Tyler Wilson has a plan

Tyler Wilson has just wrapped an “exciting” first year as president and CEO of the National Home Infusion Association. Wilson is a familiar name to many in the HME industry from his tenure at the helm of AAHomecare. He has spent the last 12 months getting to know NHIA's members, immersing himself in its legislative issues and repositioning NHIA as a resource for home infusion providers. Wilson spoke with HME News recently about his top priorities.

HME News: What's been at the top of your to-do list in your new role at NHIA?

Tyler Wilson: We have been immersed in a legislative initiative that is being waged on two fronts. We are trying to push the Medicare Home Infusion Site of Care Act over the finish line and we are in the final stages of legislative consideration before it would come up for a vote. At the same time, we have to fend off the imposition of the average sales price model. If we have ASP imposed without achieving the home infusion benefit under Medicare, beneficiaries are going to be in a difficult position, not to mention the industry itself.

HME: How does NHIA plan to increase outreach to build support for these and other issues?

Wilson: There are two opportunities for outreach. No. 1 is by getting the providers to engage their patients to make them aware of the issues that will adversely affect them, as well as the providers, and get them to rally and take notice. The other avenue is the association engaging the advocacy groups here in Washington. We want to elevate their understanding—that's always a challenge.

HME: How do you hope to improve the membership experience?

Wilson: We are trying to create greater value in the association itself so that members see that we are about more than just legislative and government affairs. We have some really well-versed experts on staff who have real depth of knowledge when it comes to clinical issues, reimbursement issues, legal matters. Our educational resources are critical, particularly to small and mid-sized members who really can't go out and develop those on their own.