Power Hour! Panel of HME Experts to Keynote Medtrade 2009

ATLANTA — Just as for the very first “DME Industry Trade
Show” — now Medtrade — in 1979, Atlanta will once again play
host to the 30th annual Expo and Conference at the Georgia World
Congress Center Oct. 12-15.

With more than 500 exhibitors on the Expo floor and 120
educational sessions in its conference component, the industry’s
biggest trade show promises to be a can’t-miss event for home
medical equipment professionals.

A keynote session called “The HME Industry: Strategies for the
Future” will feature a panel of providers who will present their
insights on strategies necessary for growth and future success
within the HME industry. Topics will include competitive bidding,
business line changes, retailing and overall business strategies
that will keep you going for the long haul.

The session will also feature an interactive question-and-answer
period. So grab your coffee — provided courtesy of Medtrade,
AAHomecare and HomeCare — and get ready for a power
hour of provider-to-provider discussion and ideas to get your show
in gear.

The session will be moderated by American Association for
Homecare President and CEO Tyler Wilson, and featured panelists
will include: John Geller, president of Medical Service Co.,
Cleveland; Tim Pederson, CEO of WestMed Rehab, Rapid City, S.D.;
Robert Steedley, president of Barnes Healthcare Services, Valdosta,
Ga.; and Randy Wolfe, president of Lambert’s Health Care,
Knoxville, Tenn.

“HME is at risk for additional reimbursement cuts, which have
been proposed in the health legislation pending before Congress
right now,” said Wilson. “So it’s imperative for HMEs to not only
be aware of the threats but also learn what business strategies can
help them to survive and thrive in this environment.”

The panelists will discuss real-life strategies they have
employed that have prepared them for 2010 and beyond.

According to Steedley, Barnes has added several new product
lines, and WestMed’s Pederson believes building on existing
business strengths will provide a way forward. “Attend the keynote
session to hear us discuss some of our favorite new initiatives,”
said Barnes.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that HME providers look for
new and creative ways to increase the success of their businesses,”
said Medtrade Show Director Kevin Gaffney. “The keynote panel
participants will provide an overwhelming breadth of knowledge that
attendees can implement to ensure future success.”

The panel discussion is open to all Medtrade attendees and
exhibitors and will be held Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 9:15 to 10:15
a.m. in the Sidney Marcus Auditorium.