MAMES holds spring convention in Omaha, presents awards

The Midwest Association of Medical Equipment Services (MAMES) recently held its spring convention and exhibition in Omaha, Neb., where the organization named recipients of major awards.

Provider of the Year Awards went to Key Medical Supply of Shoreview Minn., and Terry Flatt of Hammer Medical Supply, Des Moines, Iowa.

Among other efforts to support the HME industry, Key Medical Supply has committed resources on behalf of MAMES to hire a lobbyist for the state of Minnesota. Key Medical Supply provides leadership for two MAMES Minnesota committees and assists in communicating with MAMES membership. Key Medical Supply was instrumental in the fight to get DME companies paid during the recent Minnesota government shutdown.

Terry Flatt of Hammer Medical Supply is a member of the MAMES board of directors and has served as the state chairperson for the state of Iowa for the last several years. He is active legislatively at the Iowa State Capitol on issues involving DME. He was instrumental in stopping Medicaid competitive bidding in Iowa by proposing alternatives.

Recipients of the 2012 MAMES Above and Beyond Awards were: Al Neumann of Corner Medical of Minnesota; Patrick Naeger of Healthcare Equipment & Supply, Co. of Missouri; and Tom Powers of VGM Group.