Vas You There, Charlie?

In my youth, “Baron Munchausen” was a popular radio program that was enjoyed by everyone. After his hilarious adventures, when questioned about their veracity, he simply said, “Vas you there, Charlie?” This answer became part of everyone’s conversation then, so this is what I am calling my editorial.

The industry’s annual Leadership Conference, sponsored by the American Association for Homecare, has always been one of the most productive and important meetings that I attend. It is at this conference that a great many noteworthy marketing and operational ideas are shared by all. Political actions are discussed and prepared.

The quality of the presenters, as always, was unexcelled again this year. But, where were you?

Our industry is in the midst of a battle for survival, with CMS, with Congress and in our states. Unlike the American Medical Association or pharmaceutical manufacturers, HME does not have a powerful lobby working on our behalf. We are that lobby, and we can be equally successful. However, in order to accomplish this goal, it is imperative that we, as an industry, join forces to present a common front. Only in this fashion can we overcome the various onerous legislations hanging over our heads.

“Vas you there, Charlie?” From this day forward, say, “YES!”

We’re Going to Feel the Pain

I have a major pain, and it’s not because of my age; it comes from the pending competitive bid situation.

CMS has left an open door for you to enter, however. There is a comment period on the proposed rule for DME bidding available until June 30. This allows you the ability to express your thoughts to CMS and, more important, to let CMS hear suggestions about what you would do.

Yes, I said “what you would do.” As an HME provider you know better than anyone what your clientele seeks. These people are basically the same throughout the country, and they are all frightened at the thought of reduced services. But the government’s “experts” hardly ever get feedback from that segment of the population. Yes, AARP and other similar organizations are in the battle, but not John Q. Public.

So, here are my suggestions:

• Take the time to sit down and put into a memo how you feel about competitive bidding — and what you would do if you were CMS. Then send it! It appears that even though we discuss it often, no one really does this. I hear whining and wailing from providers and Medicare recipients, but I rarely receive any messages from those who have ideas that show CMS alternate ways to work. Take advantage of the comment period on competitive bidding before it becomes a pain for all of us. Do not wait for someone else to intercede on your behalf — do it yourself.
• If you cannot attend in person, participate in the American Association for Homecare fly-in by phone on June 20. As part of its annual lobbying event on Capitol Hill, AAHomecare is asking providers — and providers’ customers — to call their congressmen in support for the Hobson-Tanner bill and to ask that the oxygen rental cap in the Deficit Reduction Act be repealed. This affects your livelihood and that of your patients. Let them know, and get them involved in this effort. For information on the fly-in, visit www.aahomecare.org.
• Stir up your patients to participate in a program that can be brought to CMS. Invite your clients, in their wheelchairs, wearing their oxygen cylinders and other equipment, to an open house in your showroom. Invite your senator or representative, or the assistant (legislative or health aide) in the congressman’s local office to participate. They will come. After all, everyone that will attend votes.

This is a way to make an impression — and one that will get back to Washington. Your legislator must be made aware of what his or her constituents want. And he or she can help deliver the message from you and your clientele to CMS.

You, as an HME provider, can provide an effective message, but it will take an effort on your part.

Sheldon “Shelly” Prial is based in Melbourne, Fla., with Prial Consulting and also serves as the director of government relations for Atlanta-based Graham-Field Health Products. In 1987, he founded the Homecare Providers Co-Op, now part of The VGM Group. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 321/255-3885.