Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/59015
Rx and Specialty HME NEWS / APRIL 2012 / WWW.HMENEWS.COM Changes underway at KCI SAN ANTONIO – In the wake of its buyout last November, Kinetic Concepts Inc. (KCI) has begun to restructure. In February, KCI announced that it had laid off 127 employ- ees—mostly in its San Antonio office, according to the San Anto- nio Express-News. The layoffs UROMED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 we serve." Dorland Health publishes information on trends, challeng- es, best practices and clinical updates aimed at medical profes- sionals like nurses, case managers and social workers. Dorland Health approached UroMed because it is a leading provider in the urology field, said Anne Llewellyn, editor in chief. "Our goal with UroMed was to bring people together on issues with regard to some of the top (urological) conditions that cause readmissions, and that cause complications," said Llewellyn. "It brings issues to mind so they can think about it while they are working with that patient." UroMed identified subject mat- ter experts who could contribute the 12 articles that make up the series. Dorland took care of the rest. There's always a need for this kind of ongoing education. Man- ufacturers have traditionally offered it, but they've cut back on CEU programs in recent years, said Wells. "We saw a need in the educa- tional space for the condition that we care for," she said. "Instead of just being a company that goes to clinicians and says, 'What can you give to us?' we are trying to do something to help them." The urology health CEU pro- gram is available at www.dorland- health.com/uromed. Each article is worth two CEUs. HME AUDITORS OVERREACH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 Because the requests are semi- automated, technically, providers don't have to respond. But when they do, it proves there isn't a problem, says provider Eric Parkh- ill. He always responds to requests, and in return, he has received con- firmation letters from Connolly that it would no longer pursue the "attached claims." "Obviously what we submitted very much hit all the requirements," said Parkhill, vice president of clini- cal operations/corporate compli- ance for Home Medical Profession- als in Gainesville, Ga. HME account for about 5% of the com- pany's San Antonio workforce. "With the changing land- scape in healthcare, and with an eye toward the future, we need to match our workforce to the needs of the business and our customers," said the com- pany in a statement. In January, KCI announced a new management structure, overseen by new Board of Direc- tors Chairman Ronald Matricar- ia, a healthcare industry veteran with nearly four decades in the industry. From 1993 to 2002, he served as president and CEO and then chairman of St. Jude Medical, Inc., a cardiovascular device company, according to a statement on the company's website. Also in January, KCI announced that it was seek- ing "strategic alternatives" for its therapeutic support systems business, including possibly selling the division, which rents and sells hospital beds, mattress replacement systems, overlays and patient mobility devices. Providers 31 Then, on March 1, the com- pany said it had won a three-year contract for its negative pressure wound therapy products. KCI will serve as the single source of its V.A.C. Therapy products for Novation, a healthcare supply con- tracting company with more than 65,000 members and affiliates. KCI was acquired in Novem- ber by London-based private equity firm Apax Partners for $6.1 billion. HME Folding Wedge Starter Kit • Stack wedges and save shelf space • Merchandise bulky items neatly • Superior packaging stands out on shelf • Soft velour cover differentiates from other wedges ges Available in 3 Sizes: 7x24x24 • 10x24x24 • 12x24x24 FULL-SIZE WEDGE SAME PRICE ALL 3 SIZES www.ContourHealth.com Contour Products, Inc. 4740-A Dwight Evans Rd. Charlotte, NC 28217 C 800 MY CONTOUR • 800-692-6686 x2415 sales@contourhealth.com Contour is a registered trademark used by Contour Products, Inc. under license from Banyan Licensing L.C. ©2011. All rights reserved. KIT INCLUDES: TWO 7", TWO 10" & TWO 12" WEDGES MEDTRADE BOOTH 1149 Receive 10% off when you mention this ad OPENS TO