VGM Enters Home Modification Market

WATERLOO, Iowa — VGM Group said Friday it has entered the
exploding home modifications market with a new company called
Accessible Home Improvement of America.

“This is a big opportunity, and I’m very excited about it,” said
Jim Andreassen, AHIA president, in a release. “We can help many of
our VGM and U.S. Rehab members diversify into home modifications.
Diversification into other areas of business such as this may be a
key to profitability in today’s world of increasing costs and
declining reimbursement.

“This may prove to be a part of the solution for orthotic and
prosthetic facilities as well,” Andreassen continued. “The majority
of this business is cash, workers’ comp and private trust funds,
because Medicare and most insurance companies do not pay for the
majority of home modifications. That, of course, means fewer
headaches because providers don’t have to deal with Medicare,
Medicaid and managed care organizations.”

Andreassen is pursuing contracts with manufacturers of
accessible home fixtures and will also develop a network of
contractors qualified to perform home modifications. Membership in
the new organization will require a credentialed CEAC (Certified
Environmental Access Consultant) on staff. CEAC is administered by
AHIA, and the program, including the final test, is offered online,
according to VGM.

Andreassen has been with VGM since 2001 as president of the
Orthotic and
Prosthetic Group of America, and has “a great track record when
it comes to network development and growth,” said Jim Phillips, VGM
COO.