Tag: Medtrade West

PHOENIX – When Congress breaks for recess next month, the industry needs to prime the pump for the fall, said John Gallagher, vice president of government relations for VGM, at Medtrade West.  “It’s time for the August of Action,” he said during a legislative update at that the show. “They’ll have the infrastructure package behind them, so when they come back, they will be dealing with issues related to Medicare and health care, so reach out to them while...

After Medtrade West ended today, I walked with Medtrade communications guy and press liaison Gregg Thompson (what IS your actual title, Gregg?) back to the hotel. On the way we talked about the show, which overall had a positive vibe. Very positive. In fact, Gregg was trying to put his finger on why everyone was so damn positive. (Journalists are, by their nature, a suspicious bunch). My personal theory: people that come out to events, be they trade shows or birthday parties for one-year-olds,...

I asked show director York Schwab this morning how his first Medtrade was going and whether such a big undertaking was daunting. Unfortunately, I inadvertently cut off the first part of his video, but to paraphrase, he said it had been a challenge in many ways, with the original date pushed from April to July, and so many unknowns even in recent weeks, as rules and regs keep changing. He gave a lot of credit to Medtrade/Emerald staff for their ability “to pivot.” He loves Phoenix...

PHOENIX – One of the biggest questions HME leaders may have as they step back out into the post-pandemic landscape is, “Now what?”  It’s a fair question for sure, and HME consultants like Miriam Lieber will be addressing it during Medtrade West in Phoenix, July 12-13. Lieber’s session focuses on “Best Practices in a COVID World – A Reality Check,” designed to help HME providers navigate the uncertainty that lies ahead.  “COVID...

PHOENIX - While labor is the No. 1 cost center for HME providers, it’s also the No. 1 thing they can control, says John Skoro, president of Xmed Oxygen and Medical Equipment. Here’s what Skoro, who will be co-hosting a session on how to leverage technology to automate referral processes, had to say about mitigating costs with e-prescribing.  HME News: Why is it so important for HME providers to play an active role in “selling” technology to automate referral processes...

PHOENIX – Medtrade West exhibitors are counting on a flurry of activity from attendees eager to get back to pre-pandemic interaction when the trade show convenes in person July 12-14 in Phoenix.  To be sure, it has been a long hiatus from face-to-face meetings at booths on the show floor, but Medtrade organizers, sponsors and exhibitors believe the time is finally right to get together once again.  “The past 15 months have demonstrated the value of home-based care like...

While the Office of Inspector General lays out seven elements for an effective compliance program, Kelly Grahovac, senior consultant at The van Halem Group, says providers should focus on doing a few really well to avoid spreading themselves too thin. HME News spoke to Grahovac, who is co-hosting the Medtrade session, “Your Most Important Profit Center is a Corporate Compliance Program,” about which components to focus on and what mistakes to avoid. HME News: What are the top three...

If you want to manage your staff successfully, consistency is key, says Kit Shellhouse, vice president of operations for ECS North. Here’s what Shellhouse, who will be hosting a Medtrade session on how to monitor employees without micromanaging them, had to say about establishing expectations and what to do when employees don’t meet them. HME News: How should executives manage staff? Kit Shellhouse: Set realistic, mutually agreed upon expectations and communicate often. Provide...

PHOENIX – The organizers of Medtrade West are taking a bold step toward returning the HME industry to normalcy by holding an in-person trade show in Phoenix July 12-14. The live event coincides with a rebranding and relocation of Medtrade’s adjunct spring show and boasts a new associate show director in York Schwab. “We are definitely seeing overall pandemic numbers trending in the right direction and tens of millions have already been vaccinated,” Schwab said about why...

PHOENIX and ATLANTA – Early rates for Medtrade West are in effect through May 15. Early rates offer a $50 savings on a conference pass, compared to advance rates, and $130 in savings, compared to standard rates. Savings are also available for expo passes. Medtrade West is scheduled for July 12-14 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Click here to register…Show organizers have extended the call for presentations for Medtrade East until May 14. Click...