A Letter From the President: Advocacy Meets Innovation: Charting the Future Together

Published in Member Communities on September 04, 2024

By Lindy Tentinger, President, VGM & Associates

As we stand on the cusp of a new horizon in the home medical equipment industry, our commitment to the industry has never been stronger. This year, particularly during the August recess, we've redoubled our efforts to champion DMEPOS legislation and advocate for improved reimbursement rates. Our vision is clear: to actively shape and influence the future of our industry. We do this by amplifying the voices of VGM members, sharing the inspiring stories that highlight the value of care and the exceptional patient experiences that are integral to the healthcare continuum.

As you all know, the need for your services is underscored by the growing aging population, along with continued consolidation of rooftops in HME. Currently, over half of U.S. adults aged 55 and older utilize some form of assistive or health-related technology. I recently heard an interesting statistic at an industry event: 10,000 Americans become eligible for Medicare every day. As this demographic is projected to expand significantly over the next decade, the demand for home medical equipment and care will continue to intensify. Again, I know I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know; however, we do understand the challenges you face today and as you move forward in this environment. As part of VGM, you get partners in your business to help you at every turn.

Innovation and creativity are at the heart of meeting this challenge. By fostering a culture of innovation, you can serve more patients more effectively. The integration of technology in healthcare operations and patient care is not just a trend; it's a necessity. Recent insights reveal that strong governance practices for data privacy and security, along with responsible AI development, are creating exponential value for organizations that embrace these changes.

Our team is deep in training and understanding of both what and how systems work together, as well as learning about secure, emerging technologies and how you can bring it all together to work for your organization. We are working on ways to illustrate what the best options are, how each works, and clearly lay out the differences so you can always make the best decisions for you and your teams. Be sure to take advantage of the resources you have as a VGM member: visit our website and membership portal, and reach out to your Membership Account Manager (MAM) or Regional Account Manager (RAM) to start this conversation, if you haven’t already.

At VGM, we are dedicated to helping you do business better. Our mission is to be the first resource you turn to every day, ensuring that no one must navigate the complexities of our industry without the comprehensive support, expertise, and integrated services we provide, alongside a robust portfolio of vendor partner products and services. Together, we are not just part of the industry; we are its architects, building a future where quality care is accessible to all who need it.

I personally would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for being a part of the VGM membership community. I have been in this role for about nine months now, and the energy I feel every day to wake up and have important conversations with members, continue to build relationships and meet new faces, as well as guide our team at VGM, is truly nothing I’ve ever felt before. I am inspired by our membership at every turn, and our team is deeply committed to your success and passionate about the future. I would enjoy hearing from you if we haven’t connected. Let’s have a virtual coffee, meet up at an event, or get me on the road with one of our RAMs!

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