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!