Medtrade Spring takes long view

LONG BEACH, Calif. - While no one knows yet what life under national competitive bidding will look like, Medtrade Spring's education committee members promise that bidding seminars will present the most current, relevant information possible for attendees. Instead of using a crystal ball, conference planners have to rely more on old-fashioned due diligence when determining the most appropriate sessions for the spring conference months ahead of time, committee member Mary Ellen Conway said, especially when it comes to competitive bidding issues. “Even though we don't know the winners at the time we're putting the program together, we expect that they will be known by show time,” said Conway, president of Bethesda, Md.-based Capital Healthcare Group. “We should have all the relevant information, like pricing, that people want to know.” There are plenty of offerings for attendees, regardless of whether they won or lost the bid, as well as if they abstained from the bidding. Speakers will assess the results of the bidding and offer recommendations to those planning on bidding in the next round. The VGM Group will present a National Competitive Bidding Seminar on Tuesday, May 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring Mark Higley, vice president of development; John Gallagher, vice president of government relations; and Kelly Wolf, vice president of key accounts. The daylong session will cover the final rule overview, round 1 vs. round 2, preparing to bid, networks and subcontracting options and determining appropriate bid amounts. On Thursday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to noon, Higley will also discuss “What Went Wrong in Round 1 and How HME Providers Can Better Prepare for Round 2.” The intent of the program is to learn from the round 1 process regarding bidding strategy, using the Competitive Bidding Submission System effectively and determining the viability of subcontracting and networking opportunities. Other sessions will address the competitive bidding aftermath for those who don't win the bid or chose not to participate. Higley and reimbursement consultant Jane Bunch and healthcare attorney Jeff Baird will discuss the dynamics of the competitive bidding process and offer advice to providers on proactive steps they can take if they don't win the bid for their area. Likewise, Claudia Amortegui, president of The Orion Group, will host a seminar on Wednesday, May 7, from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., titled “What If I Don't Win the Bid—How Do I Keep My Business Going?” The session will explore business opportunities for rehab companies whether they win the bid or not. HME