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Educational Conferences Outline Issues, Urge Action
ORLANDO, Fla. — On Tuesday, AAHomecare hosted a cocktail reception, Stand Up for Homecare. President and CEO Tyler Wilson commented in the AAHomecare Washington Update that the reception was intended to "raise the volume of our voice and make sure it's heard above the din and the other voices we're competing against."
The theme of the reception resonated with other educational sessions at the show. In fact, with offerings such as Accreditation Central, several legislative updates, a keynote address from Representatives Hobson and Tanner, and educational sessions that focused on competitive bidding, the proposed oxygen cap in-home sleep testing, all eyes and ears may have been centered on business management rather than products.
In the Continuum of Care Oxygen & Respiratory Track, Joseph Petrolla, president of Andover, Ohio-based Seeley Medical, talked candidly about competitive bidding. He asked the audience, "Are you a winner if you win the bid?" He also asserted that the industry remains fragmented because the three major groups — nationals, private companies and mom and pops — have different objectives.
At AAHomecare's Washington Update, Walt Gorski, vice president of government affairs, announced that President Bush vetoed the children's health bill, which had previously removed language regarding a further cap on oxygen rental. Unfortunately, Gorski expects a Senate Medicare package later this year that would include the House's 18-month cap. He urged providers in attendance to keep the faith. "Don't get frustrated," Gorski said. "Keep redoubling efforts."
In the same meeting, AAHomecare President & CEO Tyler Wilson compared the current legislative landscape to a football game. Wilson said, "maybe it's a night game and there's no lights on the field."
Gorski also outlined ways providers should get involved with grass-roots advocacy.
Another topic of interest was the recent MedCAC meeting on in-home sleep testing. On Thursday morning, Marcia Nusgart, R.PH, executive director for the Coalition of Respiratory Care Manufacturers, delivered a respiratory update with an overview of the in-home sleep testing debate. She commented that PSG scored below what could be considered a "gold standard," and home sleep devices types 3 and 4 scored lower.
Nusgart was hopeful that DME providers would play a role in home testing. "Stay tuned," she said. "I think there's going to be some tremendous opportunities in this area (for DMEs)."
AAHomecare is preparing comments for home sleep testing, Gorski said.
The Stand Up for Homecare reception raised $60,000 for AAHomecare. Proceeds will not be added into the organization's operational budget, but will be designated to a yet unnamed account for advocacy efforts.
The event was such a success that the organization plans to host another event at Medtrade Spring in Long Beach, Calif.
