The home medical equipment industry is under full assault and,
while numerous defenses are being mounted, they can only be
successful with a united, concentrated grassroots effort from HME
stakeholders, said Tyler J. Wilson, president of the American
Association for Homecare at a "Washington Update" session during
Medtrade.
More than 11,500 HME stakeholders gathered at the annual
conference and expo — the 30th anniversary event — Oct.
12-15 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Speaking to a room crowded with attendees on Oct. 14, Wilson
pressed the need for providers to get politically involved if they
are to save access for consumers — and their own
livelihoods.
"We are straight in the gun sights of those focused on cost,"
Wilson warned, ticking off such issues as DMEPOS competitive bidding, the
36-month oxygen cap, congressional proposals to eliminate the
first-month purchase option for power wheelchairs and a device tax
on manufacturers.
While every issue is being addressed through Capitol Hill, CMS
and the media, he said, "we have a struggle before us."
However, he also noted some good news with Florida Democrat Rep.
Kendrick Meek's introduction of a bill to repeal competitive
bidding.
"It's a critical first step to getting competitive bidding
repealed. We want to make sure it's on everyone's radar screen,"
said Wilson about H.R. 3790, adding that it will take an all-out
grassroots press from providers and other stakeholders talking to
their legislators to get the bill passed.
He spelled out seven key factors the industry needs to achieve
to get the job done:
More agreement, more consensus, less fighting.
"When we go to Capitol Hill, we have to go with a unified voice,"
he said.
Adopt a broader view on how our issues fit into
the overall picture in Washington.
Develop more allies on the Hill.
Get the good message of home care out to
legislators and the public. "We have to convey how well-delivered
home care can cut the cost of health care," he said.
More grassroots activity. "We need that figure
[of those involved] not to be 15 percent, but 40 percent or 60
percent."
Band together to accomplish goals. "All
industry groups must do a better job of working together," he said,
including everyone from AAHomecare to state and regional
organizations and specialty groups.
Transform passion into results. "All of you can
play a role in getting this to happen," Wilson said, urging
attendees to become active members of industry organizations.
In other events at the show:
For the first time, consumers were invited to see products and
talk with exhibitors on the show floor.
In honor of Medtrade's 30th, producer Nielsen Business Media
donated $2,500 to Atlanta's Shepherd Center, a catastrophic care
hospital specializing in treatment, research and rehabilitation for
people with spinal cord or brain injury.
Best Booth awards went to DeVilbiss Healthcare (over 400 square
feet) and Team DME (under 400 square feet).
AAHomecare's Stand Up for Homecare reception, held Oct. 13 at
the Georgia Aquarium, netted $60,000 for the ongoing public
awareness campaign on the value of home care.
Medtrade
Spring will be held May 11-13, 2010, at the Sands Expo &
Convention Center in Las Vegas. For information, visit www.medtrade.com.
