Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO LEARN ABOUT VGM

August of Action Wraps Up with Key Meetings

Published in Government Relations on September 06, 2024

Meeting with Rep. Mike Thompson

Earlier this week, CAMPS members met with Rep. Mike Thompson at his Napa office to discuss DMEPOS legislation, H.R.5555. Rep. Thompson, a member of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, engaged in a productive meeting with Paul Ondrusek (Regional Account Manager at VGM and President of CAMPS), Todd Dodds (Owens Medical), and Tony Lewis (New West Medical).

Paul Ondrusek highlighted the personal connection and the discussion on access and reimbursement concerns within the DMEPOS industry. Todd Dodds appreciated Rep. Thompson’s openness and commitment to addressing H.R.5555, emphasizing the shared goal of improving patient care in underserved areas. Tony Lewis praised the VGM Government & Regulatory team for their preparation, noting Rep. Thompson’s understanding and support for their cause.

August of Action

_{Rep. Mike Thompson, Paul Ondrusek (VGM), Tony Lewis (New West Medical), Todd Dodds (Owens Medical)}

Meeting with Rep. Brett Guthrie

Yesterday, King Drug in Hartford, KY hosted a meeting with Rep. Brett Guthrie who serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee. Attendees included Steve Wiggens, Amy Willis, Ryan Radcliff (all from King Drug), Rep. Brett Guthrie, Ike Isaacson (VGM), Jay Witter (AAHomecare), and Thad Connally (former KY DME owner and advocate).

Ike Isaacson reported that the meeting was impactful, as Rep. Guthrie, already a known supporter of the industry, gained further insight into the real-world experiences of DME suppliers.

Special thanks were extended to the advocates and King Drug for hosting the event during business hours.

August of Action

_{Steve Wiggens, Amy Willis, Ryan Radcliff (King Drug), Rep. Brett Guthrie, Ike Isaacson (VGM), Jay Witter (AAHomecare), and Thad Connally}

As the August recess ends, there are still ample opportunities to engage with your legislators before the upcoming election. Throughout October and leading up to the election, legislators will be back in their home states, providing a perfect window to connect with them before the end of the year.  Reach out to emily.harken@vgm.com at VGM if you would like assistance contacting your legislator or setting up an on-site visit.

TAGS

From Our Experts

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.

VGM Government Relations Unveils Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit to Empower DME Champions of Change thumbnail

VGM Government Relations Unveils Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit to Empower DME Champions of Change The VGM Government Relations team is proud to announce the launch of its Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit, thoughtfully crafted to support durable medical equipment (DME) professionals, caregivers, industry partners, and patient advocates in advancing legislative initiatives that impact home medical equipment and services.

Featuring Two Champions Of Change: Robert Beard of YD Home Medical & Rob Minicucci Jr. of Health System Services thumbnail

Featuring Two Champions Of Change: Robert Beard of YD Home Medical & Rob Minicucci Jr. of Health System Services Today, we're proud to spotlight two outstanding durable medical equipment (DME) champions whose advocacy efforts are making a meaningful difference: Robert Beard of YD Home Medical of Alabama and Rob Minicucci Jr. of Health System Services of New York. These individuals took time out of their busy schedules to personally connect with elected officials, demonstrating how local action can spark national change.

Survey: Share Your Thoughts on Proposed Accreditation Rule Changes thumbnail

Survey: Share Your Thoughts on Proposed Accreditation Rule Changes CQRC, VGM, and AAHomecare are requesting your feedback on a new proposed rule that could significantly impact accreditation procedures. Under the proposal, accreditation organizations would be required to conduct site visits every year—a major shift from the current once-every-three-years schedule.

WEBINAR: Navigating New CMS Guidelines: Unlocking Opportunities in NIPPV and RAD Coverage for COPD Care thumbnail

WEBINAR: Navigating New CMS Guidelines: Unlocking Opportunities in NIPPV and RAD Coverage for COPD Care The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised the NCD for Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) in the home setting for treating Chronic Respiratory Failure (CRF) due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The changes aim to establish clear coverage policies for devices such as Respiratory Assist Devices (RADs) and home mechanical ventilators (HMVs), potentially expanding access to these critical therapies for eligible patients. Adapting to new CMS guidelin

Bipartisan Medicare O&P Bill Introduced thumbnail

Bipartisan Medicare O&P Bill Introduced In a timely move ahead of next week's NAAOP Legislative Fly-In, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act, a bill aimed at improving access to high-quality orthotic and prosthetic care for Medicare beneficiaries. The Patient-Centered Care Act seeks to address critical gaps in Medicare coverage for orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) services. Under current rules, beneficiaries may receive devices without the necessary clinical services

Proposed Rule Suggests Significant Change To Accreditation Process thumbnail

Proposed Rule Suggests Significant Change To Accreditation Process The recently released proposed rule CMS-1828-P contains a significant change that could reshape how suppliers navigate accreditation. The rule proposes a major change that would require suppliers to be surveyed and reaccredited annually instead of the current three (3) year cadence. This proposal raises substantial questions about both operational feasibility and cost implications.

August Of Action: Your Chance To Connect With Congress thumbnail

August Of Action: Your Chance To Connect With Congress It's time to take advantage of August Of Action—a perfect opportunity to make your voice heard. Every summer, federal legislators return to their home states during the Congressional recess. While it gives them a break from Washington D.C., it's primarily a time for them to connect with constituents like you.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Become a Member