Tag: Marketing

WASHINGTON – CMS has issued a memo informing Medicare Advantage organizations and Part D sponsors of the agency’s monitoring activities during the 2023 Annual Election Period running from Oct. 15, 2022, to Dec. 7, 2023. “CMS is concerned about the marketing practices of all entities, including third-party marketing organizations,” the agency stated in the Oct. 19 memo. “We have reviewed thousands of complaints and hundreds of audio calls and have identified numerous...

TROY, Ala. - Jones Medical Supply is one of the first DMEs in the country to sign a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with not one, but two local college athletes.  “First and foremost I'm a huge supporter of Troy University Athletics,” said Jason Jones, president of Jones Medical. “From a company standpoint, we’re their official oxygen provider. Eighty percent of our marketing budget goes to Troy Athletics."  Founded in 2005, Jones Medical has two locations...

Q. How can we show off our success stories to other customers to build trust?   A. Success stories can get real complicated, real fast. You could spend ages collecting stories, writing content, and finding the best ways to appeal to existing and potential customers. But there’s an easier way to go about it.   Let your customers do it for you.   Checking reviews is second nature for customers these days, even when it comes to health care. That means half the work is done—they’re...

Q. How do I build relationships with referral sources?  A. I won’t lie. This one can be tricky, because when reaching out to referral sources, there’s often a gatekeeper to “woo” first. The information you’re trying to get to physicians, assistants, RNs and discharge planners probably has to go through a receptionist or office manager before it gets to your intended audience.   The best way to do this is to ensure the information you provide speaks to...

Q. How can I stay "in front" of customers while we are still social distancing?  A. When you hear “stay in front of the customer,” you might first think of web and social media marketing tactics. True, these are important. You want customers to find you. But the best place to start is to leverage your expertise to “stay in front” of a patient’s pain points.  In our last article, we discussed Harold, a new CPAP user, and suggested ways to build a relationship...

Q. How can I maintain relationships with customers?  A. Are you providing the information patients need to know after a purchase? It’s a question that businesses, especially in DME, need to consider. Patients rely on experts to tell them what to do, and if they’re not getting information from you, they’ll start looking elsewhere. Relationship building is vital for DMEs today, as we’ll learn in Harold’s story below.   Harold has...

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Group has merged three of its marketing and events businesses into one business called Moxie. Hellman, a marketing agency acquired by VGM in 2018, has joined VGM Marketing and VGM Events, bringing 30 professionals together. “We are very excited to introduce Moxie,” Christa Miehe, the company’s president. “This strategic alignment blends three very talented teams and allows us to expand our capabilities and offer current and new clients a broader...

Q. Where is time best spent on social media?  A. Social media created the opportunity for virtual relationships and increased touch points directly with a potential customer base. The customer and how they're serviced is leading that digital revolution. Consider that with every dollar invested into customer service, on average, it pays a three-fold return. Create Brand Loyalty More than half of consumers state that they're more brand loyal to companies that “get them”...

Q. How can I make videos? It seems out of reach for a company of my size? A. Video marketing is within reach for any company, regardless of size. Most companies in the HME space are not making videos, therefore, you would likely be a pioneer in your field. In 2018, Forbes reported that 90% of online shoppers find videos important in steering purchasing decisions. It starts in your pocket You do not need to invest in thousands of dollars of video gear or software to make valuable content....

MILWAUKEE - ARI Network Services, a provider of software and marketing solutions to dealers in various markets, including HME, has received a strategic growth investment from TA Associates, a Boston-based global growth private equity firm. True Wind Capital, a San Francisco-based private equity firm that completed a take-private transaction of ARI in 2017, will remain the largest shareholder in the company. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “We have thoroughly enjoyed our...