VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

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

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

Staffing Ratios and Compensation Insights for U.S. Rehab Members and CRT Dealers thumbnail Staffing Ratios and Compensation Insights for U.S. Rehab Members and CRT Dealers This report provides insights into team structures and pay for key roles like ATPs, service technicians, and billing personnel. Marketing: Embrace the Happy Customer thumbnail Marketing: Embrace the Happy Customer In today's hyper-connected world, customer satisfaction isn't just a metric—it's a marketing engine. A Letter From the President: July 2025 thumbnail A Letter From the President: July 2025 From evolving reimbursement models to the complexities of competitive bidding, the landscape continues to shift beneath our feet, but VGM is here for you. How the June 2025 MedPAC Report Shapes the Future of HME thumbnail How the June 2025 MedPAC Report Shapes the Future of HME The June 2025 Report to Congress from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) offers critical insights into the evolving landscape of Medicare services. While the report does not focus exclusively on home medical equipment (HME) or durable medical equipment (DME), several areas touch on themes that are highly relevant to the industry's future—particularly around home health care, Medicare Advantage (MA), and supplemental benefits. Balancing Costs and Growth: Williams Bros.' Strategies for Success thumbnail Balancing Costs and Growth: Williams Bros.' Strategies for Success Williams Bros. has been adept at managing the complexities of business expenses, improving margins, and mitigating lost opportunities. Navigating the New CMS Landscape with the HMV and RAD Decision Memo for COPD thumbnail Navigating the New CMS Landscape with the HMV and RAD Decision Memo for COPD Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, shares insights on the newly finalized National Coverage Determination (NCD) for home mechanical ventilation (HMV) and respiratory assist devices (RAD). Balancing Costs and Growth: Williams Bros.' Strategies for Success thumbnail Balancing Costs and Growth: Williams Bros.' Strategies for Success Williams Bros. has been adept at managing the complexities of business expenses, improving margins, and mitigating lost opportunities. Balancing Costs and Growth: Williams Bros.' Strategies for Success thumbnail Balancing Costs and Growth: Williams Bros.' Strategies for Success Williams Bros. has been adept at managing the complexities of business expenses, improving margins, and mitigating lost opportunities.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Become a Member