More important work

As we were barreling toward yet another writing deadline in early September, I messaged Editor Liz to say: “It's funny, I usually pawn off new location" stories on (Contributing Writer) Tracy, but I have enjoyed the three interviews in a row I did for October, all with companies we haven't talked to before.” 

I always enjoy talking to providers, but I tend to direct these more focused stories to Tracy because they are easier (and, frankly, a little more fun) to write. That leaves me with more mental room to write about bigger picture issues and delve into the minutiae that is so often associated with stories on payer-related topics. 

The three companies in question, Roundtable Healthcare (“Roundtable is A-OK with OBX,” page 8), Avera Home Medical Equipment (“Avera Home Medical puts customers first,” page 8), and Williams Bros. Health Care (“’Reputation is everything’ at Williams Bros.,” page 8) all opened new locations in recent weeks. Two were expansions into new geographical (and underserved) territories, and the third was a relocation to better serve existing customers. 

Now that’s what I call service! 

I was actually surprised I hadn’t connected with any of these providers before: They are all active in the industry and in their communities. They are up on the issues; they follow the trends; they lobby lawmakers. They are optimistic about the future. They are my kind of people. 

The other commonality among those three providers (and the many others that we talk to each month): It’s companies like these that, to me, exemplify what the HME industry is all about. 

Our September Newspoll focused on Medicare priorities and whether a Harris/Walz or Trump/Vance administration would be better for the industry (“Industry lays out hot button issues,” page 1). As usual, as predicted and as much like everyone else in America these days, it was a fairly even split. 

But casting aside all the debates, the campaigning and the memes, the providers I spoke to for these stories, and all the stories I write, are the people who continue to serve patients, day in and day out, regardless of everything else going on in the headlines. They have far more important work to do. 

What’s your company doing? We want to know!