Q&A: MED's Howle works to 'open doors'
By Elizabeth Deprey
Updated Fri June 21, 2013
LUBBOCK, Texas - Jim Howle says his plans as The MED Group's new director of the National Rehab Network include making sure members survive the current turbulence in the HME industry. He recently spoke with HME News about how he plans to cut through the noise to do that.
HME News: What's your professional background?
Jim Howle: I was at Pride Mobility Products for 12 years, the last seven as a regional manager. My most recent experience was with a patient contact management company for the HME industry. I wanted to get back into mobility.
HME: What are your goals for the National Rehab Network?
Howle: Now more than ever, our members are so busy—it's hard to get messages through all that noise. My biggest goal is to make sure members know what I can offer. I'm working really hard to open doors for them.
HME: What does the network have to offer its members?
Howle: The hottest thing right now is payer contracts—we get access to the contracts and relationships with companies like CareCentrix and Cigna, and our membership gets to work with those partners. Another big thing is education.
HME: What issues are your members reaching out to you about?
Howle: Right now, everyone's focused on competitive bidding. It's the most important thing for the industry. You also have the separate benefit.
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