Success story

HOOKSETT, N.H. - Now that it has been accredited in four specialty programs, Herron & Smith wants the world to know.

The provider, which does everything but home infusion, announced the news recently through its monthly newsletter to case managers and a blast e-mail to customers.

"We believe we're the only ones in the state to achieve this," said Tamme Dustin, Herron & Smith's director and CFO.

The provider has been accredited by The Compliance Team for basic DME, respiratory, complex rehab, and orthotics and prosthetics.

It's unusual for providers to become accredited in multiple specialty programs, says Sandra Canally, president of The Compliance Team, which also offers specialty programs in areas like diabetic supplies, enteral feeding and pharmacy.

"Usually, providers meet the basic quality standards and then they do one of the specialties," she said. "For us, it's most often O&P, then complex rehab or respiratory."

Providers don't make a big enough deal about being accredited, especially if it's for multiple specialty programs, Canally said.

"If physicians or discharge planners know that you're an exemplary provider that can cover a geographical area for everything--that's a great marketing tool," she said.

Herron & Smith has been a one-stop-shop for DME for the 25 years it has been in business, so becoming accredited in multiple specialty programs was a must, Dustin said.

"Other providers in the state have streamlined over the years, but we believe it's our diversity that has helped us get through everything that's happened in the industry," she said.