One look at Cara C. Bachenheimer's dossier leaves no room for doubt about her dedication to the health care industry. A partner with the Washington-based law firm Epstein, Becker & Green, Bachenheimer specializes in home health care regulations, policies and government relations, and is a popular speaker at industry trade shows and conferences.
HomeCare talked to Bachenheimer about her career and her devotion to the home medical equipment field.
HC: How did you make the decision to specialize in health care law?
Bachenheimer: Out of all the areas I had exposure to [in law school], I enjoyed health care law the most. My focus on HME and home health care came about [when I] had the opportunity to be a reporter, covering legislative and regulatory developments affecting the home health market.
HC: Is there one special victory in health care policy that stands out as having the greatest impact on the industry?
Bachenheimer: The victories in health care policy are generally small, but there are probably more than lots of people might think. Working with CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) as they changed Medicare policy to allow fax and electronic CMNs (certificates of medical necessity); working with Congress to rein in some of CMS's IR (inherent reasonableness) authority; and working with CMS to understand and realize the benefits of allowing consumers to upgrade their equipment are just a few examples.
HC: What motivates you to remain active the industry?
Bachenheimer: Working with HME providers, manufacturers and others in the home health industry is incredibly dynamic. I firmly believe that HME providers are doing the right thing: They are providing consumers with a patient-preferred opportunity to remain in their homes, rather than being in an institution. You can't place a dollar value on the quality of life that providers enable.
HC: What are some of the industry's challenges?
Bachenheimer: There are numerous challenges. Paramount is the policymakers' lack of information about the true scope of products and related services that HME providers offer. HME truly provides great opportunities to reduce health care costs and improve the lives of patients by [helping patients] remain in their homes. We are a small industry … but we must do a better job to amplify the positive things that we provide to consumers.
HC: Do you see any drastic or exciting changes on the horizon in home health?
Bachenheimer: There are always drastic and exciting things on the horizon: the future of the Medicare program, the possibility of a Medicare prescription drug benefit, the scrutiny of the DMERCs (durable medical equipment regional carriers) and policymakers on providers, and the opportunities the industry could provide to the health care industry as a whole. The development of new technology provides new challenges and opportunities as well. This industry has the potential for dramatic growth. We need to work to have the government on board with us to ensure that consumers have access to new products that help consumers and are cost-effective for the health care industry.
A monthly columnist for HomeCare (see page 58 in this issue), Cara C. Bachenheimer is one of six recipients of HomeCare magazine's Caring Awards, presented for demonstrated commitment and service to the HME community.
