Wednesday, November 26, 2008

A controversial measure scheduled to take effect in July could dramatically change the way durable medical equipment is purchased and delivered to the nation's 16,000 nursing homes. Congressional lawmakers last week introduced legislation that would delay the planned Medicare competitive bidding program for 18 months. While the shift was initiated with an eye toward saving tax dollars, some of its current shortcomings remain unresolved, opponents claim. At risk are responsive, customized services and a possible death blow to smaller vendors, they claim. The reprieve would seem to be a good way to address some of the kinks in the current proposal. But it remains far from certain whether Congress will act in time to delay a well-intentioned but flawed initiative.

Arkray USA unveiled the Glucocard X-Meter blood glucose monitoring system at the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting. The FDA-approved product requires no coding, displays results in 5 seconds, requires only a 0.3 microliter sample size, and has a 360-count test memory with time and date stamp. The choice of palm, forearm, upper arm or fingertip testing, combined with the ability to reapply blood within 10 seconds if the first drop is too small (double dosing), makes testing simple and accommodating, according to the firm.

TheraP Deluxe Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with DK Technology uses a built-in microphone to take an accurate reading. HoMedics blood pressure monitors can be linked with Microsoft HealthVault, a Web-based platform for residents' health data.

Kimberly-Clark Professional recently introduced the first electronic bath tissue dispenser. The product automatically dispenses toilet paper when users place their hands under the dispenser. The result: enhanced restroom hygiene, reduced consumption, hassle-free performance, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the firm says.

Liko North America recently published a free five-part series of educational articles from the Safe Lifting Portal injury prevention website. The articles are designed to help healthcare professionals start and manage a safe lifting program at their facility.

DM Systems has announced the launch of a new Web site that will show how its products can assist with wound care and other clinical care. In addition to company-related information, a resource center includes streaming video, testimonials, and literature that can be downloaded as PDFs. Customers can use online forms for requesting literature and/or samples, according to the firm.

MedAssets receives Champion for Change Award MedAssets Supply Chain Systems, a MedAssets company, recently received the Practice Greenhealth Champion for Change Award in recognition of its work and commitment to healthcare and the environment. The awards were presented during CleanMed 2008, a global conference for environmental leaders in healthcare. This marked the third consecutive time the firm has been so honored, according to company officials.