News Articles
- VGM Lobbies for Oxygen on World COPD Day November 15, 2007
- Yesterday, World COPD Day, the VGM Group sponsored Enough Is Enough: Shut Down the Switchboard Day. Providers were urged to join VGM associates and state associations in rallying citizens to call the U.S. Capitol switchboard.
- Open Door Forum: CMS Sets Record Straight on Accreditation Deadline for All HMEs October 15, 2007
- In the first Open Door Forum since bidding for the first round of competitive bidding officially ended, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) quashed rumors of an April 2009 deadline for all providers to be accredited.
- Contour Products Partners with HME Manufacturers October 14, 2007
- Contour Products, has partnered with McKesson, Cardinal Health, DIK Drug Co., Sammons Preston and Invacare to distribute the CPAP Sleep Aid.
- Indoor Pollution Blamed for Rise in Asthma, Complications of Respiratory Diseases October 14, 2007
- In recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency has reported that air inside homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than outdoor air. Studies estimate that people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, and so the information has led to serious health concerns, especially for children, seniors and those with chronic illnesses, such as respiratory diseases.
- New Study Links OSA to Heart Attacks, Strokes October 14, 2007
- Researchers in Brazil have found that treating patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) dramatically reduces early indications of atherosclerosis in just months, linking OSA directly to the hardening or narrowing of the arteries.
- Respironics Acquires Apollo Light Systems, Sheds Novametrix Pulse Oximetry Business October 14, 2007
- Respironics has acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Apollo Light Systems, a 20-year-old privately held company and manufacturer of light therapy systems for melatonin suppression and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. The company also sold its Novametrix pulse oximetry product line to Dixtal Medical.
- Updated GOLD Report Presents New Understandings in Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of COPD October 14, 2007
- The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) recently released new standards for the diagnosis, management and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The recommendations emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis, assessment of the disease's severity, and the need for a better understanding of co-morbidities to improve treatment.
- Medtrade Show Fuels Rumors as Industry Shifts Focus October 12, 2007
- Medtrade 2007 saw a show brimming with products, educational sessions and networking opportunities. It also was met with terse speculation of declining attendance, and carpeted spots where booths should have been led to rumors of manufacturers reducing booth sizes or pulling out of the spring show in Long Beach, Calif., altogether.
- DeVilbiss to Move Some Manufacturing Operations to China October 12, 2007
- Last week, DeVilbiss announced that it was considering the relocation of some manufacturing operations, specifically oxygen concentrators, oxygen transfilling systems, vacuum/suction pumps, as well as plastics and electronics, to a DeVilbiss-owned facility in China.
- Educational Conferences Outline Issues, Urge Action October 12, 2007
- On Tuesday, AAHomecare hosted a cocktail reception, Stand Up for Homecare. President and CEO Tyler Wilson commented in the AAHomecare Washington Update that the reception was intended to "raise the volume of our voice and make sure it's heard above the din and the other voices we're competing against."
- Inogen Expands Sales Staff October 12, 2007
- Inogen has expanded its direct sales efforts with the addition of John Wright as national sales manager, the appointment of Bob Fary as vice president of strategic alliances and the hiring of a number of business development managers throughout the United States.
- Tanner-Hobson Keynote: H.R. 1845 Has Bipartisan Support, But Needs More Provider Help October 12, 2007
- Medquip Donates '1%' to Endangered Animals September 21, 2007
- Medquip has joined 1% for the Planet, a non-profit organization that leverages resources to create a healthier planet. On Oct. 1, Medquip will begin donating 1 percent of its annual sales to the group.
- Medtrade Focus: Stay Awake with Educational Sessions on Sleep September 21, 2007
- With the shuffle over the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' reconsideration of in-home sleep testing, all eyes have been on the sleep market lately. To inform respiratory providers wanting to enter the market and to further educate those banking on sleep sales, Medtrade offers several seminars to foster growth.
- Roscoe Medical Updates Logo, Rolls Out New Respiratory Products September 21, 2007
- Roscoe Medical recently completed a brand makeover, introducing a new logo and a revision of all marketing materials. Two updated catalogs dedicated to respiratory and CPAP products are part of the new package. The new look rolls out just in time for Medtrade.
- Industry Advocates Tanner and Hobson to Speak at Show September 19, 2007
- Congressmen John Tanner, D-Tenn., and David Hobson, R-Ohio, co-sponsors of the Tanner-Hobson bill (H.R. 1845), which would amend competitive bidding to protect patient access to quality care, have been tapped to deliver the 2007 video keynote address at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2.
- START HERE September 19, 2007
- Don't miss these Medtrade show events.
- TRIP TIP: Getting Around Orlando: A Guide to Nearby Restaurants September 19, 2007
- CMS's MedCAC Weighs in on Home Sleep Testing September 14, 2007
- On Wednesday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) met with the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee (MedCAC) in Baltimore to discuss the possible amendment of the CPAP national coverage determination (NCD). According to the Federal Registry, the meeting was intended to consider the evidence on the diagnostic criteria for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Medicare beneficiaries who may be candidates for CPAP, and alternatives to facility-based polysomnography.
- Coalition to Develop Sleep Guidelines for Seniors September 14, 2007
- The International Longevity Center-USA (ILC-USA) has formed a national coalition — National Coalition for Sleep Disorders in Older People's (S-DOP) — to develop clinical guidelines on diagnosing and managing sleep disorders in older adults.
