations for DMEPOS.

For power mobility devices and pressure reducing support surfaces that require prior authorization as a condition of payment, claims with an initial date of service on or after Aug. 3, 2020, must be associated with an affirmative prior authorization decision to be eligible for payment.

Anthem declines to rescind rate cuts

WASHINGTON – Anthem does not plan to rescind rate reductions of 11% to 60% for HME, AAHomecare reports.

The payer and its subsidiary, Amerigroup, implemented the cuts for its commercial and government plans in the 22 states it serves.

AAHomecare had asked Anthem to delay the cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic, making a direct appeal to President and CEO Gail Boudreaux that included the results of a supplier survey about the impact of the pandemic.

In a June 30 response, Anthem Vice President Leah Timmerman states that the cuts better align the insurer’s rates to Medicare and state and local DME market dynamics.

Anthem "took into account feedback from participating providers to help ensure we had a third-party perspective on these rate adjustments,” she said. “These rate adjustments were planned over six months ago and contractual notices alerting our DME partners of these rate adjustments were sent out well before the COVID-19 health crisis.”

AAHomecare’s payer relations team plans to provide additional analysis on how Anthem’s cuts do not reflect the current DME market and have great potential to impact patient access to quality care, especially in light of rate increases and other relief CMS and other payers have put into to place in response to the pandemic.

North Carolina rate protects DME

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on July 2 signed Bill 808, including a provision creating a rate floor for durable medical equipment.

The bill, a year in the making by groups like ACMESA and AAHomecare, prohibits managed care organizations from setting rates below the state’s Medicaid fee-for-service rates for DME.

“ACMESA's strong relationship with AAHomecare enabled us to learn from the problems experienced in other states as they rolled out their MCO programs,” said Craig Rae, ACMESA president. “We were then able to act proactively to secure legislation that will protect beneficiary access to home medical equipment. Hats off to our members that took the time to contact their elected officials, and to meet with them in Raleigh to discuss the importance and impact of this legislation.”

The provision will remain in place for at least the first three years of the state’s new Medicaid managed care program, which is set to start July 1, 2021.

The provision in the bill states specifically: “For the first three years of the initial standard benefit plan prepaid health plan capitated contracts required until Article 4 of Chapter 108D of the general statues, the rate floor for durable medical equipment under managed care shall be set at 100% of the Medicaid fee-for-service rates for durable medical equipment.”

ACMESA began working on this issue in 2019 to ensure providers were fairly reimbursed once the managed care program was launched. The group worked with a lobbyist to amplify its message in the state capitol.

NSM strengthens presence in British Columbia

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility has acquired PG Surg Med, a regional mobility provider with locations in Prince George, Kelowna, Kamloops and Vernon, British Columbia.

It’s NSM’s third acquisition in British Columbia, but its first entry into the Northern Region of the province.

“The acquisition positions NSM as the largest provider of mobility solutions in British Columbia,” the company stated in a press release.

PG Surg Med is owned and operated by brother and sister Russell and Sandy Pratt, who will remain in leadership roles at NSM following the acquisition.

In June, NSM acquired Active Mobility Products in Kelowna.

In early 2019, it first entered the Canadian market when it acquired SelfCare Home Health Products in Vancouver and Advanced Mobility Products in Burnaby.

When it bought Active Mobility Products, NSM announced plans to brand the three companies under its name.

… rebrands

NSM has officially rebranded its service offerings as NSM360: Complete Mobility Solutions to better reflect the company’s full scope of mobility, home and vehicle accessibility and service and repair solutions. “For more than 25 years we have been known as the wheelchair experts,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. “However, we know mobility goes beyond the chair. NSM360 represents the full suite of solutions we provide to meet our client’s mobility needs, from simple to complex.” The company first announced the new branding at a symposium in February.

Protech: We’re ‘solid’

CINCINNATI – Demand for respiratory equipment is increasing, and demand for CPAP and other supplies remains strong, Protech Home Medical says in a July 7 corporate update. The provider says as certain U.S. states see spikes in COVID-19 cases, it has taken the necessary steps to plan, prepare and respond to a second wave. “The company’s supply chain for critical equipment remains solid and we are comfortable with our current levels of inventory,” it stated. “However, as we feel appropriate, we will opportunistically build inventory to meet the increases in demand, particularly for vents and oxygen equipment.” Protech, which recently closed on a $31.8 million offering, also says it’s focused on a corporate strategy that incorporates technology, organic growth and strategic acquisitions. “Following the closing of the recent financing, the company has cash to continue to pursue additional accretive acquisitions that are designed to build scale, within markets currently served and new markets,” it stated.

Philips Respironics launches Mask Selector

MURRYSVILLE, Pa. – Philips Respironics has officially launched its Philips Respironics Mask Selector, a 3D facial scanning solution that helps HME providers find the best mask fit for their patients. Each scan captures 150 frames and 15 million points of facial geography data. Philips’ proprietary algorithm can then identify the 46,200 data points most critical to provide an accurate and precise mask recommendation. “This data-driven solution can not only help DMEs and sleep labs operate more efficiently by reducing the burden and expense of a potentially lengthy mask fitting process, but also help to improve patient compliance by delivering a personalized mask specific to the individual needs of the patient,” Mark D’Angelo, sleep OSA business leader. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Philips is also offering a 2D version of the mask selector that can be used in the patient’s home that uses the same proprietary algorithm as the advanced 3D solution. Philips worked closely with providers to setup operations for the 2D offering at no added cost to help support their sleep business in a safe and effective way amid pandemic-driven challenges. This alternative self-scan solution simplifies the remote sizing process, sharing standard mask recommendations in moments and making them available to the DME for review, validation and fulfillment

GWCC earns certification

ATLANTA – The Georgia World Congress Center, home to Medtrade, has become the first convention center in the U.S. to earn the Global BioRisk Advisory Council’s STAR Accreditation for facility preparedness. This certifies that the facility has established cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques and work practices to minimize he risk of COVID-19 and other infection diseases. This year’s Medtrade show takes place Nov. 2-4 at the GWCC. Register here.

Oswald’s Pharmacy to offer antibody testing

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Oswald’s Pharmacy will begin offering COVID-19 antibody testing. The 145-year-old family owned pharmacy will have phlebotomists onsite with 78 appointments available during the week; patients will receive results in 15 minutes. “These antibody tests are a great way to confirm whether or not you’ve been exposed to the virus,” said Alex Anderson, manager and sixth generation family member. “We’d like to think that once again, we’re doing all we can to keep our community educated and safe.” The pharmacy also offers home delivery, and has increased its online shopping for customer convenience and safety.

Grau moves up at MK Battery

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Wayne Grau has been named director of business development for MK Battery. Grau, who joined the company in December, has extensive industry experience, holding leadership roles in sales management, legislative affairs and trade relations. “Mr. Grau has brought a focused determination to drive more value to our customers and open up additional opportunities for our organization,” said Wayne Merdinger, president.

Sunrise launches group website

FRESNO, Calif. – Sunrise Medical has launched a new group website, www.sunrisemedical-group.com, to provide a “digital window” into the company’s presence globally. Sunrise Medical has more than 2,200 associates working in 18 countries, and distributes products in more than 130 countries. “Here we will communicate our company’s story and global reach, while highlighting our company’s passion, values, innovation and our mission to Improve People’s Lives,” Sunrise Medical stated. “Lastly, it will showcase the breadth of our products and brands in the Sunrise Medical portfolio globally.” The new group website will be accessible from all of Sunrise Medical’s local websites and vice versa, helping to provide a centralized communication platform for more timely and efficient updates and news.

People news: Dario, Quality Biomedical

New York-based DarioHealth Corp. has appointed veteran health plan executive Dennis A. Matheis to its board of directors. Matheis currently serves as president of Optima Health, a division of Sentara Healthcare, which has more than 850,000 members and a network of more than 26,000 providers. "His insights and guidance will prove invaluable as we continue our transition to a business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) enterprise serving people suffering from chronic diseases through direct relationships with health plans, large employers and benefits administrators,” said Erez Raphael, Dario’s CEO. “With the addition of Dennis, I believe we now have the leadership team and Board to fully support our vision for Dario." Prior to joining Optima Health, Matheis spent 13 years at Anthem, Inc., including as president of Anthem's Central Region and Exchanges, encompassing six states and representing $12 billion in annual revenue. He previously served in senior leadership roles at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri, CIGNA Healthcare and Humana Health Plan, as well as Advocate Health Care in Chicago…Boulder, Colo.-based Quality Biomedical has named Ken Probst manager, corporate quality assurance. Probst is a Six-Sigma Black Belt certified quality expert who has spent his career in the high tech industry delivering quality management systems for services operations involving smartphones, laptops, set-top boxes and other mission-critical equipment. He has previously worked at NCR, Seagate Technology, Hewlett Packard, Teleplan and Flextronics.

Provider relief updates: PPP, Medicaid

President Trump has extended the deadline for small businesses to apply for a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program to Aug. 8. The original deadline was June 30, but as of that date, there was $130 billion still available in funding. On July 4, President Trump signed a bill that would extend the deadline to Aug. 8. “Any business that meets the qualifications for the program but has not yet applied now gets a second chance at the popular program,” VGM Government Relations stated in a bulletin…New guidance added to the Provider Relief Fund FAQs confirms that the Department of Health and Human Services is aware of a policy that penalizes Medicaid-focused providers who also serve Medicare beneficiaries, AAHomecare reports. The guidance states in the answer of one question, “Providers that are not eligible for this distribution may be eligible for future allocation of the Provider Relief Fund.” “While the new info falls short of guaranteeing measures that will provide relief for Medicaid-focused providers, the acknowledgement of the issue by HHS is a promising development,” AAHomecare states.

Rehab Medical launches app for customers

INDIANAPOLIS – Rehab Medical has launched a new customer-centric app, myRehabMedical, to provide solutions to each customer’s mobility needs. The app, available on both Apple and Android devices, provides customers with instant access to order updates, service requests, contact information, live chats and product tutorials. “Rehab Medical has a mission to improve and one way we intend to accomplish this is through innovation and the use of technology,” said Kevin Gearheart, president. “This app provides our patients with a number of tools and options that will make the patient experience second to none.” In the coming months, Rehab Medical will roll out additional features for the app, including virtual service support and mobility focused content. The app is HIPAA compliant, requiring multi-factor identification to protect customer information.

Philips ranks for innovation

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Royal Philips has earned a place on Boston Consulting Group’s “The Most Innovative Companies 2020,” moving up six spots to No. 23 in this year’s rankings. Philips also ranks as the most innovative medtech company. The ranking is based on a survey of 2,500 global innovation executives on global “mindshare,” industry peer review, industry disruption and three-year total shareholder return. Philips is recognized for its significant investment in research and development on everything from artificial intelligence to machine learning to virtual reality to improve health care. “Innovation has been a Philips cornerstone since our inception nearly 130 years ago and has never been more important than in today’s health care environment,” said Joseph Frassica, head of Philips Research Americas and chief medical officer for Philips North America. In addition to being included on BCG’s “The Most Innovative Companies of 2020” ranking, Philips was included in Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Diversity in 2020.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility will partner with regional telehealth providers Blue Sky Therapy, Lightning Mobility Evaluations and Spero Rehab to boost its complex rehab offerings nationwide. “NSM is working to set industry standards for CRT provision via remote evaluation with telehealth partners,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. “Partnering with regional telehealth experts helps us ensure our clients across the country have coverage and access to this essential service. These partners also allow us to support our existing referral sources in facilities currently challenged by the impact of COVID-19.” CMS has allowed PTs and OTs to conduct telehealth services during the public health emergency and added a code for “wheelchair management” to the list of approved codes for those services.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - National Seating & Mobility has acquired Austin, Texas-based Travis Medical, in a deal that includes 27 locations in 23 markets across the Pacific Northwest, Texas, Oklahoma and Florida.  

Eleven of those markets are new to NSM.  

“As the third largest company in the industry, Travis Medical has an outstanding reputation and proven history as a passionate provider of medical equipment,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. “The scale and efficiencies created through this purchase, as well as the combination of our business segments, allows us to further strengthen our commitment to the communities we serve.”  

More than 270 employees at Travis Medical will join the NSM team to continue to serve clients in these markets.  

Chris Yule, CEO of Travis Medical, will join the NSM executive team as senior vice president of payer relations and government affairs.  

“As a successful and experienced provider in the CRT space, we have had a lot of interest from prospective buyers in recent years,” he said. “Because our culture and client focus are foundational to our business, it was imperative that we choose a partner that aligns with our culture, our values and our vision for the future. NSM checked all the boxes.”  

Spiro Health acquires The Medical Store  

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – Spiro Health has acquired The Medical Store, giving it a footprint across all six New England states, as well as the District of Columbia and Virginia.  

The 37-year-old The Medical Store offers a full range of home medical equipment and supplies.  

“We couldn’t be more excited about joining Spiro under the outstanding management team that Gary, Jack and Mark have put together,” said Chris Henry, president of The Medical Store. “The opportunity to increase scale and access leading technology solutions will allow us to dramatically improve the level of service we provide to our customers and referral sources. This partnership will ensure that Vermonters will continue to have a local, quality choice when it comes to their home medical equipment needs for years to come.”   

Spiro Health formed earlier this year to merge America’s HealthCare at Home, Cape Medical Supply and Health Complex Medical.  

“Spiro Health is pleased to welcome Chris and his team onto our platform, and we are thrilled to get to work expanding our reach in northern New England,” said Gary Sheehan, CEO of Spiro Health. “Chris brings a strong history of growth and success to Spiro and he will be instrumental in our successes not just in Vermont, but across our entire operating footprint. We look forward to welcoming additional innovative companies into the Spiro family and are excited to work with leadership teams who share our focus on service, growth and a culture of success."  

Rehab Medical establishes presence in Texas  

INDIANAPOLIS – Rehab Medical has expanded into Texas with its acquisition of San Antonio-based Wheelchairs Plus. Formed in 1982, Wheelchairs Plus is a complex rehab company that offers custom rehabilitation equipment, home medical equipment and disposable medical supplies. “Rehab Medical is very excited about this opportunity to expand into the great state of Texas,” said Rehab Medical President Kevin Gearheart. “Wheelchairs Plus has a good history of taking care of patients in San Antonio and we are proud to be able to build on the foundation they currently have in place. This is another opportunity to improve lives for Rehab Medical.” Earlier this year, Rehab Medical acquired Mobility Specialists in Winterhaven, Fla. 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility launched its SAFE program to help health insurers and home health agencies keep patients in their homes safely, addressing one of the biggest social determinants of health. 

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that by 2030, there will be 73 million people over 65 years old and, within that population, there will be 52 million falls, with each fall costing an average of $30,000, points out Bill Mixon, CEO for NSM.  

“We’ve been in the home access business for five years now, so we decided to create a solution around falls mitigation,” he said. “We can’t prevent falls, but we can mitigate falls.” 

NSM’s Solutions for Accessible & Functional Environments program includes a clinical care team to provide a turnkey solution for clients, from accessing risks in and around the home to installing needed equipment to create a more accessible and functional environment. 

The SAFE program is an extension of NSM360, a recently launched solution that gives clients access to customized wheelchairs, an enhanced service and repair department, and an expanded accessibility division, says Isaac Rodriquez, senior vice president of strategic development for NSM. 

“But if we were to present NSM360 to an external customer like a health plan, they’d think about it as, you’re offering us products,” he said. “SAFE zeroes in on services and the specific problem of ensuring safety in the home environment.” 

NSM believes the scale and scope of the SAFE program (the company has 30 locations providing home access products and services nationwide) and the emphasis on credentials (the program’s team members are all certified environmental access consultants) will resonate with health insurers and HHAs.  

“If someone is worried that mom is going to fall, they’re going to call Chuck in a truck and see if he can come over to install a ramp,” Rodriguez said. “He might not have the right certifications.” 

NSM believes the SAFE program resonates, particularly, in the time of COVID-19. 

“The trend to the home has been happening for several years now, due to the cost of the acute-care environment and people’s desire to be in their homes,” Mixon said. “As we know, COVID has dramatically accelerated that. There’s a demonstrable trend to discharge to the home, versus a step-down environment. The home is becoming more and more critical.”