Getting to Know Tom Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for Homecare

HC: Please share your background, how you came to be in the HME industry and how you got involved with AAHomecare. TR: I started many years ago as a respiratory therapist working in a hospital in New York City. I was working at night and finishing my degree in Health Administration at St. John’s University during the day.

I had an opportunity to do some monthly RT patient 
follow-ups through an HME business. I loved the home visits—the patients were great and unlike the busy hospital world; the routine monthly visits became a source of pleasure for me and the patients. I was hooked! After graduation, the Homecare Company offered me a full-time position as an RT. I thought this would be temporary as I pursued hospital administration, but I never left. I worked my way up to VP of the Homecare Company and decided to take the plunge 26 years ago and start my own business. Eventually, as I realized constant pressures with reimbursement changes, I saw the need to be an advocate. I am an original member of my state association, NYMEP. I rose to chair of NYMEP, and that brought me to AAHomecare. I saw firsthand that, working in the Association, I could be part of the policy discussions and engage my Congressional member in issues that could help my company and my industry. I was hooked again. The opportunity to lead AAH was available this past year, so I decided to put my hat in the ring. It was a rigorous process with many qualified candidates. HC: I’m sure you have many goals for 2014, but what is one thing you would like to accomplish 
this year? TR: I want to fix this egregious NCB program to protect the patients we serve. As I learned many years ago, they are why we exist. I want to save our providers so we can serve our patients and give them the quality equipment and care they deserve. HC: What part of your job do you enjoy most? TR: I love it all: talking to members, working on the Hill and closely with my peer state leaders, working with a talented staff at AAHomecare. I have a challenging position and complete job satisfaction. HC: For providers who are short on travel budget this year, what is the one conference you would recommend they attend? TR: Medtrade Fall, Atlanta, Ga. HC: We’d love to know a few of your favorite things: TR: Favorite hobby: Gardening—I love it! Favorite non-industry magazine: Men’s Health Favorite book: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett Favorite food: Veal Osso Buco