What's blooming at Medtrade Spring?

Responding to the growing need for the latest updates on competitive bidding, accreditation and grassroots lobbying, the sponsors of Medtrade Spring have put together complementary programs designed to engage and inform attendees. At a glance, here are some of the most significant events happening at the show, April 24-26: Review Course on Assistive Technology A daylong course April 23 is designed for RTSs, clinicians preparing for the RESNA ATS or ATP exams. Organizers advise that those interested in the course have some experience practicing in the field. Mark Schmeler, Ph.D., and Kendra Betz, MSPT, will serve as faculty. While not specifically intended as an exam preparation, the content should assist attendees in identifying strengths and deficits in preparing a plan of study, sponsors say. Reimbursement Workshop: A condensed version of the popular Medtrade session starts at 8 a.m. and runs until 12:15 p.m. on April 24. Key speakers include Peggy Walker from VGM and Jane Bunch of CareCentric. Both comprehensive and focused, the intent is to balance the basics with the most up-to-date policy developments, said organizer Kim Brummett of the Medtrade Education Committee. "It's a great precursor to the regular educational sessions offered at Medtrade," she said. Continuum of Care Conference: Sponsored by AAHomecare, the April 24 symposium offers specialty tracks for rehab, orthotics/prosthetics, sleep disordered breathing and respiratory. The conference starts at 8 a.m. and runs until 12:15 p.m. HME Jeopardy: Financial expert Wallace Weeks will host a customized version of the long-running TV quiz show to provide attendees with an interesting learning format. Weeks will serve in the Alex Trebek role, directing three contestants through categories like "Competitive Bidding," "Letter of the Law" and "Begins With 'P'". Weeks promises that it will look and feel like the "real" game and includes the same features, such as Double Jeopardy, Final Jeopardy and Daily Doubles. The session will go "on the air" at 2:45 p.m. on April 24. Advocacy Headquarters: Industry experts and leaders will be available at the AAHomecare booth (#505) to discuss the association's advocacy agenda, its political action strategy and the importance of being involved in grassroots lobbying. Officials also will announce that AAHomecare has moved its offices. The new address is: American Association for Homecare, 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 725 Arlington, Va., 22202. The phone number is still (703) 836-6263. Accreditation Central: Providers who need to choose an accrediting body will, organizers promise, have access to all of the organizations during the show. The education program will include accreditation basics, mock surveys, challenges and the latest policy updates. "This is a chance to see all the accrediting agencies together and make your decision now," said organizer Mary Ellen Conway. Medtrade calendar: For the first time ever, Medtrade Spring will not be held in Las Vegas next year. Instead, Medtrade 2008 will be in Long Beach, Calif., May 7-8, 2008. The fall 2007 edition of Medtrade will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 2-4.