WATERLOO, Iowa — VGM Group said Friday it has entered the exploding home modifications market with a new company called Accessible Home Improvement of America.
"This is a big opportunity, and I'm very excited about it," said Jim Andreassen, AHIA president, in a release. "We can help many of our VGM and U.S. Rehab members diversify into home modifications. Diversification into other areas of business such as this may be a key to profitability in today's world of increasing costs and declining reimbursement.
"This may prove to be a part of the solution for orthotic and prosthetic facilities as well," Andreassen continued. "The majority of this business is cash, workers' comp and private trust funds, because Medicare and most insurance companies do not pay for the majority of home modifications. That, of course, means fewer headaches because providers don't have to deal with Medicare, Medicaid and managed care organizations."
Andreassen is pursuing contracts with manufacturers of accessible home fixtures and will also develop a network of contractors qualified to perform home modifications. Membership in the new organization will require a credentialed CEAC (Certified Environmental Access Consultant) on staff. CEAC is administered by AHIA, and the program, including the final test, is offered online, according to VGM.
Andreassen has been with VGM since 2001 as president of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America, and has "a great track record when it comes to network development and growth," said Jim Phillips, VGM COO.
