In the spirit of the New Year, it's time to make some resolutions. Without further ado, let's resolve to:
Lobby Your Congressmen
Whether or not lawmakers propose competitive bidding, there are many advantages to developing a relationship with your member of Congress, and with both of your U.S. senators. These decision-makers can help your business and the industry. Encourage your staff to communicate with both state and federal legislators. Remember, most of these legislators know little about the items and services you provide. You are their best source of positive information about our industry.
Get Associated
Join your state and national associations, including HME associations, respiratory therapist associations and retail pharmacy associations. Volunteer on one of the committees. Working with your “competitors” will provide invaluable insights and ideas for your own organization. You will find that the benefits for you and your company far outweigh the resources you expend to be active and involved.
Know Your Costs
Learn how much it actually costs to provide respiratory products and services, or to deliver a hospital bed. Once you understand your costs, you can develop process-improvement strategies to reduce costs that are unnecessary or excessive. For example, understand how much you spend on resubmitting claims, and measure your employees' progress toward reducing that number. In addition to helping you eliminate waste, knowing your costs will be essential if you must participate in competitive bidding.
Be Web Savvy
More than ever, consumers are using the Internet to find personal comfort and care items that you may have available. Make sure your company has a Web site that includes the types of products consumers typically purchase out-of-pocket. Use the Web to keep yourself up-to-date on the latest news. Peruse Medicare's and durable medical equipment regional carriers' Web sites weekly. Join the DMERCs' e-mail lists, and you will receive regular notices about important regulatory developments. The Internet provides a vast and increasing array of information that is relevant to your business.
Support Your Community
Sponsor an event for individuals with disabilities, give some products to local non-profit health organizations and work with these organizations to learn how your company can make a difference to people with special needs. Your company will reap the benefits of this win-win marketing strategy.
Turn in the Bad Apples
If there is a company in your community that you believe may be violating state and/or federal laws and regulations, report that company to the Office of Inspector General. Our industry cannot afford to have any bad apples further sully its reputation. Contact the OIG by phone at 800/HHS-TIPS (800/447-8477), by fax at 800/223-8164, by e-mail at HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov, or by mail at Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services, Attn: HOTLINE, 330 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20201.
Accomplish 2003 Goals
Unlike most New Year's resolutions, these will survive the first week of January, if you make a concerted effort to accomplish at least the majority of these goals!
A specialist in health care legislation, regulations and government relations, Cara C. Bachenheimer is an attorney with the law firm of Epstein, Becker & Green in Washington. Bachenheimer previously worked at the American Association for Homecare and the Health Industry Distributors Association. You can reach her by phone at 202/861-1825 or e-mail at cbachenheimer@ebglaw.com.
