Help Wanted? Providers Try To Adjust

Published in Member Communities on August 17, 2023

Help WantedThis post was originally featured in HME News.

HME providers say difficulties hiring – and keeping – employees is hurting business and forcing them to get creative. 

Provider George Kucka says it’s like “pulling teeth” to get people to even show up for interviews, let alone show up once they are hired. 

“We’re under capacity,” said Kucka, president of Fairmeadows Home Health in Schererville, Ind. “People get prescriptions for PAP, but don’t have enough therapists to do the setups. Same with drivers when people need hospital beds or wheelchairs. We did maybe 60% or 70% of the opportunities we could fulfill last month.”  

Specialties are especially trying 

It’s definitely challenging for providers who need to hire employees with special certifications, including orthotists, pedorthists and ATPs, says James Rogers, who owns both Chattanooga-based PPS Orthotic and Prosthetic and Phoenix Rehab and Mobility.  

“I think many have gotten out of health care over the years, especially in these areas where there’s not that many O&P providers or CRT providers,” he said. “In the big cities, maybe it’s not quite as much (of an issue) but in the secondary markets, they clearly have a need for providers, and it’s very, very difficult to find the talent that goes along with that.” 

Hiring practices evolve 

For provider Erik Mickelson, employee referrals are “hands down” the best way to hire good employees these days. He currently has four job openings in the U.S. and two in the Philippines, where he launched a separate business to take care of back-office functions. 

“I would say 50% of our good hires are referrals in-house,” said Mickelson, CEO of Yakima, Wash.-based Howard’s Medical Supply. “If anyone refers family, a friend or a contact and we hire them they get $500. I do the same for the Philippines business. They get $250 once they get through (the first) three months, which is converted to pesos. That helps our retention rate.” 

Keep the employees you have 

Provider Dale Shimabuku says she’s been lucky to have a low turnover rate among her staff. In addition to higher pay and more flexibility, she says it also helps to understand what employees want and need from an employer. 

“We try to take some employee surveys to figure out what they value, not just what we value,” said Shimabuku, president of Gammie Home Care, which has locations on Maui and Kauai in Hawaii. “We’ve tried to do everything we can to incentivize the staff that’s here not to leave and continue to support those we have.”


TAGS

  1. hme
  2. vgm

From Our Experts

VGM & Associates Launches “IM: Unfiltered” Podcast Series thumbnail VGM & Associates Launches “IM: Unfiltered” Podcast Series VGM & Associates is proud to announce the launch of its new podcast series, IM: Unfiltered, created with members of the VGM community in mind. This dynamic new series delivers candid conversations, expert insights, and timely updates that matter most to home medical equipment (HME) providers. Expanding Your DME Offerings for Breastfeeding Awareness Month thumbnail Expanding Your DME Offerings for Breastfeeding Awareness Month Discover how DME providers can celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August 2025 by expanding their offerings to include mother/baby products. Key Insights from MedPAC's July Data Book for DME Providers thumbnail Key Insights from MedPAC's July Data Book for DME Providers Learn about the evolving Medicare landscape, the impact of an aging population, and the shift towards home healthcare from MedPAC's July 2025 Data Book. Announcing the Finalists for the 2025 O&P Woman of the Year Award thumbnail Announcing the Finalists for the 2025 O&P Woman of the Year Award OPGA is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 O&P Woman of the Year Award. These remarkable women will be honored during the AOPA National Assembly, taking place on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 9:50 a.m. in the Product Preview Theater (PPT) within the exhibit hall. Revolutionizing Independent Living: How Smart Home Technologies Are Reshaping Accessibility thumbnail Revolutionizing Independent Living: How Smart Home Technologies Are Reshaping Accessibility As the global population ages and the demand for accessible housing accelerates, smart home technologies are emerging as essential tools, not just for convenience, but for safety, autonomy, and well-being. Today's smart products, like Autoslide's automatic door systems and Yale's smart locks, are more than gadgets. They are assistive technologies designed to empower people with limited mobility. A Quick Guide to the New NCD for Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation thumbnail A Quick Guide to the New NCD for Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation Discover the key changes in Medicare's new NCD for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for chronic respiratory failure due to COPD. A Letter from the President: Clarity, Connection, & Champions of Change thumbnail A Letter from the President: Clarity, Connection, & Champions of Change This letter explores the importance of clarity, simplicity, and strategic partnerships, while providing insights on strengthening customer relationships. NAAOP Hosts First Ever In-Person Legislative Fly-In thumbnail NAAOP Hosts First Ever In-Person Legislative Fly-In Last week, 33 stakeholders, advocates, and leaders from around the O&P industry convened at the offices of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC in Washington, D.C., as part of The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics's (NAAOP) first ever in-person legislative fly-in. Co-sponsored by OPGA, the fly-in kicked off with an in-depth discussion and strategy session surrounding several legislative priorities affecting O&P providers and patients.