May 15, 2008 - Apria Healthcare Group Inc. said this week it has signed a preferred provider agreement with Smith & Nephew to provide negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) services and products to the U.S. homecare market.
The preferred provider agreement covers the rental of Smith & Nephew's EZCARE and V1STA product systems and sale of associated disposables for the treatment of complex wounds.
A technology used to treat chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers and pressure ulcers, as well as post-operative and hard-to-heal wounds, NPWT aids in the healing of open wounds by the application of sub-atmospheric pressure. A wide range of chronic and acute conditions - including diabetes, orthopedic surgery and reconstructive surgery - may lead to wounds which require more advanced intervention than traditional wound care treatments, and home NPWT offers an alternative to more expensive sites of care.
As part of Medicare's competitive bidding program, Apria was awarded contracts to provide NPWT to beneficiaries in seven of the nine domestic markets included in the first phase. The company will also offer NPWT services throughout the U.S. to patients covered by Medicare and managed care plans.
Apria provides home infusion therapy, home respiratory therapy and home medical equipment through approximately 550 locations serving patients in all 50 states.
For more information: www.apria.com, www.coramhc.com, www.smith-nephew.com