There is so much activity emanating from the various state associations. I find it fascinating when I see the many roles they fill. All the problems their members may contend with are addressed: Medicaid, support from their state senators and representatives, and advising how to cope with local legislation.
How many providers know which congressmen are on committees that affect their businesses? Your state association director knows who sits on them and can advise members whom to contact.
Little things such as no license for out-of-state providers to solicit business can hurt you. Sales made on the web and state tax not collected may be a small item, but it can also affect your company. Is every provider aware of how much effort is made by their associations to fight competitive bidding? Also, how aware are you of Accountable Care Organizations? Your state association is going to monitor this very carefully.
There are many other programs that develop, difficulties to resolve, lobbying, writing, telephoning and making visits all are constantly performed by your state association. I am amazed by what is accomplished by them and shocked by the fact that there still are providers who do not belong. Cost of membership is a normal business expense. The ROI on that investment is that your company can continue to stay in business.
If you do not belong to your state association, please join now! If you need their address, contact me (shelly.prial@att.net). Every HME provider must support his or her state association! The more members they have, the more efficient they can become. Make your voice heard and give them the means they need to fight for you.
SHELLY SOUNDS OFF: Advice. Solutions. Practical Ways to Improve your Business by HME Expert and Medtrade Ambassador.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
A Work-worthy Idea
Jobs! No, not Steve Jobs! Real jobs. Jobs that sustain a community are what I am talking about. Helping people find work so that they can earn money sounds so simple. Yet, it is not! The economic outlook is certainly worrisome. Being employed is no longer a given fact and there are so many people who are already out of work.
Perhaps HME providers can be the forefront to launch changes in their communities. I believe that our industry has that ability! Both the largest employers and the largest taxpayers in our country have always been small businesses. The HME industry is the classical description of a small business.
I read an article in one of the magazines I receive about two companies, both HME providers, each doing about the same annual volume. They were so similar that they could be described as twins. As a consequence of the changing economy, each found sales going down and so were their profits.
Provider “A” made a decision that he had to reduce his payroll. After a very careful examination of his operation, the decision was made to lay off two employees.
Provider “B” did not want to lose any members of his staff. The loyalty of his employees to the company was why it flourished. He spoke with two of them and they jointly came to the decision that they, who knew much about the operation, would go on the road.
In the first three months, as these two “sales” people were out extolling the virtues of the company, things stopped going down and then the pot started to boil. New customers began coming in because the referral sources, nursing services and doctors all were suggesting going to provider “B” for their needs. A very positive result was that they needed another pair of hands in the showroom and another driver. His business began once again to expand. Two new jobs were added in their community!
The moral of this is to use the strength you currently have, that is the strength of your current employees. Work with them, because, they too, will also survive when the company stays solvent and grows.
Creating new jobs will come about as enthusiasm spreads with all your employees and when HME providers set an example, others will follow the leader. Yes, providing new jobs can be a multi-faceted way to go!
Perhaps HME providers can be the forefront to launch changes in their communities. I believe that our industry has that ability! Both the largest employers and the largest taxpayers in our country have always been small businesses. The HME industry is the classical description of a small business.
I read an article in one of the magazines I receive about two companies, both HME providers, each doing about the same annual volume. They were so similar that they could be described as twins. As a consequence of the changing economy, each found sales going down and so were their profits.
Provider “A” made a decision that he had to reduce his payroll. After a very careful examination of his operation, the decision was made to lay off two employees.
Provider “B” did not want to lose any members of his staff. The loyalty of his employees to the company was why it flourished. He spoke with two of them and they jointly came to the decision that they, who knew much about the operation, would go on the road.
In the first three months, as these two “sales” people were out extolling the virtues of the company, things stopped going down and then the pot started to boil. New customers began coming in because the referral sources, nursing services and doctors all were suggesting going to provider “B” for their needs. A very positive result was that they needed another pair of hands in the showroom and another driver. His business began once again to expand. Two new jobs were added in their community!
The moral of this is to use the strength you currently have, that is the strength of your current employees. Work with them, because, they too, will also survive when the company stays solvent and grows.
Creating new jobs will come about as enthusiasm spreads with all your employees and when HME providers set an example, others will follow the leader. Yes, providing new jobs can be a multi-faceted way to go!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Register Now for Medtrade 2011
Registration is now open for Medtrade 2011. It will take place October 24 – 27 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
As a special offer, show producers have announced “early-bird” pricing that includes:
• A $255 rate for the Pre-show Seminars that includes free registration for the Medtrade Educational Conference and Medtrade Expo
• A $99 rate for the Medtrade Educational Conference that includes a free pass to the Medtrade Spring Expo
• A $25 rate for the Medtrade Expo
For detailed information on the conference and pre-show seminars, including course descriptions, speakers and continuing education opportunities, attendees can visit medtrade.com.
As a special offer, show producers have announced “early-bird” pricing that includes:
• A $255 rate for the Pre-show Seminars that includes free registration for the Medtrade Educational Conference and Medtrade Expo
• A $99 rate for the Medtrade Educational Conference that includes a free pass to the Medtrade Spring Expo
• A $25 rate for the Medtrade Expo
For detailed information on the conference and pre-show seminars, including course descriptions, speakers and continuing education opportunities, attendees can visit medtrade.com.
Monday, June 13, 2011
A Question and a Challenge
Recently, there was a most intriguing article in HME News about competitive bidding. Can we assist Medicare and help them find an alternative that can possibly save $20 billion dollars in the next 10 years?
When I say “we,” it includes every HME provider. The problem is it is almost impossible to get every provider on board for support. If reimbursements fall any lower, there will be very few providers left. This will lead to a tremendous loss of tax dollars and a great increase in unemployment.
We are all aware the greatest difficulty Medicare has to contend with is fraud and abuse! I am afraid that the money being stolen may be much more than the $20 billion they want to save.
A unified voice from our industry must be heard. This effort will also be much more effective if every provider asks his clientele to become involved. After all, they too, will suffer greatly if the loss of dollars is not stopped. Every HME provider must, and I really mean must, join his or her state DME association. Their support will be to see to it that every congressman in each state will be aware of what you and their constituents are asking them to accomplish. It is amazing what the state associations can do! They need you to work with them.
AAHomecare has made the industry voice heard loud and clear in Washington. They are “icing on the cake” when supported by the state associations. Working together this effectiveness cannot be measured. Please be sure you sign up ASAP because this battle must be won NOW or it will be too late!
When I say “we,” it includes every HME provider. The problem is it is almost impossible to get every provider on board for support. If reimbursements fall any lower, there will be very few providers left. This will lead to a tremendous loss of tax dollars and a great increase in unemployment.
We are all aware the greatest difficulty Medicare has to contend with is fraud and abuse! I am afraid that the money being stolen may be much more than the $20 billion they want to save.
A unified voice from our industry must be heard. This effort will also be much more effective if every provider asks his clientele to become involved. After all, they too, will suffer greatly if the loss of dollars is not stopped. Every HME provider must, and I really mean must, join his or her state DME association. Their support will be to see to it that every congressman in each state will be aware of what you and their constituents are asking them to accomplish. It is amazing what the state associations can do! They need you to work with them.
AAHomecare has made the industry voice heard loud and clear in Washington. They are “icing on the cake” when supported by the state associations. Working together this effectiveness cannot be measured. Please be sure you sign up ASAP because this battle must be won NOW or it will be too late!
Don't You Just Love a Good Challenge?
I have always responded to a challenge and now I hope that every HME provider will do the same.
Both the state and national associations have been working as hard as possible to get HR 1041 through Congress. They are, at the same time, addressing and responding to what happens in each state (legislation, Medicaid, taxes, etc,) that can affect their members. The efforts by the associations have been extremely effective. While doing all of the above, they also work with and for their members. They must respond to every query they receive, provide all material requested and are in every sense of the word they become a “partner” with each member.
I have a goal to accomplish via these blogs. It is to convince 99% of the HME providers to become dues paying members of their state and national associations. When I see how powerful and influential major associations like the AMA, AHA and the national drug manufacturers have become, I look at our industry and I say “yes, we can do the same!”
So here is my challenge. I ask that every HME provider who currently belongs to their state and national association solicit every other provider in their area and ask that they join in the fray. Any providers who are not currently members must get on board ASAP.
Get on the telephone, explain, and be sure you are certain they understand why you are calling. They need to become active. They must be aware what can happen if they are forced out of business. They must realize that their families, employees and most importantly, customers and family caregivers are at risk. There should be no hesitation. Can we reach the goal of 99% of all providers joining in this effort? Yes, I believe we can!
Both the state and national associations have been working as hard as possible to get HR 1041 through Congress. They are, at the same time, addressing and responding to what happens in each state (legislation, Medicaid, taxes, etc,) that can affect their members. The efforts by the associations have been extremely effective. While doing all of the above, they also work with and for their members. They must respond to every query they receive, provide all material requested and are in every sense of the word they become a “partner” with each member.
I have a goal to accomplish via these blogs. It is to convince 99% of the HME providers to become dues paying members of their state and national associations. When I see how powerful and influential major associations like the AMA, AHA and the national drug manufacturers have become, I look at our industry and I say “yes, we can do the same!”
So here is my challenge. I ask that every HME provider who currently belongs to their state and national association solicit every other provider in their area and ask that they join in the fray. Any providers who are not currently members must get on board ASAP.
Get on the telephone, explain, and be sure you are certain they understand why you are calling. They need to become active. They must be aware what can happen if they are forced out of business. They must realize that their families, employees and most importantly, customers and family caregivers are at risk. There should be no hesitation. Can we reach the goal of 99% of all providers joining in this effort? Yes, I believe we can!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Please Get Involved!
Just a brief update on some of the happenings in our battle with Goliath (aka Medicare). I have been receiving reports from many of the state associations and AAHomecare.
First, the good thing they report: Despite the gloom and doom attitude of a few recalcitrant dealers, the voice of our industry is being heard. There is so much activity by the state and national associations asking their elected congressmen to support HR 1041. If all their efforts to get this passed succeed, it would repeal the competitive bid program. That is also how important your efforts can be!
Now, the problem I wish to bring to everyone’s attention: There are many other bills that have go from committee to Congress. When the bill passes the first hurdle, the House, it has to go to the Senate for their approval. This is a very difficult process and requires a great deal of work by the state and the national associations.
Every HME provider has his or her future at stake. Every senior citizen, their family caregivers and all patients must also understand that they too have much at risk. When we rally all of these folks to assist in the battle, we will succeed.
To accomplish this I am asking every HME provider to participate. I am repeating my message again, it is that vital! If your company is not currently a dues paying member of the associations become one now. If your company already is a member, please contact every provider or dealer in town and ask that they become a participant on this gargantuan fight together with you and the associations for salvation. Our industry will face a dire future if these pending legislations do not get through Congress. Don’t wait another minute, do it now.
First, the good thing they report: Despite the gloom and doom attitude of a few recalcitrant dealers, the voice of our industry is being heard. There is so much activity by the state and national associations asking their elected congressmen to support HR 1041. If all their efforts to get this passed succeed, it would repeal the competitive bid program. That is also how important your efforts can be!
Now, the problem I wish to bring to everyone’s attention: There are many other bills that have go from committee to Congress. When the bill passes the first hurdle, the House, it has to go to the Senate for their approval. This is a very difficult process and requires a great deal of work by the state and the national associations.
Every HME provider has his or her future at stake. Every senior citizen, their family caregivers and all patients must also understand that they too have much at risk. When we rally all of these folks to assist in the battle, we will succeed.
To accomplish this I am asking every HME provider to participate. I am repeating my message again, it is that vital! If your company is not currently a dues paying member of the associations become one now. If your company already is a member, please contact every provider or dealer in town and ask that they become a participant on this gargantuan fight together with you and the associations for salvation. Our industry will face a dire future if these pending legislations do not get through Congress. Don’t wait another minute, do it now.
It's Time to be Heard
Our Congressmen speak with loud voices seeking headlines. They will do anything they can to appease a few splinter groups for votes. Yet the largest block of voters, senior citizens, are really never thought about. How do they want to reform Medicare and what is the role of the senior citizen?
There are many layers of the healthcare industry that depend on Medicare for income. On the very bottom of this list is the HME provider. We are the smallest and have the fewest dollars to be sufficiently heard. The hospitals, drug manufacturers, physicians and others are all very formidable. They provide oodles of dollars and so their voices are heard. Ours are not!
The newspapers write about the few scandals at the bottom the ladder (it happens). But when a major hospital chain was found guilty of the biggest fraud ever perpetrated and then had to pay largest penalty, were the legislations changed? No!
The wizards decided that it would make good headlines if the small HME providers had to submit a bid to be in the loop. What a farce! Did any politicians speak with the senior citizens and others covered by Medicare to see what they wanted? No!
What to do? Every HME provider must become a member of their state and national associations. They will provide you with the tools and show you how to mobilize your customers, patients and their families to protect what they have. By working with the associations and your clientele you will be able the show Congress where the money is being siphoned out of the system. The role of the senior citizen is to become part of your voice. They vote, they care and they understand! They must become your partners in this effort. In reality they may have more at risk then you.
Yes, every HME provider and dealer must work together with the senior citizens. Then all will exist and flourish. Tempus fugit!
If you do not belong to your state and the national associations, please get one the phone STAT and enlist. If you are a member, please contact all your associates and peers and to make sure they get on board at once. There may not be a tomorrow. What is at stake? Your future, that of your customers, as well as that of our industry.
There are many layers of the healthcare industry that depend on Medicare for income. On the very bottom of this list is the HME provider. We are the smallest and have the fewest dollars to be sufficiently heard. The hospitals, drug manufacturers, physicians and others are all very formidable. They provide oodles of dollars and so their voices are heard. Ours are not!
The newspapers write about the few scandals at the bottom the ladder (it happens). But when a major hospital chain was found guilty of the biggest fraud ever perpetrated and then had to pay largest penalty, were the legislations changed? No!
The wizards decided that it would make good headlines if the small HME providers had to submit a bid to be in the loop. What a farce! Did any politicians speak with the senior citizens and others covered by Medicare to see what they wanted? No!
What to do? Every HME provider must become a member of their state and national associations. They will provide you with the tools and show you how to mobilize your customers, patients and their families to protect what they have. By working with the associations and your clientele you will be able the show Congress where the money is being siphoned out of the system. The role of the senior citizen is to become part of your voice. They vote, they care and they understand! They must become your partners in this effort. In reality they may have more at risk then you.
Yes, every HME provider and dealer must work together with the senior citizens. Then all will exist and flourish. Tempus fugit!
If you do not belong to your state and the national associations, please get one the phone STAT and enlist. If you are a member, please contact all your associates and peers and to make sure they get on board at once. There may not be a tomorrow. What is at stake? Your future, that of your customers, as well as that of our industry.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)