THE FUTURE OF the home medical equipment industry hangs on perception. If that sounds simplistic, consider this: How Washington's legislators and its regulatory agencies perceive the HME business directly affects reimbursement, the way you run your business and even your ability to run your business.

Perhaps you are not dependent on Medicare or Medicaid, but if you deal with private insurance or health maintenance organizations, the amount of reimbursement you receive is likely built on a Medicare foundation.

Which brings us to the question: What is Washington's perception of the HME industry — and how has it affected the industry over the years?

A team of HomeCare writers asked that question of numerous industry players for the following series of compelling articles. The answers they got paint a picture of an industry that has a serious image problem. Even as its own agencies release studies noting steady decreases in incidences of fraud and abuse, Washington clings to its perception of this industry as one rampant with unscrupulous providers who are nothing but equipment jockeys.

That perception has molded the industry of today, as you will see in the articles that follow. Are you willing to let it form the industry of tomorrow? Or is it time to send a wake-up call to Washington that this industry is not the same as it was 20 years ago? Read what your peers have to say on the following pages.