LAS VEGAS (Dec. 30, 2013)—The biannual Innovative HME Retail Product Awards honor HME products that are particularly suited for retail sale. The purpose of the competition is to promote and recognize products that contribute to providers' bottom lines though cash sales. Entries will be judged on their contribution to the quality of life enhancement they will provide to the users and how well they would work in a retail environment.

LENEXA, Kan. (Dec 31, 2013)—Mediware Information Systems, Inc. recently acquired Definitive Home Care Solutions, Ltd. (DHS). Widely known in the market by the name of its flagship software solution, CPR+, DHS serves the specialty pharmacy market, meeting its specific needs for software automation. Mediware has operated in the home infusion, HME, home health nursing and specialty pharmacy sector since 2008.

LAKE WALES, Fla. (Dec. 30, 2013)—3B/BMC, a global supplier of sleep diagnostics and sleep therapy products, announces FDA 510(k) clearance on the iVolve family of CPAP interfaces. The mask line rounds out 3B/BMC’s CPAP mask offering with a new premium, ultra lightweight, comfortable line of interfaces. The iVolve mask line has dual extra soft silicone lining for added comfort, and extremely quiet ventilation.

WASHINGTON (Dec. 31, 2013)—As families nationwide prepare for the New Year, home health leaders are strongly urging the Obama Administration to address unprecedented cuts to home health care, which were made in the Home Health Prospective Payment System (HHPPS) Final Rule, released the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Thursday, Jan. 16, 2013 3:00 p.m. EST Cost: $99 Click here to register for this webcast with Jeffrey S. Baird, Brown & Fortunato, PC. DME Providers have experienced a lot of twists and turns in the last few years. Yet, with the dust starting to settle, there's an opportunity for providers to start moving forward with confidence. But to do that, they must be purposeful in anticipating their next steps.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Dec. 18, 2013)—Numotion, formerly United Seating & Mobility and ATG Rehab, announced its acquisition of the Rehab Division of Southeastern Health Plus, Inc., a provider of orthotics and prosthetics, rehab and durable medical equipment in South Carolina.

SKILLMAN, N.J. (Jan. 2, 2014)—180 Medical, a leader in the home delivery of intermittent catheters and other medical supplies, announced that it has acquired Symbius Medical, a national home medical supply company. "Symbius and 180 Medical share a common focus on providing exceptional customer care in the home delivery of medical supplies," said Todd Brown, CEO of 180 Medical, a ConvaTec subsidiary.

ATLANTA (Dec. 30, 2013)—Another eventful year has come to a close with so many memorable moments. Distilling the biggest stories of 2013 is a function of hindsight, clicks and reader reaction. Sometimes the moments are not moments at all, but instead, new ways of thinking that begin to crystalize within the provider community. For Jackie Bolt, president of Carolina Homecare, Greenville, S.C., the biggest industry-wide happening was a shift in philosophy regarding the retail sector.

Wednesday, Jan. 8 Hoover, Ala. Embassy Suites Hotel Kick off your 2014 at the Annual Meeting of Alabama Duable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA), featuring an outstanding program, plus elections, state-of-the-association report, including news on the new O&P rules, how to handle orphaned oxygen patients and more. Visit admea.org.

As reported on McKnights.com, about a quarter of Medicare beneficiaries rely on walkers or other assistive devices, according to a new study. Women were more likely than men to use devices.