VALDOSTA, GA – National associations like AAHomecare leverage the expertise and passion of their members to keep their sector competitive in the ever-changing marketplace. Your membership in the Association is an investment in creating a better business environment for the HME sector.
When an association is able to expand its portfolio and devote significant resources to new issues, like AAHomecare is doing in 2015, it is a signal that the industry is also poised for growth.
AAHomecare can tackle more issues this year because we have more champions on Capitol Hill than ever before. Whether is it is tried and true friends like Congressman Tom Price, MD (R-Ga) or new ones like Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Ben Cardin (D-Md), our industry’s hard work in 2014 is already building serious momentum on the Hill in 2015.
And as we look ahead, AAHomecare is already driving change across the regulatory landscape. Just this past week, AAHomecare vice president of Regulatory Affairs, Kim Brummett, and a team of members met with the HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to discuss access issues for patients. The AAHomecare Regulatory Council will be actively pursuing changes to face-to-face requirements, oversight of the CERT program, as well as documentation requirements related to accessories and supplies.
As always, AAHomecare is aggressively communicating HME issues to the Hill, CMS, the press, and the industry as a whole. However, homecare is going to continue to be a target for budget cutters. Without the constant pressure from AAHomecare in DC, enemies on all sides would close in, either cutting us down to the bone, or regulating us into oblivion.
If you’re reading this editorial, email me and ask me why I’m a member of AAHomecare and why I volunteer as the chairman of their board. Speaking from personal experience, I know membership in the Association has resulted in increased profits for my HME business that far outweigh the cost of membership. And I’m not alone; dozens of other providers remain members of AAHomecare because they see results. I dare you to see what membership can do for you.
Finally, I look forward to seeing you all at Medtrade Spring, scheduled for March 30-April 1, 2015, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. AAHomecare works closely with Medtrade Spring and Medtrade throughout the year. Educational sessions, a large showroom floor, and networking events such as Stand Up for Homecare will serve to bring the industry together during a time of challenges and incredible opportunities.
Robert Steedley is president of Barnes Healthcare Services, Valdosta, Ga. He also serves as chairman of the American Association for Homecare. He can be reached via e-mail: [email protected]
