Tag: VGM Forbin

WATERLOO, Iowa – Now, more than ever, it’s important for HME providers – no matter how small – to pay close attention to cybersecurity to protect themselves and their patients, says Jesse Farris, IT director for VGM Forbin.  A breach can happen to anyone at any time. Case in point: Wright & Filippis, a large regional provider, was recently hit with a ransomware attack.  “Health care data is the most valuable data there is,” he said. “If you...

ATLANTA - When it comes to e-commerce, there are plenty of pitfalls for providers to fall into, including “set it and forget it” websites. HME News spoke to Medtrade East speakers, VGM’s Cassi Price, director of marketing and sales, and Lindy Tentinger, president, about what to prioritize and how to keep customers coming back. HME News: How has the pandemic changed online shopping? Cassi Price: Consumers have gotten used to some niceties that came up during the pandemic, such...

WATERLOO, Iowa – Lindy Tentinger, formerly senior vice president of marketing for VGM & Associates, has transitioned to president of VGM Forbin. In her previous role, Tentinger managed marketing and strategic growth efforts for multiple VGM brands to better serve their members and vendor partners. She launched the Industry Matters podcast, a member-exclusive Playbook series, a new website for vgm.com and a quarterly buyer’s guide. “I am honored and thrilled to lead Forbin in...

WATERLOO, Iowa - VGM Technologies will transition to the VGM Forbin Portfolio. The partnership will build upon the service offerings of both groups, and allow greater personalization to fit market demands, including a customized consultation process and deeper connections with suppliers. “We are really excited to be able to serve our healthcare customers in this capacity,” said VGM Forbin president Will Cousin. “Building on what VGM Technologies started, our team is energized to...

If you're still in the dark when it comes to what's being said about your business online, it's time to shine a light on it, says Christina Throndson, vice president at VGM Forbin.“Whether it's good, bad or indifferent, make sure you own your presence and it's up to date,” she said. “That's low hanging fruit.”Throndson spoke with HME News recently to offer a few basic pointers for managing your online presence.Google itIf you Google your business and you see “Do you...

YARMOUTH, Maine - Most HME providers have some sort of online presence, but it's important to manage that presence, particularly reviews of their businesses, experts say.Google, Yelp and Facebook are among the most widely used tools for reviewing products and businesses, and a lot's at stake. VGM Forbin's Christina Throndson says 70% of consumers trust online reviews as much as they trust a family member's opinion.“Reviews have an incredible impact on your end users and making sure they can...

YARMOUTH, Maine - A recent ransomware attack on healthcare organizations in more than a dozen countries served as reminder to HME providers of the importance of investing in cyber security.Unlike a typical computer attack, in which hackers steal data, a ransomware attack involves using malicious software to encrypt documents, images and other files, essentially holding them hostage until the victim pays to have them unlocked.“I like to think we've been vigilant all along,” said Chris...

A. According to Ernst & Young, only 38% of businesses are prepared for a cyber-attack. While companies are slow to rise to the threat, cybercriminals are ramping up the sophistication and speed of their attacks. Even if you consider yourself prepared, what are you doing to protect your company from future threats?Over the last three months, we have covered how to prevent a security breach as it relates to business owners, employees, and patients/customers. We've empowered readers to defend their...

A. In 2015 alone more than 100 million patient health records were compromised. Fully protecting patient information has become a never-ending fight, according to the Office of Civil Rights under Health and Human Services. Even if you're keeping your patients' records under lock and key, the patients themselves may be sharing their private information through any number of social media platforms.  Last month, we covered how to prevent a security breach from the inside and next month we will...

A. Your employees are your greatest asset, but when it comes to cyber security, they are also your biggest threat. According to a recent study by McAfee, 43% of all company data loss or breaches are caused by employees and only half are accidental. How do we prevent such a catastrophe?  We secure the human!Last month, we focused on how to prepare your cyber security defense, and next month we will focus on your patients/customers. This month, we'll discuss four ways you can prevent a security...