OAKLAND, California—Blue Shield of California members now have virtual access to Ornish Lifestyle Medicine, an intensive cardiac rehab program designed to help prevent, treat and even reverse heart disease through lifestyle change.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in California and across the nation, and the expansion of this program aims to help more Californians improve their cardiac health by providing a virtual access option to a successful in-person program.

SAN DIEGO—ResMed announced the results of a study on the global burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) through 2050. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, the study found that COPD prevalence among those 25 years and older is expected to increase by 23% from 2020 to 2050, with the largest growth projected among women and within low- and middle-income countries. 
 

IOWA—On Nov. 1, Iowa Medicaid began coverage of the Firesafe Cannula Valve, making it a reimbursable item with HCPCS code E0700.

WASHINGTON—Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) adjustments for the Calendar Year 2024 DMEPOS fee schedule.

LOS ANGELES—A South Bay woman has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for billing Medicare more than $24 million by submitting fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME)—mostly power wheelchairs (PWC)—and PWC repairs, many of which were never performed, the Justice Department announced.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee—National Seating & Mobility (NSM), a North American provider of comprehensive mobility solutions, has named Crispin Teufel as chief executive officer (CEO). Chuck Bodner, who had been serving as interim CEO, will continue in his role as chief financial officer (CFO).

ESPOO, Finland—Finnish health tech company and remote patient monitoring platform provider Medixine has continued its growth by appointing two key senior personnel. The company’s ongoing expansion in the U.S. is strengthened by new VP of United States operations Josh Parkinson, who will provide enhanced support and facilitate the growth of Medixine’s U.S. customers and partners, with future plans to establish a U.S.-based subsidiary.

OMAHA, Nebraska—WorldView, a provider of health care workflow automation, and Care Coordinations, an advanced communication

DALLAS – Ultra low registration rates for Medtrade 2024 just got a little lower. The new category is called Insider and it’s an even better deal than coveted SmartSaver rates.  

With Insider Rates: 

PAWTUCKET, Rhode Island—Ageless Innovation, a global company that aims to reimagining how we positively live and age together through the power of play, announced the promotion of Meghan Gamboa to the post of chief marketing officer, as well as the hires of Celica Costantino, who will lead the company’s retail division, and Khadijah Lewis, who joins the health care team.