Recognizing DME Providers: Advocacy Leads to Proclamation

Published in Member Communities on January 08, 2025

Recognizing DME Providers: Advocacy Leads to Proclamation

VGM member Jami Tharp, CEO and Owner of Choice Medical in Ames, IA, successfully worked with the Story County Board of Supervisors to recognize November 6 as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Providers Day. Tharp’s goal was to bring recognition to DME providers in healthcare, who she feels are often overlooked in the healthcare industry. 

“I wanted to bring recognition to my staff and all other DME providers who are often overlooked in the broader healthcare landscape,” said Tharp. “This cause is very dear to my heart, having been in the DME business for many years. I just wanted to ensure that all DME professionals know they are a crucial part of healthcare and are appreciated.”

Tharp has been a dedicated advocate for DME providers, organizing annual events with Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA-4). Feenstra has been a consistent supporter of DME legislation, largely due to Tharp’s efforts and the work of her team at Choice Medical. Tharp maintains regular communication with Feenstra’s staff and hosts him at her location each year to discuss and promote DME-related issues.

The initiative led by Tharp and Choice Medical is inspirational, highlighting their commitment to recognizing and supporting DME professionals. VGM & Associates is proud to have all at Choice Medical as part of something bigger!

Click here to read the original article from VGM Government Relations, “Choice Medical in Ames, IA Designates November 6th as Durable Medical Equipment Providers Day.”


TAGS

  1. advocacy
  2. member spotlight
  3. vgm

From Our Experts

Enhance HME Training with Microlearning Solutions thumbnail Enhance HME Training with Microlearning Solutions Discover how microlearning can transform training in the home medical equipment industry, improving compliance, engagement, and performance with VGM Education. CMS Proposed Rule: What It Means To O&P Providers thumbnail CMS Proposed Rule: What It Means To O&P Providers Watch this update from VGM's Melanie Ewald, VP of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, on the potential impact of the CMS proposed rule on O&P providers. Ronda's Reflections: Four Hot Topics Affecting the DME Industry thumbnail Ronda's Reflections: Four Hot Topics Affecting the DME Industry Read about upcoming NCD implementations, oxygen equipment audits, lymphedema compression garment compliance, and PTAN billing tips. A Letter from the President: Planning with Purpose thumbnail A Letter from the President: Planning with Purpose As we turn the calendar to October, I imagine many of you are taking a deep breath, looking at what's left of 2025, and asking, “How do we finish strong?” Boosting ROI with Effective Home Medical Equipment (HME) Training thumbnail Boosting ROI with Effective Home Medical Equipment (HME) Training Maximize ROI in home medical equipment (HME) with strategic training programs that enhance compliance, customer satisfaction, and streamline operations. Steve Cranna of VGM Canada Announces Retirement thumbnail Steve Cranna of VGM Canada Announces Retirement Steve Cranna of VGM Canada has announced his retirement as Director of Government Relations and New Business Development at the end of September 2025. Jeff Kessler Named New Director of OPGA thumbnail Jeff Kessler Named New Director of OPGA OPGA is proud to announce that Jeff Kessler will be the director of OPGA effective October 1, 2025. The Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Managing Diabetes thumbnail The Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Managing Diabetes Discover how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is revolutionizing diabetes care & its benefits of real-time data, trend tracking, & improved health outcomes.