Medtrade Expands Consumer Advocacy Program

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — To promote consumer advocacy and patient
choice, Medtrade
2010 will host a Consumer Advocacy Day at this year’s event,
which will take place Nov. 15-18 at the Georgia World Congress
Center in Atlanta.

Begun as an outreach of the show last year, Consumer Advocacy
Day will be held on Thursday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The
expanded effort will focus on developing a better consumer
understanding of the issues facing the HME industry and how
equipment users can better advocate for choice in the equipment
they require and the companies that provide it.

“The educational program will enable attendees to have the
latest information on Medicare policies and clinical breakthroughs
in addition to offering them insight into how they can become a
part of the lobbying process that will ensure they have access to
the products and services they rely on,” said Kevin Gaffney, CEM,
Medtrade show director. “Participation in the event will also
provide them with an opportunity to view the latest technological
innovations offered in this industry.”

The opening session, “There’s No Place Like Home: Consumer Self
Advocacy is the Key to Getting the Medical Equipment You Need to
Remain Independent,” will be presented by Jennifer Arnold, MD, and
Bill Klein, COO of Emerge Sales, the stars of TLC’s “The Little
Couple,” and Jeffrey Leonard, senior vice president of the United
Spinal Association and publisher of New Mobility
magazine.

In addition to educational sessions on mobility technology and
funding, advances in ventilation and long-term oxygen therapy, and
breakthroughs in treating sleep disorders, attendees will have full
access to the Expo, which features the products and services of
over 550 manufacturers. Attendees will also receive a private tour
of the newly launched NextGen Medtrade Accessible Home. Built on
the show floor, the Medtrade Accessible Home is a full scale
working model home featuring the latest in features and products to
make life safer, easier and better. There is no charge to attend
the event, but registration at www.medtrade.com is required.

When you register for Medtrade, use Code HOME2000 for a
$20 discount off conference or Expo prices, good through Nov. 14.
See you there!