WICHITA FALLS, TX – As I sit here thinking about how to grow my DME business, that little person on my shoulder keeps yelling, “Retail!” I firmly believe that retail is one of many options to work toward. I have talked to, listened to, and visited locations that were mostly insurance-based, and now are mostly retail-based stores, so I know it is possible.
I have attended Medtrade Spring and Medtrade for several years, and I make every effort to go to the sessions that talk about how to move to a retail environment. I am not sure how successful I would be in the progress we are making had it not been for the amazing speakers and vendors we meet at Medtrade. Their experience and suggestions are invaluable. Seeing products, touching, learning from the manufacturer reps, is such a great asset.
However, we are still primarily an insurance-dependent company, just like so many of you. With that in mind, we must make sure to be up to date on all the regulations. We are, to some degree, fortunate to not be in a competitive bidding area, so we do not have to worry too much about that mess.
We do have to worry, and Medtrade makes it possible to learn about the upcoming changes to our non CBA location. I am the kind of person who wants to learn everything possible to keep my business compliant and profitable. I want to learn about how to bill properly. I want to know what equipment will be reimbursable at a rate where we don’t lose money. And I want to network with others who are in our same boat.
The experiences I get from Medtrade are not possible sitting at my desk. Sure, I can read about the changes, I can look online and see the equipment—some new and some that has been around for a while. And yes, that takes time. Ask yourself; Do you actually have time to do these tasks? If you are like me, the answer is yes—after the business hours are over and I go home and continue to work. Many nights I am just exhausted and don’t want to be on the computer reading or researching for new products to carry.
So, in addition to doing the online studying and reviewing, I have found that going to Medtrade gets me away from the office for some needed one-on-one and group sessions with people just like me who are willing to give of their time to make this industry a better place to work—and more importantly a better place for our customers.
As the number of people who will need our services grows, we all need to be prepared. If you want to experience unity and find the most appropriate knowledge—about business and products—Medtrade is one of the best places to go. The show happens Oct 15-17, 2018, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. I hope to see you there.
Don Dobbins is owner of Heritage Home Medical Equipment Inc, Wichita Falls, Texas.
Want to contribute an editorial for Medtrade Monday? We’re looking for providers who acknowledge the tough times, but know what it’s like to find solutions at Medtrade. Contact Greg Thompson, editor, at [email protected].
