Respironics Soon To Be Part of Philips Home Healthcare
In late December it was announced that Philips Electronics will purchase United States medical products company Respironics. The deal is reported to be worth $5.17 billion and is a move made by Philips to strengthen their home health-care business, Philips Home Healthcare Solutions.
The Board of Directors of Respironics has unanimously approved the transaction and recommends that the Respironics shareholders accept and tender their shares into the offer. Once the deal is complete in early 2008, Respironics will become the headquarters for Philips Home Healthcare Solutions group, in Pittsburgh, PA. Philips has also announced that current management will be maintained.
This recent announcement is a clear signal that Sleep Apnea treatment has gained enough exposure to move into mainstream corporate markets. We believe the blending of the Philips Electronics product innovation and Respironics knowledge will result in even better products for current and future CPAP users.
New York Times: Philips in $5.1 Billion Deal for Respironics
Murrysville Star: Sale won't change too much here
In-Home Unassisted Testing Takes a Big Step Towards Reality
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") has issued a proposal to allow at-home diagnosis of Sleep Apnea. This marks the first step for Medicare to expand coverage of CPAP therapy to individuals who have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea via an unattended home sleep monitoring.
With this proposal there is an anticipation that some form of reimbursement for in-home testing will be approved as well. CMS is also proposing that any initial coverage of CPAP therapy be limited to twelve weeks in order to ensure that the patient is responding favorably. Individuals who do not respond positively to the treatment will likely be required to participate in a traditional sleep study.
It is unclear which devices will be approved for in-home testing or what standards will be required in order to preform a proper in-home sleep test. CMS plans to issue a final national coverage determination in March 2008. The public is invited to comment here, click the orange comment button near title of the article to do so.
It is anticipated that private insurance will follow Medicare's lead and allow reimbursement for in-home testing. If you have a friend, co-worker or family member who has been reluctant to go in for a traditional sleep test there may soon be another alternative insurance will cover.
Medical News Today Article
CMS Public Comment Section
CPAPAuction Gets Bigger and Better
After only four months, CPAPAuction is closing in on $150,000 in successfully complete auctions and has over 3,500 registered members. With anywhere between 200 and 400 items for sale on CPAPAuction at any given time a CPAP user can find everything from basic CPAP accessories to advanced APAP machines.
As CPAPAuction has grown we've also added new features, such as our Top Sellers list. The Top Sellers list represents the best of the best on CPAPAuction. In order to be listed here a seller must have items listed in active auctions and their satisfaction rating must be 95% or greater from at least 5 successful auctions. This in conjunction with buyer and seller feedback have helped to create a marketplace filled with safe and reliable sellers.
If you have CPAP products to sell or are looking for a deal, CPAPAuction.com is a great place to look. Signing up is free and easy.
CPAPAuction.com: CPAP Mask and Machine Auctions
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