Industry Matters - Powered By Vgm

Join host Cindi Petito as she sits down with Dennis Henry, Lowe’s National Account Manager, and Drew Aalderks, VGM Live at Home Member Account Manager, to explore the exclusive Lowe’s Pro programs available to VGM members. Discover how to access special discounts, maximize your rewards, and ensure your account is set up for success. Whether you’re a new or existing member, this episode covers everything you need to know about unlocking savings, understanding the legacy program, and making the most of your Lowe’s partnership.

In this episode of Industry Matters, Alan Morris, SVP of Strategy at VGM & Associates, and Tyler Coulander, Market Strategy Manager, dive into the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) and its implications for the DME industry. They break down the data, highlight key trends, and share strategic insights into how the evolving healthcare landscape presents new opportunities for VGM members.

In this podcast, Connectify HR, a trusted vendor partner, shares how they support organizations through informal, no-pressure conversations. Whether you need to brainstorm, ask questions, or simply talk through a concern, they’re here to help.Listen in and learn how Connectify HR is making it easier to focus on the work that truly matters.

We’re excited to introduce IM: Unfiltered — a fresh podcast series designed just for our VGM community.

In this episode, Craig Douglas, SVP of HME, Respiratory, & Wellness at VGM, is joined by Melanie Ewald, VP of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, and Kim Cuce', Director of Business Optimization, to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the HME industry: closed payer networks. They share practical strategies for navigating out-of-network situations, working with third-party administrators, and pursuing single case agreements, while emphasizing the importance of clear patient communication, understanding reimbursement, and knowing, understanding, and keeping copies of your contracts.

In this edition of Industry Matters, Tyler Mahncke, SVP of Clinical Mobility & Accessibility with VGM & Associates, engages in a compelling conversation with Gene Richtsmeier, Vice President at Huntington National Bank, and Michael Berling, Vice President, SBA Senior Development Officer at Huntington National Bank. The episode delves into SBA Lending Explained: How Financing Can Help Your Business, covering various types of loans such as 7(a) loans, main street deals, and lending for acquisitions. Listeners will gain insights into the practical uses of these loans, the application process, and how to prepare for meetings with SBA lenders. The discussion also highlights why SBA financing is a preferable option compared to traditional financing and its relevance to the HME industry. Different types of loans, including 7(a) loans, main street deals, and lending for acquisitions What they can be used for them What’s involved in application and how to prepare to meet with an SBA lender Why SBA financing wo

Join hosts Ronda Buhrmester and Kim Cuce from VGM as they discuss the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare regulations and policies, specifically for Medicare and other insurance guidelines. This episode covers updates on the five-year rule for patients who initially qualified under pandemic flexibilities, advice on managing patient equipment replacements, and the ongoing use of telehealth services. Stay informed with essential tips on running operational reports, proactive patient communication, and ensuring compliance with current healthcare policies.Show Notes:https://cgsmedicare.com/jb/pubs/news/2025/04/cope175580.htmlhttps://med.noridianmedicare.com/web/jddme/education/national-dme-mac-education/continued-use-of-modifier-cr-and-covid-19-claim-narrative

During this episode of the Industry Matters podcast, Ronda Buhrmester, Senior Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement at VGM & Associates and Noel Neil, Chief Compliance Officer at ACU-Serve, delve into the complexities of lymphedema compression therapy as a DME benefit. They discuss essential compliance and documentation requirements, market analysis, recent HCPCS code updates, and the challenges and opportunities within the Medicare Advantage space. They also provide valuable insights on managing product categories, maintaining compliance, and the implications of billing upgrades. If you're considering adding lymphedema compression to your offerings or you already provide compression, this episode provides crucial information and actionable guidance to ensure you navigate this space successfully.Resources:https://cgsmedicare.com/jc/education/lymphedema_compression.htmlhttps://cgsmedicare.com/jc/pubs/news/2023/12/cope147943.htmlhttps://med.noridianmedicare.com/web/jddme/dmepos/lymphedema-compr

In the 5th episode of the “5 Pillars of Wound Care” series, Heather Trumm, Partner Account Manager with VGM & Associates, and Amanda Smithey, Senior Manager, Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships, HME Division with McKesson, explore strategies for building your referral network using your existing referral base and patient population. The episode also covers setting expectations with referral sources and offers tips on keeping them accountable to the rules and regulations you’ve established. Additionally, Heather and Amanda provide insights into training your referral sources, including conducting in-services, what topics to cover, and how to creatively approach training and education.Tune in to learn how to strengthen your referral network and enhance your wound care program!

In this edition of Industry Matters, we learn about "So Every BODY Can Move," an initiative to create equitable and life-changing access to prosthetic and orthotic care for physical activity.Nikki Grace, Director of OPGA, interviews Nicole Ver Kuilen, Director of Impact Campaigns for the Amputee Coalition and Campaign Lead for "So Every BODY Can Move," and Sheryl Sachs, MSPO, CPO, and lead advocate for Maryland's "So Every BODY Can Move." Together, they discuss the importance of "So Every BODY Can Move," its formation in Iowa, and its impact on the O&P community. This initiative ensures that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to live an active and fulfilling life.

In the 4th episode of the “5 Pillars of Wound Care” series, Heather Trumm, Partner Account Manager with VGM & Associates, and Amanda Smithey, Senior Manager, Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships, HME Division with McKesson, delve into the essential training for HME staff in wound care. This episode covers what a comprehensive training program would entail for both your referral sources and internal staff. Key topics include disease state training, product category training, and referral and patient engagement training. Gain insights into the importance of clinical training, wound terminology, product category training for your HME staff, and the distinct training needs for sales/marketing teams and resupply staff. ResourceThe Wound Care Manual is exclusively available to VGM members on our members-only portal.

In this episode, Zach discusses the straightforward integration and significant benefits of high flow therapy using an asymmetric cannula with patients. He suggests starting with patients who are non-compliant with other therapies, highlighting the ease of implementing a Duet cannula for those already using high flow setups. Join Boone and Zach for valuable insights into optimizing patient care through innovative therapy solutions.

In this edition of Industry Matters, Shelby Graveman, Sr. Director of Customer Success at VGM & Associates, interviews Kyle Neese, Sr. Account Executive at ACU-Serve. Together, they explore the hottest topics in the HME industry, offering insights on how providers can effectively navigate daily challenges. They discuss the essential resources ACU-Serve provides, including payer relations support and the importance of root cause analysis for optimizing workflows and system performance. Additionally, they highlight how technology and trend reporting can enhance your business and emphasize the critical role of monthly recurring revenue for financial health. Join us as we delve into common growth challenges faced by HME companies and share strategies to increase revenue through technology and outsourcing solutions. Whether you're looking to scale your business or streamline operations, this podcast offers valuable tips and expert advice to help you succeed in the dynamic HME landscape.

In the 3rd episode of the “5 Pillars of Wound Care” series, hosts Heather Trumm, Partner Account Manager with VGM & Associates, and Amanda Smithey, Senior Manager, Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships, HME Division with McKesson, dive into the essentials of establishing effective vendor partnerships. They explore strategies for simplifying the process of developing and identifying the right vendor relationships for your business. Heather and Amanda also discuss how to leverage the resources that vendors offer to maximize your success, and how to utilize your relationships to help generate leads together. A lot of these concepts not only work with surgical dressings, but also can apply to HME, DME, respiratory and more. 

In today's episode of Industry Matters, Alan Morris, SVP of Strategy, VGM & Associates, and Tyler Coulander, Market Strategy Manager, VGM & Associates, explore key trends, from improving access to care and addressing staffing shortages to adapting to shifting consumer preferences, and financial pressures. Gain valuable insights and strategies to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and enhance your understanding of the DME industry's impact.

In today's episode of Industry Matters Boone Lockard, VP of Clinical Services; Ronda Buhrmester, Sr Director Payer Relations & Reimbursements; Zach Gantt, CEO, Encore Healthcare; and Ray Gregg, VP of Sales and Business Development, Encore Healthcare; dive into the latest updates on the National Coverage Determination (NCD) for ventilators, focusing on the new policy changes and their implications for COPD patients. CMS has 60 days to review comments which means the final comments should be released by June 9th.Submit Comments Here:https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-tracking-sheet.aspx?ncaid=315

In the second episode of the “5 Pillars of Wound Care” series, Heather Trumm, Partner Account Manager with VGM & Associates, and Amanda Smithey, Senior Manager, Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships, HME Division with McKesson, return to delve into the development of your surgical dressings program. They cover essential components such as the Surgical Dressings LCD, the importance of formulary development, and the order process, including the resupply aspect. This may be the most crucial step of your wound care program development- you won’t want to miss this episode!

In this episode of the Industry Matters Podcast, Respiratory Edition, we welcome Bill Shoop, CEO of React Health, and Boone Lockard, VP of Clinical Services. They discuss the significant progress React Health has made over the past 12 months, addressing common misconceptions, company growth, and their unique culture. Learn about the enhancements to their product portfolio, strategic investments, and how React Health stands out in the sleep and respiratory care industry.

In today's episode of Industry Matters, Ike Isaacson, SVP of VGM Government & Regulatory Relations, breaks down the latest developments in government policies affecting the DMEPOS industry and how the VGM Government Relations team is leading the charge in ensuring the industry's voice is heard.

This episode of the Industry Matters Podcast is the first in a five-part series, the Five Pillars of Wound Care: Identify Market Needs. Join industry experts, Heather Trumm, Partner Account Manager with VGM & Associates, and Amanda Smithey, Senior Manager, Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships, HME Division with McKesson, as they discuss how to determine if the wound care market is right for your business, the industry landscape, profitability, and more.  Resources:Wound Care Guide: Determine if the wound care category is right for your businessWound Care Manual: Comprehensive manual on the wound care industry including, an introduction to the industry, product overview, setting up a marketing plan, and additional resourcesVGM Market Data: See who's billing for wound care HCPCS codes or where those referrals are going