Be sure to visit all The VGM Group companies in Booth #1421
11 am to 5 pm on Wednesday, March 25
11 am to 3 pm on Thursday, March 26
Medtrade Conference Information
VGM Spring Break Bash
Wednesday, March 25
5-7:30 pm
Don’t miss this spectacular networking opportunity that includes free drinks and hors d’oeuvres, party favors and great entertainment!
Register online here
Register by February 25 for the best deal!
Need a Place to Stay?
VGM will be staying at the Las Vegas Hilton. Make your reservations online now with the official Medtrade housing agency, Ambassadors.
Get Educated - Check out these pre-show offerings:
Competitive Bidding Round 1.2: The Rules Have Changed
Tuesday, March 24
8:30 AM – 4 PM
Presented by John Gallagher and Mark Higley
VGM's Competitive Bidding Seminar Info
Cost: $305 and includes all Medtrade conference sessions and Expo Pass
For more info visit http://www.medtrade.com/medtrade_spring/conference/pre-show-conference
To register visit here
VGM Speakers at Medtrade Spring
Mar 25, 2009 - 8:00 AM to 8:50 AM
The Current Status of Legislative Activity:...And the Fight Continues - A Battle Won, but Not the War
John Gallagher of The VGM Group, Inc.
Track: Legislative & Regulatory
Attendees will receive recent updates on legislative activities that directly affect the durable medical equipment (DME) industry. Specific attention will be focused on the impact of the recently enacted Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA Act) and what it means to the DME industry. Grassroots Lobbying - While the MIPPA Act was a major triumph, the battle continues. Additionally this session will cover: next steps necessary to repeal competitive bidding and to eliminate oxygen; the importance of building and/or maintaining relationships with members of Congress by means of grassroots activities; provide directions on how to establish or maintain these relationships; and how to convey the message while creating champions to the industry.
Mar 26, 2009 - 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA): Effects & Continuing Concerns to the HME Industry
Mark Higley of The VGM Group, Inc.
Track: Legislative & Regulatory
Section 154 of the MIPPA "delays and reforms the Medicare Competitive Acquisition Program". While the great majority of stakeholder reactions were positive in this "severely flawed" program, many providers suggest concerns remain. This session will explain in straightforward terms the Act's provisions and changes. Also reviewed: Section 144 (repeal of beneficiary ownership of oxygen equipment), accreditation deadlines and revamped quality measures, and, in the case of a "Round One" contracting process resumption, a discussion of bid process improvements, exempted products and other changes. The session will end with open discussion of "fallout" issues from the delayed program such as "should Round One contract winners be compensated for damages", and, if the competitive bidding delay is not permanent, attendees' opinion of whether the re-bid process will result in overall higher (or lower) reimbursement amounts per Round One contracts.
Mar 26, 2009 - 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Power Mobility -- Continuing SAGA
Peggy Walker of US Rehab/VGM
Track: Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology
During this presentation there will be discussion and update on power mobility coding and coverage criteria. The presenter will discuss the new codes and what the provider has to complete on their own in order to receive reimbursement as well as the process of gathering information from referral sources and ordering practitioner. The format will be basic information that has to be "in the providers' files" prior to billing for the item they have provided. The discussion will also include how to properly bill with new modifier and coding updates
Mar 24, 2009 - 1:15 PM to 2:15 PM
Size Does Matter: Measuring Your Client for Seating and Mobility Equipment
Elizabeth Cole of U.S. Rehab
Track: Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology
This session will provide an in-depth look into how we can correctly measure and then translate measurements into the appropriate seating or mobility product parameters. Discuss how to measure differently for fixed deformities and/or use of other assistive technology, and examine the implications on function, posture and skin if the systems are not the optimal size.
Mar 25, 2009 - 10:00 AM to 10:50 AM
Evaluation Forms and Letters of Medical Necessity – What Works and What Doesn't For Seating and Mobility?
Elizabeth Cole of U.S. Rehab
Track: Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology
In this age of stricter coverage criteria, more stringent documentation requirements and increased scrutiny of this documentation, the letter of medical necessity (LMN) becomes a critical tool to ensure appropriate reimbursement. So what is considered to be a good LMN? What needs to be included and what is unnecessary? Are there specific pieces of information needed to justify certain types of products? How can you ensure that the information is interpreted correctly? How can a good evaluation form help? This session will help to answer these questions and provide a set of guidelines to write a concise yet complete LMN.
