Tag: VGM

WATERLOO, Iowa – The cost of delivering home medical equipment continues to rise, according to the results of a new survey from VGM & Associates.  The survey of nearly 100 HME providers in eight regions of the U.S. looked at the increase in cost of goods, employee wages and freight, as well as cost of delivery per mile, PPE and average wages.   “While I suspected the various costs and related factors in securing appropriate HME delivery services would increase –...

Q. What is DEI and how should my business communicate about it?   A. Large companies have been focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for decades, but in recent years, smaller businesses are learning the value of doing so, as well.   Diversity is about the full range of human differences and similarities. These include personal dimensions like ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, age and physical ability. But it can also include things like parental or family status,...

Q. Why does expertise matter in CPAP machine and resupply order fulfillment?  A. In today’s business environment, companies have little margin for error. They’re taking a hard look at processes, personnel and the partners they choose to do business with daily. It’s no surprise that HME companies are outsourcing certain aspects of their business as part of their strategic initiatives.  Finding the right partner who understands your business and has the required expertise...

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates has announced Devin Henderson will keynote the 2022 Heartland Conference on June 13-15. Henderson, a certified speaking professional, is a magician and comedian who tried out for America’s Got Talent. Today, he is focused on teaching about the “Possibility Mindset.” “Devin’s story of resilience is one that many of our HME leaders can identify with,” said Jill Blaser, chair of the Heartland Conference. “When the going...

PHILADELPHIA – Baird Respiratory Therapy has filed a lawsuit against Philips, claiming it and other DME suppliers are owed refunds for recalled respiratory devices containing PE-PUR sound abatement foam, according to Law360.   The complaint, filed March 9 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, seeks class action status on behalf of all similarly affected suppliers, arguing that Philips breached its warranty and misrepresented the risk related to the foam...

NCART has named its first new member of 2022: Miller’s Adaptive Technologies. Miller’s, which was founded in 1976, provides adaptive seating products to the complex rehab industry. NCART says it grew its membership by nearly 20% in 2021…The Texas Medical Equipment Providers Association has added Ted Metcalf of VGM & Associates to its board of directors. Metcalf is the regional account manager covering Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arkansas for VGM. He joins Laurie Bachorek,...

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM has opened registration for its Heartland Conference, June 13-15 in Waterloo, Iowa.   Special Early Bird pricing is available to those who register for passes prior to April 15. Passes are all-inclusive and provide access to all education, including four pre-conference sessions, as well as meals, entertainment and an exhibit hall.    “Heartland has always been about bringing people together to be part of something bigger—a community,”...

WATERLOO, Iowa – HME providers in Kentucky and Tennessee attended a virtual meeting with various government officials to discuss the tornadoes that ripped through those two states in December. The meeting, which was assembled by Tangita Daramola, the competitive acquisition ombudsman, and the VGM Government Relations team, was attended by representatives from FEMA, the Office of the Assistant Secretary with Preparedness and Response, the Small Business Administration, CGS and CMS’s Office...

As we begin 2022, I believe it is healthy to reflect on the year and see where we’ve been and what we might have in store for the coming year. It is fair to say that home care providers have had to rapidly adapt to a new normal shaped by a pandemic that has impacted providers to the very core.    We are all aware of the current challenges facing us, albeit temporary: supply chain issues; workforce strain and/or personnel shortages; and inflation. However, there have been a number...

WASHINGTON – HME industry stakeholders and their champions in Congress are close to finalizing legislative language to provide reimbursement relief.  AAHomecare’s Jay Witter had a meeting scheduled on Jan. 14 with the staff of Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R.-Okla., who will take the lead on the legislation.  “We’re meeting for final approval, changes or (to address) any questions, but we’re hoping to wrap the legislation up quickly and get it introduced in...