Industry Matters Podcast

A podcast to deliver business solutions, best practices, government updates, reimbursement advice and more to healthcare providers and practitioners.

Episodes

2023

 Help Us Prevent a 30% Decline in DME Reimbursement for 2024

In today’s episode, VGM’s Craig Douglas and Ronda Buhrmester talk about the importance of taking action to pass bill S1294, which would extend the 75/25 blended rate from the Cares Act. Listen as they explain why this is necessary and what you can do to help!

 Partnership for Positive Outcomes with MedSouth and Encore

In today’s episode Boone Lockard, Director of VGM Respiratory, talks with Encore Healthcare and MedSouth Inc. about their partnership and the positive outcomes MedSouth Inc. has seen using Encore’s Nexus Software and Program. You won’t want to miss this amazing story of how MedSouth Inc. is changing people's lives. 

 The PHE Is Over: What's Next?

In today's episode of Industry Matters, Mandi Joyner, Senior Director of Marketing at VGM & Associates, talks with three of VGM's payer, billing, and reimbursement experts Ronda Buhrmester, Dan Fedor, and Craig Douglas about the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) and what that means for members. 

 Insights into Wound Care: Billing, Intake, and Operational Logistics with Industry Experts

In today's episode of Industry Matters, Mandi Joyner discusses all things wound care with the Director of Wound Care, Heather Trumm, and Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement. They walk through billing, intake, wound care categories, and much more!

 Limb Loss Registry & Evidence-Based Care in O&P

In today’s episode, Adam Miller, president of OPGA, talks with Jeff Brandt, of Brandt Ventures, about the Limb Loss and Preservation Registry and the progress they’ve seen in the last year. They discuss the importance of the outcomes program in providing evidence-based care in the O&P profession.

 The Countdown to Heartland 2023 Has Begun!

In today’s episode, Mandi Joyner, Senior Director of Marketing for VGM & Associates, as well the Marketing Pillar for Heartland Conference, talks with other members of the Heartland Conference planning committee about what to expect for 2023! She is joined by Jill Blaser, Heartland Chair; Kayla Mahler, Education Chair; and Samantha Doering, Events Chair. 

 OIG Recommends 'High/Low Reward' Strategy on Intermittent Catheters

In this episode of Industry Matters, Alan Morris, Director of Research and Strategy for VGM Government Relations, and John Gallagher, VP of VGM Government Relations, talk with Brian Leitten from Leitten Consulting, about a new study, "OIG Recommends 'High Risk/Low Reward' Strategy on Intermittent Catheters." The study looks at concerns and costs associated with reducing access to urinary catheters. 

 Podcast Series Pt. 3: Billing Claims, HCPCS Codes, and Modifiers

In today’s episode, Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement for VGM Government Relations, and Mandi Joyner, Sr. Director of Marketing, finish up their three-part series. In this final episode, they talk about billing the claim, HCPC codes, modifiers, and avoiding some audits.

 Podcast Series Pt.2: Medical Records, Delivery, and Ongoing Need

In today’s episode, Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement for VGM Government Relations, and Mandi Joyner, Sr. Director of Marketing, continue their three-part series. In this second episode, they talk about medical records, delivery, and ongoing need, including drop-shipping and remote setups.

2022

 Podcast Series Pt.1: What You Need to Know About Intake, Prescriptions, and Orders

In today’s episode, Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement for VGM Government Relations, and Mandi Joyner, Sr. Director of Marketing, kick off a three-part series. In this first episode, they talk about the intake process and ordering and how to help make this process as smooth as possible.

 Important Supplier Enrollment Updates - Changes to Contract!

In today’s must-listen episode, Mandi Joyner, Senior Director of Marketing, talks with Ronda Buhrmester, Senior Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement for VGM Government Relations, and Kelly Grahovac, General Manager for The van Halem Group, about how the Mississippi River is playing a role in the changes to the DMEPOS provider enrollment and what, if anything, you need to be doing. 

Helpful links: 

• Medicare revalidation list
• NPE West
• NPE East
• Site visit checklist

 Setting the Record Straight, Reverse Mortgages CAN Fund Home Accessibility Projects!

In today’s episode, Jim Greatorex, VP of VGM’s Live at Home talks with Gabrielle Welter, Strategic Business Development Manager at AAG. They talk about how people can use reverse mortgages as funding resources for home accessibility projects. 

 Solutions for Improving Efficiency and Innovation in Your Therapy Business

In this episode of Industry Matters, Miranda Murphy with VGM speaks with Greg Guinter, the Director of Therapy and Rehab Sales for Medline. They talk about the changing landscape of healthcare, the challenges healthcare systems are facing as they relate to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy service providers, and the evolution of innovation and technology in the therapy space. They will be discussing ways to help you find solutions.  

 Lily Has Bloomed: An Introduction to the Mother-Baby Program

In today’s episode of Industry Matters, Mandi Joyner, Senior Director of Marketing  for VGM & Associates, talks with Nikki Jensen, VP of Essentially Women, the women’s health division at VGM. They are talking about the launch of the new Lily program. 

 A Chat With Ronda Buhrmester About Important Reimbursement Updates and Getting Paid Faster

In this episode of Industry Matters, VGM & Associates' Mandi Joyner, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, talks with VGM’s Ronda Buhrmester, Senior Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, about CMNs, LCDs, CPAP policy changes, National Coverage Determination, and more. In short, helping you understand how to get paid faster and keep your money.

 Optimizing Inventory with Trace Medical

In this episode of Industry Matters, Boone Lockard, Director of VGM Respiratory, talks with Chief Commercial Officer for Trace Medical, Elliot Campbell, about Trace Medical’s history and growth to the ventilator rental company in the U.S., how they navigated COVID-19, and why you should be looking to Trace Medical to help optimize inventory, take advantage of asset flexibility, and increase EBIDTA margins.

 More Categories Added in Building a Case for Medicare and Medicaid Investment

In this episode of Industry Matters, John Gallagher, VP of Government Relations and Mark Higley, VP of Regulatory Affairs for VGM & Associates, talk with Brian Leitten, CEO of Leitten Consulting about a recent study looking at three additional categories for building a case for additional Medicare and Medicaid investment. 

Read the full study here or visit vgmgov.com.

 Growing Opportunities in Long-Term and Post-Acute Care

In this episode of Industry Matters Barry Thwaits, VP of Business Development for VGM & Associates talks with Adam Clark, Business Development Consultant for Post-Acute Care at Philips about long-term and post-acute care opportunities for providers. They analyze the business opportunity, reimbursement, and the resources needed to get into this growing market.  .

 Women Leaders in O&P: Episode 3 - A Talk With Kelly Gies

In this episode of Industry Matters we continue our series for our OPGA community. In this edition of “Women Leaders in O&P,” Ashlie White, OPGA’s O&P 2021 Woman of the Year and Director of Health policy and Strategic Alliances for AOPA, talks with Kelly Gies, COO and Partner of Cornerstone Prosthetics and Orthotics. They discuss the importance of data and analytics, cost indexing, insurance contracts and if they are helping your business be profitable, and much more.

 The Importance of the Limb Loss and Preservation Registry

In this episode of Industry Matters, OPGA president, Todd Eagen, talks with Dr. Kenton Kauffman of the Mayo Clinic about the Limb Loss and Preservation Registry. They discuss the importance of the outcomes program in providing evidence based care in the O&P profession.  

 Everything You Need to Know About Heartland Conference 2022

In this episode of Industry Matters, we are talking about the upcoming Heartland Conference which is quickly approaching! June 13-15 VGM will hold its annual premier educational conference. And that is right here in our hometown of Waterloo, Iowa. Joining us to talk about Heartland Conference with Committee Chair, Jill Blaser and Education Pillar, Kayla Mahler. 

 A Closer Look at Succession Planning with Mark Higley

In this episode of Industry Matters Mandi Joyner, Director of Marketing Strategy and Communications for VGM & Associates, talks with Mark Higley, VP of Regulatory Affairs for VGM Government about succession planning. Mark recently wrote a guide, “Succession Planning: Identifying What is Next for Your Business and How to Make it Happen,” to help members plan for the future. This podcast has common mistakes made, how to avoid to them, and best practices.

Click HERE for the Succession Planning Guide  
Mark Higley Cell Phone: 319.504.9515

Women Leaders in O&P: Episode 2 - A Talk with Lesleigh Sisson

On today’s episode of Industry Matters we continue our series for our OPGA community. In this edition of “Women Leaders in O&P,” Ashlie White, OPGA’s O&P 2021 Woman of the Year and Director of Health policy and Strategic Alliances for AOPA, talks with Lesleigh Sisson, owner of O&P Insight. They discuss the importance of thorough and timely documentation to ensure proper reimbursement, challenges with same and similar devices, tips for your business, and much more.

 A Review of 'Lists' and What you Need to Know About Codes for Reimbursement

In this episode of Industry Matters, Senior Director of Payer Relations for VGM Government, Ronda Buhrmester, and Dan Fedor, Director of Reimbursement and Education for U.S. Rehab, talk about lists - the master list, prior authorization, face to face, and written order prior to delivery. They cover the differences between the lists, recent changes with codes being added and removed from lists, the timing of additional changes, and what all of these updates mean for your business. 

Additional Resources:

Standard Documentation Requirement Policy

MLN SE 20007
 

(OPGA) New Series: Women Leaders in O&P 

We are very excited to be launching a new podcast series on Industry Matters for our OPGA community, “Women Leaders in O&P.” In this series, Ashlie White, OPGA’s O&P 2021 Woman of the Year and Director of Health policy and Strategic Alliances for AOPA, interviews other women leaders in the orthotics and prosthetics profession. In this first episode, Ashlie talks with Nikki Grace-Strader, the incoming fellow for NAAOP.  

 Combating Cost of Doing Business Increases, Stale Reimbursement, and Workforce Shortages

In this episode of Industry Matters,  VP of Payer Relations for VGM Government Relations, Craig Douglas, talks with Market Sales Director for VGM Vendor Partner, Medline, Sal Grillo, about the impact from supply chain challenges, rising costs and stagnant reimbursement rates, shipping delays, workforce shortages, and how Medline is working to combat these issues. 

 Oxygen Talk with Ronda Buhrmester - All Things NCD Memos and PHE Waivers

In this episode, Mandi Joyner, Director of Marketing and Communications at VGM & Associates talks with Ronda Buhrmester, Senior Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement at VGM Government Relations about the changes coming to the oxygen equipment medical policy and how the renewed PHE continues to impact waivers. Check out the show notes for more information.

 A Deep Dive into the “Competitive Bidding - A Decade Focused on the Wrong Prize the Case for Medicare Investment in DME in 2021” Study

In today’s episode of Industry Matters we talk with Brian Leitten, CEO of Leitten Consulting, John Gallagher, VP VGM Government Relations, and Mark Higley, VP VGM Regulatory Affairs about an updated study, “Competitive Bidding - A Decade Focused on the Wrong Prize the Case for Medicare Investment in DME in 2021.” This study looks at how investing in DME instead of trying to control distribution, specifically in regard to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and falls, could save the government billions of dollars, as well as allow for more providers and greater care of beneficiaries. 

2021

 The Vital Role Nutrition Plays in Wound Healing

In today’s episode of Industry Matters, Heather Trumm, director of VGM Wound Care, talks with Dr. Nancy Collins, a Registered Dietician about the role nutrition plays in wound healing. Listen as they discuss how important protein and vitamin C and D are in the healing process, what other foods and supplements need to be considered, overcoming objections to nutrition in wound healing, and advice for patients dealing with hard to heal wounds.  

 Add Group 3 Fluidized Therapy Beds to Increase Revenue

In today’s episode of Industry Matters, Heather Trumm, director of VGM Wound Care, talks with Howie Morrison, owner of Aurora Manufacturing, about increasing your revenue stream by adding Group 3 Fluidized Therapy Beds to your offerings, referral sources, and what dealers need to know if they are interested in this category.  

Contact Heather Trumm Heather.trumm@vgm.com and Howie Morrison at howiemorrison@aol.com or 704-490-0691, or visit auroramfg.com.

 An Open Discussion About Opportunities in the Diabetic Market, CGM Audits, and Reimbursements

In this episode of Industry Matters, Mandi Joyner, director of marketing and communications for VGM & Associates, talks with president of The van Halem Group, Wayne van Halem, and sales manager for GEMCO, Joseph Ault, about CGM audits, qualifications for reimbursement and documentation, as well as the opportunities in the diabetic market.

 Essentially Women Talks with American Breast Care about Custom Breast Prothesis, Product Development, and Branding

In this episode, VP of Essentially Women, Nikki Jensen, talks with Jolly Rechenberg, partner, chairmen, and co-CEO of American Breast Care (ABC) about the start of ABC, the importance of communication and feedback in the product development process, custom breast prothesis, and why the rose is much more than just a logo to American Breast Care.  

 The Tipping Point of Respiratory Outcomes in the Home

In today’s episode, VP of Sales for VGM & Associates, Dave Lyman, talks with CEO of Encore Health Care, Zach Gantt, about the importance of respiratory outcomes in the DME world and how Encore can help manage patients, not devices. They also talk about building out individual care plans, managing populations of patients, and partnering with hospitals. Learn more at www.encorehc.com.

 A New Infant Monitoring Technology and Program

In today’s episode, VGM and Associates' VP of Sales, Dave Lyman, talks with Founder and CEO of Circadiance, David Groll, about a new infant monitoring technology and program. They also discuss why all DMEs should be providing infant monitoring. Learn more at www.circadiance.com. 

 All Things Heartland 2021

In this episode of Industry Matters, Mandi Joyner, director of marketing and communications for VGM & Associates, talks with two members of the Heartland Conference planning committee, Sarah Conger and Jill Blaser, about all things Heartland! Listen to find out what is new coming to Heartland, how the committee is keeping attendees, vendor partners, and employee owners safe amidst COVID-19, educational opportunities, and this year's farewell event! 

 (VGM Live at Home) The Summer of 2021: Growth Amid Volatility in the Home Accessibility Market

In this episode of Industry Matters, VP of VGM Live at Home, Jim Greatorex, talks with Darren Corcoran with Vets Access and Steve Dawson of Harmar about the challenges overcome in 2020 and the opportunities in 2021 for the home accessibility market. Tune in to find out about supply chain constraints, shipping damages, and the forecast for the rest of this year.

 How the Pandemic is Impacting Sleep and How a Ring Can Help Monitor Oxygen Levels

In this episode of Industry Matters Ronda Buhrmester, Senior Director of Payer Relations at VGM, interviews Dr. Meir Kryger, Professor of Medicine at Yale University of Medicine, about the impact COVID-19 had, and is having on sleep, as well how the BodiMetrics CIRCUL Sleep and Fitness Ring can be used to accurately track oxygen levels. Dr. Krieger has more than 40 years of experience in sleep medicine and has seen more than 40 thousand patients. You won't want to miss this episode! 

For more information on BodiMetrics call 844-744-8800 or email info@bodimetrics.com. 

 VGM Retail is Rewired to Help You Rewire Your Business

In this episode of Industry Matters, Mandi Joyner, Director of Marketing Strategy and Communications for VGM & Associates, talks with Rob Baumhover, Director of VGM Retail, about how VGM Retail has REWIRED its services available to VGM members to help them adjust to the ever-changing landscape. Rob has been with VGM for more than 10 years, and prior to that was with big box retail for 20 years. Any questions, please reach out to Rob at rob.baumhover@vgm.com or call him at 319-504-6539.

 VGM Members Adapt, Navigate, and Pivot to Continue to Serve Patients During the PHE

In today’s episode of Industry Matters Ronda Buhrmester, Senior Director of Payer Relations at VGM talks with two VGM members Stephanie Robinson, Chief Compliance Officer for Dynamic Healthcare Services and Shelia Roberson, Chief Compliance Officer for Great Elm Healthcare about how their organizations are navigating the public health emergency (PHE) by quickly adapting to change at the beginning of the PHE and now, continuing to be nimble while still providing their patients with outstanding service.

 My mobile delivery system has GPS, why do I need a second GPS service?

In this episode of Industry Matters, VP of Sales for VGM & Associates, Dave Lyman talks with National Account Manager of On-Board Communications, Bob Wagner. Here VGM Members will learn about how On-Board’s GPS fleet management system provides functionality, control and risk management not found in Mobile Delivery systems. 

 Key Leadership Skills Learned in 2020 and Why We Should Keep Some!

In this episode of Industry Matters, we talk with Lindy Tentinger, President of VGM Forbin and Miriam Lieber, of Lieber Consulting to discuss what leadership looked like in 2020 and key lessons learned that we should keep as we transition to 'back to normal.' You won't want to miss these amazing women and their insight into authentic leadership.

Be sure to get more details at their joint presentation at Medtrade West, "Patient Engagement and the Path to Value Based Care," on Tuesday, July 13th at 9:30am!

 Cost Effective Wound Care Management Practices

Director of VGM Wound Care, Heather Trumm talks with vendor partner, Dermarite about cost effective wound management without compromising the value of the products. The average cost to heal a wound is between $4,000 and $9,000. Listen to this episode to find out what impacts that cost, and how to improve wound healing. 

 AffloVest Case Study with Advanced Medical DME

In this episode of Industry Matters VGM’s Midwest Regional Account Manager, Jay Kopriva talks with VGM Vendor partner, International Bio Physics and VGM Member, Advanced Medical DME about a study they conducted and the astounding results they found. 

 Let's Talk About CPAP Fittings and Inventory Management with Philips Respironics and VGM Fulfillment

In today’s episode of Industry Matters, Dave Lyman, VP of Sales for VGM & Associates, talks with Business Marketing Managers from Philips Respironics and the President of VGM Fulfillment about different options for fitting patients for CPAP masks as well as inventory management.

 (VGM Live at Home) The Home Accessibility Tax Incentive Bill - What YOU Can Do!

In today’s episode of Industry Matters we discuss a home accessibility tax incentive bill and what you can do to help! Vice President of VGM Live at Home, Jim Greatorex, talks with Louis Tenebaum, Founder and CEO of the HomesRenewed Coalition.

For more information visit www.homesrenewedcoalition.com.

 Funding in 2021: Are You Ready?

In this podcast, billing and reimbursement experts Ronda Buhrmester and Dan Fedor discuss the funding landscape in 2021 and cover ongoing COVID-19 waivers, the payment rates (fee schedule, SPA, etc.), and what we are seeing as the most common denials and how to avoid them.

Access all billing and reimbursement resources on the members-only portal! Log in today at vgm.com/portal.

 (U.S. Rehab) Telehealth in Complex Rehab: Part 3

In today’s episode of Industry Matters, President of U.S. Rehab, Greg Packer, and Vice President of Rehabilitation Program Development at HOMELINK, Kyle Walker, wrap up a 3-part podcast series on the importance telehealth has played, and will continue to play in the complex rehab industry.  

 VGM Wound Care and Permobil Discuss the Importance of Seated Posture

In this episode, Director of Wound Care, Heather Trumm, talks with Stacey Mullis, Director of Clinical Marketing at Permobil, where “Every person has the right to have his or her disability compensated as far as possible by aids with the same technical standard as those we all use in our daily lives.” Heather and Stacy are going to dive right into dive into something that is often overlooked, and that is seated posture in wound care.