VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

KY and TN Suppliers and the DME Community Emergency Response Team Met with CMS, FEMA, and Other Federal Groups Discussing the Tornados in KY and TN

Published in Government Relations on February 11, 2022

DME Community Emergency Response

Yesterday, medical equipment suppliers in Kentucky and Tennessee attended a virtual meeting discussing the tornados that ripped through Kentucky and Tennessee in December. The meeting was assembled by Tangita Daramola, Competitive Acquisition Ombudsman, and the VGM Government Relations team.  

Suppliers from Kentucky and Tennessee were able to voice their concerns regarding needs and difficulties during the December tornados with representatives from FEMA, Office of the Assistant Secretary with Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Small Business Administration (SBA), CGS, and CMS’s Office of Program Operations and Local Engagement (OPOLE). Also attending the meeting was the DME Community Response Team consisting of DME state association leaders, as well as Kim Brummett of AAHomecare and John Gallagher and Emily Harken of VGM. 

Emergency Preparedness Committee Members Includes: Victoria Peterson - TexMEP​, Caitlin Houck - MNCHA​, Larry Dalton - OMEPA​, Beth Bowen - ACMESA/ATHOMES/NEMEP/FAHCS​, Bob Achermann - CAMPS​, Rose Schafhauser - MAMES/SWMESA​, Mike Calcaterra - Big Sky AMES/PAMES, Chris Townsend- FAHCS, Kim Brummett – AAHomecare, John Gallagher and Emily Harken of VGM. The goal of this group is to bring awareness to federal and state emergency management groups of the need for breathing and mobility devices during a natural disaster, as well as to put together a roadmap or toolkit for DME suppliers to follow in these emergency situations. 

Much of the discussion during the meeting included billing and reimbursement concerns during and after a disaster and as well as additional expenses incurred by suppliers. 

This meeting was a great steppingstone for an end goal of improved processes and clear guidance and policies for DME suppliers during an emergency. The DME Community Emergency Response team is looking forward to continuing to educate the federal groups on all the distresses and invaluable services DME suppliers provide during and after a disaster. The groups intent is to make solid changes for suppliers in future disasters and broaden awareness with federal groups. 

Thanks to all who participated in the meeting!

TAGS

  1. state association
  2. vgm government

Get Connected

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

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

[Vlog] Reconsideration Request for RAD and HVM Policy thumbnail [Vlog] Reconsideration Request for RAD and HVM Policy Listen in as Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, shares that CMS has released a reconsideration request for the RAD and HVM policy. August of Action Wraps Up with Key Meetings thumbnail August of Action Wraps Up with Key Meetings 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). VGM & Associates Announces Appointment of Adam Miller as Vice President of Government Relations thumbnail VGM & Associates Announces Appointment of Adam Miller as Vice President of Government Relations VGM & Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Miller as the new Vice President of Government Relations. August of Action Continues: Key Meetings with Sen. John Thune, Chairman Jason Smith, and Rep. Randy Feenstra thumbnail August of Action Continues: Key Meetings with Sen. John Thune, Chairman Jason Smith, and Rep. Randy Feenstra As the August recess draws to a close, 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. Ike Isaacson and Brian Leitten Podcast: The Case for DME Investment Continues to Strengthen thumbnail Ike Isaacson and Brian Leitten Podcast: The Case for DME Investment Continues to Strengthen Listen to Ike Isaacson, SVP of VGM Government Relations, and Brian Leitten, Leitten Consulting, discuss Brian's latest findings related to DME investment and their outlook on competitive bidding. Update: FTC Ban of Noncompetes Blocked thumbnail Update: FTC Ban of Noncompetes Blocked A new ruling this week means that the ban on noncompete agreements cannot and will not go into effect in September. The FTC has not yet said whether they will appeal the decision, but Victoria Graham, a spokesperson for the FTC, said they are considering that option. The FTC could also choose to address noncompete agreements in a different manner, perhaps through enforcement actions. Updates To Lymphedema Benefit thumbnail Updates To Lymphedema Benefit A recent article by Medtrade Monday outlined the latest news regarding the lymphedema benefit. CarePro Medical Hosts DME Champion Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks thumbnail CarePro Medical Hosts DME Champion Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks On Monday, August 5, CarePro Home Medical in Coralville, Iowa hosted an event for Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. The group discussed the need for H.R.5555 passage at the end of 2024.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Become a Member