LAS VEGAS—With more than 250 exhibitors and 70 educational sessions, Medtrade Spring organizers say this year’s show, Tuesday through Thursday at the Las Vegas Convention Center, includes a number of opportunities both for networking and for gaining the latest information on the slew of changes affecting the industry.
One of the most controversial among those changes is the 36-month cap on home oxygen and related post-cap payment rules, which will be addressed in an expanded "Washington Update" session from the American Association for Homecare.
After working for the past 45 days to build consensus on an oxygen reform plan that would eliminate the cap and exclude oxygen from competitive bidding, the association will outline a draft plan, including a new payment methodology, that will be proposed to Congress. (See story this issue.)
At this important session, to be held Wednesday at 2 pm in Room N261, you can learn more about the plan, what it could mean to Medicare's oxygen benefit--and give your input.
Other show highlights:
--Don't miss the fourth annual Stand Up for Homecare reception Tuesday from 5:30-7 pm at the Las Vegas Hilton. Hosted by AAHomecare, the event will raise funds to maintain a public awareness campaign promoting the mission of home care.
--Enjoy a beverage, games and network with peers at Medtrade Madness, Wednesday afternoon on the show floor from 4-5 pm.
--Join the DME MACs on Thursday morning from 9:45-10:45 am for an hour of Medicare updates. Staff from each of the four MACs, the NSC (National Supplier Clearinghouse), the CEDI (Common Electronic Data Interchange) and the CBIC (Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor) will also be available to provide information and address questions during the show at Booth 932.
--Check out the industry’s latest products at the New Product Pavilion, sponsored by HomeCare. The Pavilion will be open during exhibition hours on the show floor from 11 am-5 pm Wednesday and 11 am-3 pm Thursday.
While you’re at the show, stop by to see HomeCare in Booth 635 and sign up for a free subscription.
For more information about Medtrade Spring and Medtrade 2009, visit www.medtrade.com.
In related show news, Medtrade and AAHomecare announced they have embarked on a new agreement to benefit the HME industry's support programs.
Nielsen Business Media, producers of Medtrade and Medtrade Spring, and AAHomecare announced Friday they have signed a new 15-year contract that enhances a current agreement between the two entities first implemented in 1988. Effective next year, the agreement guarantees substantial monetary support to the association’s advocacy programs.
“We worked with AAHomecare’s board of directors and leadership team to ensure the long-term agreement ... offers continued support of the association and its critical involvement in the home medical equipment industry,” said Joe Randall, senior vice president, Nielsen Business Media. “We are confident the new agreement that has been created will accomplish these goals.”
According to AAHomecare President and CEO Tyler Wilson, “These are challenging times for the HME sector, and this important agreement with Medtrade will strengthen the association financially and provide us with another source of revenue in addition to dues from members. That means we can devote more resources to government affairs advocacy for HME providers to ensure better HME policies that will strengthen home care for the millions of Americans who depend on it."
Under the agreement, AAHomecare will take on an expanded role in advising Nielsen on issues surrounding the industry. “Our goal is to have more stakeholders in the HME sector participating in the Medtrade shows as both exhibitors and attendees. Medtrade is a great venue for manufacturers to meet with customers and for providers to get the latest in industry education,” Wilson said.