1984

The home nutrition market has exploded during recent years.

1985

This year, the sizzle is in the still-adolescent TENS market, and HomeCare drops “Rental/Sales” from its name.

1986

Hospital group Health West perfects the one-stop shop as 75 percent of all hopsitals plan to expand their home care programs.

1987

As the AIDS epidemic grows, so do home care providers' concerns about treating the disease.

1988

Physicians in home care are walking a fine line between pending government regulations and angry independent dealers.

1989

ConvaCare's employees stand behind the company's CEO and President Michael Robbins, incoming chairman of NAMES.

1990

With sales estimated at $520 milion, home IV giant Caremark Homecare topped the list of HomeCare's Top 50.

1991

Across the country, providers are busy assessing strategies for coping with tough financial times brought on by recession and Medicare cuts. Sound familiar?

1992

Supplier of the Year Advanced Home Care uses the “grandparent test.” If a piece of equipment wouldn't be good enough for his grandparents, said company President David Davis, it's not good enough for a customer.

1993

As HomeCare moves through its 15th year, the magazine continues its crusade on the opportunities in HME retail.

1994

Despite the risks, home care providers are signing capitated contracts to stay competitive.

1995

Jeremy Jones and Timothy Aiken merged home care powerhouses Homedco and Abbey Medical, forming Apria Healthcare Group, one of the biggest mergers in industry history. In June this year, Apria announced its buyout by equity investors The Blackstone Group.

1996

Faster. Better. Cheaper. These are the aims of manufacturers, distributors and suppliers as they change product distribution channels.

1997

HomeCare explores the misconceptions, the awful truths and the dire predictions about fraud and abuse.

1998

In HomeCare's 20th year, HME leaders agree consistency in industry lingo can curtail confusion and help present a united voice to Congress.

1999

Burdensome regulations are tying HME providers' hands. So what's new?