Tag: 2013
6-4-18 Series returns to Medtrade
November 22, 2013HME News Staff
LAS VEGAS - The 6-4-18 Series of educational sessions, which debuted at Medtrade in October, will be part of Medtrade Spring in March, show organizers have announced. Unlike at Medtrade, however, the series will be open to all attendees. “Medtrade is committed to survival and success of the HME industry,” said Kevin Gaffney, show director, in a release. “By making these important sessions open to all, we believe a large number of providers will benefit.” Topics in the series,...
Mobility notes: 101 Mobility honored, VMI sponsors MD event
October 22, 2013HME News Staff
WILMINGTON, N.C. and PHOENIX, Ariz.- Mobility providers are being recognized this week for their support of those with physical disabilities. National franchiser 101 Mobility has received Special Employer Recognition during the 2013 Disability Employment Awareness Month Awards. Kelly Mercer, a web developer and graphic designer for 101 Mobility who is hearing impaired, received an Outstanding Employee plaque during the event. “Because of Kelly, we are able to put out almost three websites a...
'Medicare be damned'
August 23, 2013John Andrews
If the time was ever right to make a clean break from Medicare, it is now, say organizers of the Medtrade educational track. The highly exclusionary competitive bidding initiative, combined with cumbersome regulations and ultra-low reimbursement levels, have conspired to make serving Medicare not viable for the HME industry.
Yet walking away from Medicare isn't the end of the world, and may indeed open doors to new business opportunities providers haven't considered before. And it will...
Necessity, not novelty
August 23, 2013Jennifer Keirn
It used to be caregivers who were online searching for a lift chair for Mom or a respiratory provider for Dad. But online demographics have changed drastically.
Sixty percent of adults 65-plus are online, and adults 50 to 65 years of age spend an average of 2.4 hours a day on Facebook. The fastest-growing demographic on Twitter—with 79% growth—is 55- to 66-year-olds.
These kinds of statistics show how critical it is for HME providers to create a robust online presence, says Jeremy...
Making connections
August 23, 2013John Andrews
Networking opportunities take many forms at Medtrade—it could be in the corridor after a seminar, a face-to-face during an industry fundraiser or at a way station in the exhibit hall. It is during these moments that attendees often take away valuable “a-ha” ideas.
Educational advisory board member Jeff Baird considers informal networking between seminars to be nearly as productive as the programs themselves.
“This is a valuable opportunity for attendees to share their...
Exhibitors stand ready to support
August 23, 2013John Andrews
Networking opportunities take many forms at Medtrade—it could be in the corridor after a seminar, a face-to-face during an industry fundraiser or at a way station in the exhibit hall. It is during these moments that attendees often take away valuable “a-ha” ideas.
Educational advisory board member Jeff Baird considers informal networking between seminars to be nearly as productive as the programs themselves.
“This is a valuable opportunity for attendees to share their...
Big Cs at Heartland: competitive bidding, change
June 14, 2013Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WATERLOO, Iowa - The tide may be turning on CMS and its competitive bidding program, industry stakeholders told attendees at The VGM Group's Heartland Conference last week.
The same week as the conference, Reps. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., and Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, introduced a bill that would delay Round 2 of competitive bidding (see top story). Earlier in the week, they had sent a “Dear Colleague” letter signed by 227 lawmakers, a majority in the House of Representatives, to CMS.
“This...
Medtrade opens early bird registration
June 7, 2013HME News Staff
ATLANTA - Early bird registration is now open for Medtrade, scheduled for Oct. 7-10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, according to a press release. “Whatever happens in the next few months from a legislative standpoint, Medicare will be the ideal place to regroup, plan and get inspired for the work ahead,” stated Kevin Gaffney, group show director. “Our educational advisory board is working to ensure that all facets of Medtrade will be highly relevant to the realities...
Emphasis on revenue, innovation for Heartland 2013
April 17, 2013HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa - Nearly 80 sessions, featuring 20 new speakers, are slated for The VGM Heartland Conference, June 10-13 in Waterloo, Iowa, according to a press release. “We're focusing on revenue opportunities, business innovations and networking,” stated Ron Bendell, president of VGM. “We've added small group discussions on business topics, and sessions that are designed to help our members succeed with new revenue sources and take proactive approaches to the audits...
Stand Up for Homecare raises $50K
March 28, 2013HME News Staff
LAS VEGAS -AAHomecare's fundraising reception, Stand Up for Homecare, raised more than $50,000 that will go toward awareness and advocacy efforts, according to an association bulletin. The reception, held during Medtrade Spring 2013, drew more than 200 guests. “These activities provide critical support to our efforts to deliver positive public policy outcomes for the homecare sector, including the campaign to replace the current version of the Medicare bidding program with a more sustainable...