Tag: VGM

Editor’s note: The following guest commentary appears in the new VGM Q2 Playbook, “Growing Your Business in Today’s Environment.” VGM members can download the playbook in full here. If you are interested in becoming a member, go here. You know me, you’ve heard me say it before—wound care is important for all DMEPOS providers because every patient has skin, and skin health affects each of us. The skin is our largest organ. Not only does it protect us against...

WASHINGTON – The recently passed $1.9 trillion stimulus package could mean good news and bad news for HME providers, stakeholders say.  The good news: Industry stakeholders are hopeful that now that the package is passed they can make some headway on an assortment of issues, including a yet-to-be-released DMEPOS final rule.  The bad news: Because of a federal requirement that any spending increases be offset by spending cuts the following...

COLUMBIA, S.C. – HME providers are fighting large managed care organizations that are increasingly pushing into more states and offering reduced reimbursement rates, say industry stakeholders.  The straw that’s breaking the camel’s back: The COVID-19 pandemic pushing the cost of doing business even higher, says Craig Douglas, vice president of payer and member relations for VGM.  “Acquisition...

WATERLOO, Iowa – The cost of delivering home medical equipment has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the results of a new survey from VGM.   The survey of nearly 100 medical equipment providers in eight regions of the U.S. looked at vehicle cost per trip; PPE expense; labor expense per hour; and time of travel, equipment set-up and instruction, and equipment pickup.  In the Great Lakes region, for example, the average delivery cost has...

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM has partnered with Ardo medical to offer the company’s new products for expecting and breastfeeding mothers to VGM and Essentially Women members. “In addition to providing mothers with the necessary means to feed their babies, we are now offering VGM & EW members support products for breastfeeding mothers, such as ultra-pure Ardo Care Lanolin cream or the Vegan alternative Ardo Care Balm,” said Samuel Krähenbühl, CEO...

WATERLOO, Iowa – The cost of delivering home medical equipment has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the results of new survey from VGM.   The survey of nearly 100 medical equipment providers in eight regions of the U.S. looked at vehicle cost per trip; PPE expense; labor expense per hour; and time of travel, equipment set-up and instruction, and equipment pickup.  In the Great Lakes region, for example, the average delivery...

WASHINGTON – The Council for Quality Respiratory Care has partnered with AAHomecare and the VGM Group to send a one-page letter to CMS urging the agency to finalize the DMEPOS final rule as quickly as possible.  A proposed rule published in October outlined the agency’s plans to make permanent the 50-50 blended reimbursement rates in rural areas.  “In light of the pandemic, it is more important than ever that the Medicare...

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Aeroflow Healthcare has entered into a definitive agreement to buy Wheeling, West Va.-based Family Medical Supply.  Family Medical Supply, founded in 1991, services West Virginia and the greater Ohio Valley with a product portfolio that includes HME and incontinence supplies.  “The acquisition of Family Medical Supply is an exciting step in Aeroflow’s ongoing strategy to grow through acquisition,” said Casey Hite, CEO of Aeroflow....

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates has released its first playbook of the year, “VGM Playbook: Forecasting 2021.” The resource outlines issues, trends and opportunities facing the HME industry this year, including mega trends, data and security, remote workforce, compliance and risk, and health care at home. “VGM is here to be the source for industry updates, education and solutions to strengthen our members’ businesses for 2021 and beyond,” said Clint Geffert,...

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Motif Medical and VGM & Associates have executed a program agreement to provide breast pumps, maternity compression and more to VGM members. “Being part of the VGM family allows us to help DME partners expand their product line and grow their businesses, while bringing our award-winning products to moms,” said Brandon Fonville, director of Motif Medical. VGM members will have access to Motif Medical’s full line of double-electric breast pumps, like the flagship...