Drive DeVilbiss Steps Up Its Support for HME Sector

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 13, 2017)—Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare is taking on an expanded leadership role in the home medical equipment (HME) sector by becoming the only HME manufacturer supporting the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) as a Platinum-level partner, the highest sponsorship category for the Association. “We’re proud that we can increase our support for AAHomecare’s essential work advocating for the HME community on Capitol Hill and at CMS,” said Harvey P. Diamond, chief executive officer of Drive DeVilbiss. “Our organization’s health is directly linked to our partners’ success. This industry needs a strong and credible partner to fight for fair Medicare reimbursement policies and bring the industry together to address other significant challenges we face,” he added. “Providing AAHomecare with additional resources is an investment that I am confident will pay significant dividends for our company, as well for the suppliers we serve. In addition, our transformational programs that increase and diversify revenue streams while driving down operational costs are the foundation of our commitment to the HME industry’s long-term success.” While AAHomecare’s budget is largely derived from membership dues from providers, manufacturers, state/regional associations and vendors serving the HME community, the additional financial commitments from its corporate sponsors have helped the Association increase its work in areas including payor relations, value-based reimbursement models, generating research such as last year’s provider cost study, and stronger representation for HME in the legislative and regulatory arenas. “Harvey Diamond and Drive DeVilbiss have been recognized as leaders in our industry since the company’s founding in 2000,” remarked Tom Ryan, President and CEO of AAHomecare. “Drive DeVilbiss has been a longtime corporate partner for the Association, and Harvey was also a prime force in the creation of our Stand Up for Homecare campaign, which raises funds to support key patient and disability groups, as well as additional grassroots advocacy and consumer education initiatives.” “It’s gratifying to see a highly successful company like Drive DeVilbiss giving back to support initiatives that benefit the entire HME community,” added Ryan. “I hope suppliers nationwide realize that when they do business with manufacturers that are members and sponsors of AAHomecare, they’re working with partners that are providing extra resources to help secure sustainable reimbursement rates and reduce burdensome regulatory requirements. Suppliers working with industry leaders like Drive DeVilbiss are making an investment in a brighter future for the HME industry and their own bottom lines.” Drive DeVilbiss joins Medtrade, the premier trade show for the HME sector, as one of only two Platinum-level partners of AAHomecare. Other companies partnering with AAHomecare in leading corporate partner categories include: Gold: Apria Healthcare – Brightree – Inogen Corp. – Lincare – Pride Mobility – ResMed – The VGM Group Silver: Byram Healthcare – Philips Home Healthcare Solutions – Sunovion Pharmaceuticals For more information on AAHomecare membership and corporate partner opportunities, contact Mike Nicol, senior director of membership, at 202-372-0749 or michaeln@aahomecare.org.