Anodyne Therapy Publishes Clinical Studies Anodyne Therapy, Tampa, Fla, has published two clinical studies that demonstrate restoration of protective sensation in patients with peripheral neuropathy. The first study, which appeared in the January issue of Diabetes Care, was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted at the Joslin Diabetes Center. That study demonstrated that, following twelve 45-minute treatments, patients showed a 46% improvement in sensation and a 45% reduction in pain, and 70% of patients reported improved balance. The second study, which appeared in the January/February issue of Endocrine Practice, was conducted at the Endocrine Metabolic Center. In that study, 26 out of 27 patients exhibited improvement after using a quantitative testing device called the Neurometer CPT, with 60% showing normal sensory response after ten 40-minute treatments. Preferred Therapy Introduces New Helpline, AHP agreement Preferred Therapy Providers Inc, Phoenix, has launched a new Preferred Helpline, at (800) 655-6457, which is available to contracted payors, PPOs, and health plans across the country. Callers to the line are able to work with Preferred’s client services team to address topics on legislation, claims issues, confirmation of provider participation, provider addresses, and contracting questions. In other news, Preferred signed an agreement with Accountable Health Plans (AHP) allowing providers within Preferred’s specialty network access to AHP’s PPO book of business in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Okalahoma, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. The contract should give AHP members a wider scope of specialty providers in states where Preferred’s network is strong. Currently, the Preferred network consists of more than 900 locations in 35 states, representing 2,200 physical, occupational, and speech therapists, with some 60 million members. Invacare Reports Financials Invacare Corp, Elyria, Ohio, has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2003. The company reported that earnings per share for the quarter increased 32% to $0.74, versus $0.56 last year. Net earnings for the quarter were $23.7 million, versus $17.6 million last year. Net sales for the quarter increased 22% to $343 million, versus $282 million last year. Foreign currency accounted for six percentage points of the net sales increase, while acquisitions contributed an additional six percentage points for the quarter. Results for the quarter benefited from higher net sales and an improved gross margin percentage, partially offset by higher selling, general, and administrative expense (SG&A expense), according to the company. In addition, gross margin as a percentage of net sales for the fourth quarter improved by 1.4 percentage points compared to both this year’s third quarter and last year’s fourth quarter. Increased volume, cost reduction projects, sales mix toward smaller customers, and sales mix toward higher margin product led to the increase in the gross margin percentage, said company representatives. Earnings per share for the year increased 10% to $2.25 , versus $2.05 last year. Net earnings were $71.4 million, up from $64.8 million last year. Net sales for the year increased 15% to $1.25 billion versus $1.09 billion last year. Foreign currency accounted for six percentage points of the net sales increase, while acquisitions contributed an additional three percentage points for the year. DynaVox Systems Acquires Enkidu Research DynaVox Systems, Pittsburgh, a subsidiary of Sunrise Medical Inc, has acquired Enkidu Research Inc, a company that develops AAC technologies. As a result of the deal, Enkidu’s cofounders, Gregory Lesher, MD, and Bryan Moulton, along with partner Bob Geenen, will be directors for DynaVox Systems’ research and development team. In addition, Enkidu’s research collaborator, Jeff Higginbotham, PhD, State University of New York at Buffalo, will work with DynaVox as a consultant. DynaVox will carry current Enkidu products as a separate brand under the DynaVox name. Noraxon introduces EMG tool Noraxon USA, Scottsdale, Ariz, introduced its latest surface electromyography (EMG) instrument at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in February. The new MyoSystem™ 1400A, a fixed-cable instrument, should allow clinicians, biomechanical researchers, and sports medicine professionals to perform comprehensive muscle evaluations. RehabCare group buys UCLA unit RehabCare Group Inc, St Louis, announced it has agreed to purchase the assets of the Neurologic Rehabilitation Research Unit of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center. Under the terms of the agreement, RehabCare will contract with UCLA for medical directors and ancillary services, including radiology and respiratory therapy. Together, they will develop many other inpatient and outpatient programs within the 56-bed hospital, which is planned to be named the Rehabilitation Institute of Los Angeles. Camtec Opens New Office Camtec, a maker of assisted living products, has relocated to a new office in Church Creek, Md, doubling its size with a new factory. Formerly based in Cambridge, Md, the company’s address is now: 1959 Church Creek Rd, Church Creek, MD, 21622. (800) 866-1156.
