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Join hosts Lindy Tentinger and Ike Isaacson for candid conversations about the home medical equipment (HME) industry. Each month, they tackle the biggest challenges facing providers—from competitive bidding and Medicare Advantage to annual accreditation and regulatory changes. With bold predictions, practical resources, and a focus on people-first leadership, IM: Unfiltered cuts through the noise to help HME leaders create clarity over chaos. Whether you're navigating policy changes or modernizing your operations, this podcast delivers actionable insights and reminds you that you don't have to do it alone. Brought to you by VGM.

Join Tyler Coulander, Market Strategy Manager at VGM & Associates, and Alan Morris, Senior Vice President of Strategy, as they unpack the financial pressures hospitals face in 2025–2026 and highlight how DME providers can become valuable strategic partners. They break down insights from the Kaufman Hall National Hospital Flash Report, covering rising labor and drug costs, growing uncompensated care, and lingering supply chain challenges. Despite margin stabilization, hospitals still face constraints that affect throughput, length of stay, and readmissions. Tyler and Alan explain why these pressures create major opportunities for DME providers—especially during the crucial transition from hospital to home—where timely, reliable equipment delivery can reduce readmissions, support efficient discharges, and help manage variable costs. Whether you work with discharge planners or want to strengthen health system partnerships, this episode delivers clear insights into what matters most to hospital referral partners.

In this episode of Industry Matters: IM Unfiltered, host Lindy Tentinger, President of VGM & Associates, sits down with Ann Thomas, VGM’s Director of Learning and Development and Emerging Technology Education, to explore the often-overlooked people side of AI. While most organizations focus on technology and ROI, true success with AI depends on how people understand, embrace, and use it. Ann shares practical insights on change management, building trust, addressing job security fears, and tailoring AI training to different teams. Whether you’re a leader, manager, or frontline employee, you’ll discover actionable strategies to make AI a partner—not a threat—in your workplace. Tune in for real talk, relatable stories, and expert advice on leading your team through the AI revolution.

In this episode of the Industry Matters podcast, hosts Tyler Coulander and Alan Morris explore the rapidly changing payer landscape and its impact on the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) industry. Get the latest insights on Medicare Advantage, private insurance, and Medicaid, and learn how these shifts could affect your business strategy. What you’ll learn in this episode: The latest trends in Medicare Advantage enrollment and projectionsHow payer decisions are influencing DME providersThe importance of understanding and adapting your payer mixActionable steps for building strong relationships with key payers and referral partnersWhat to watch for in the DME industry in the coming yearsWhether you’re a DME provider, healthcare professional, or industry stakeholder, this episode of Industry Matters delivers valuable information and practical takeaways to help you stay ahead in a dynamic market. If you found this episode helpful, please like, share, and subscribe for more insights from Industry Matters!

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving world of HME resupply with Kevin Myers, Account Manager at Brightree, and Boone Lockard, VP of Clinical Services at VGM & Associates. From the traditional resupply methods to advanced automation, our guests unpack the operational impact of modernizing resupply programs. Learn how to optimize your business without spending a dime, identify your ideal resupply customer, and explore innovative strategies like direct mailers and Brightree’s Resupply Essentials and Complete offerings. Whether you're a small DME or scaling up, this conversation delivers actionable insights to elevate your resupply metrics and streamline your workflow. 

In this episode of IM: Unfiltered, Lindy Tentinger, President of VGM & Associates and Ike Isaacson, SVP of Government & Regulatory Relations with VGM Government dive into the incredible impact one person can make—yes, that one is YOU. Join us as we challenge you to turn intention into action and share the stories that move us all. Whether it's going the extra mile for a patient or supporting a family in a moment of need, your story matters. These are the moments that fuel advocacy, connection, and purpose. We'd love to hear how you are being real and making an impact. Share your story with us. #PowerOfOne #IMUnfiltered #HealthcareHeroes #PatientStories #AdvocacyInAction

In this episode, join Matt Edwards, CEO, GEMCO Medical and Heather Trumm, Partner Account Manager, VGM & Associates, as they explore the latest advancements in Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology—from extended wear times to new pump integrations—making diabetes management easier and more effective for patients. We also unpack what these tech shifts mean for Home Medical Equipment (HME) providers, who are increasingly seen as the go-to experts in diabetes care. Learn how HMEs can strengthen patient relationships, support physicians, and grow their CGM business through best practices, strategic partnerships, and high-touch service models. Whether you're navigating market saturation or scaling operations, this conversation delivers actionable insights for forward-thinking providers.

This episode dives into the evolving landscape of the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) industry, where market growth is being driven by rising patient volumes and shifting care preferences. With demand projected to surge through 2033, the conversation explores how providers are adapting to meet the needs of a more dispersed and aging population. We discuss the increasing reliance on home-based care solutions, fueled by both patient preference and systemic healthcare shifts. From mobility aids to remote monitoring technologies, DME is playing a critical role in enabling care outside traditional clinical settings. The episode also touches on the implications for suppliers, payers, and care teams, and what strategic moves are necessary to stay ahead in this rapidly expanding market.

Join host Cindi Petito as she sits down with Dennis Henry, Lowe’s National Account Manager, and Drew Aalderks, VGM Live at Home Member Account Manager, to explore the exclusive Lowe’s Pro programs available to VGM members. Discover how to access special discounts, maximize your rewards, and ensure your account is set up for success. Whether you’re a new or existing member, this episode covers everything you need to know about unlocking savings, understanding the legacy program, and making the most of your Lowe’s partnership.

In this episode of Industry Matters, Alan Morris, SVP of Strategy at VGM & Associates, and Tyler Coulander, Market Strategy Manager, dive into the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) and its implications for the DME industry. They break down the data, highlight key trends, and share strategic insights into how the evolving healthcare landscape presents new opportunities for VGM members.

In this podcast, Connectify HR, a trusted vendor partner, shares how they support organizations through informal, no-pressure conversations. Whether you need to brainstorm, ask questions, or simply talk through a concern, they’re here to help. Listen in and learn how Connectify HR is making it easier to focus on the work that truly matters.

We’re excited to introduce IM: Unfiltered — a fresh podcast series designed just for our VGM community. 🎙️ Tune in for real conversations around leadership, innovation, and industry buzz, hosted by a powerhouse voice in HME: Lindy Tentinger, President of VGM & Associates. Joining her this week is Ike Isaacson, SVP of Government & Regulatory Relations with VGM Government.

In this episode, Craig Douglas, SVP of HME, Respiratory, & Wellness at VGM, is joined by Melanie Ewald, VP of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, and Kim Cuce', Director of Business Optimization, to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the HME industry: closed payer networks. They share practical strategies for navigating out-of-network situations, working with third-party administrators, and pursuing single case agreements, while emphasizing the importance of clear patient communication, understanding reimbursement, and knowing, understanding, and keeping copies of your contracts.

In this edition of Industry Matters, Tyler Mahncke, SVP of Clinical Mobility & Accessibility with VGM & Associates, engages in a compelling conversation with Gene Richtsmeier, Vice President at Huntington National Bank, and Michael Berling, Vice President, SBA Senior Development Officer at Huntington National Bank. The episode delves into SBA Lending Explained: How Financing Can Help Your Business, covering various types of loans such as 7(a) loans, main street deals, and lending for acquisitions. Listeners will gain insights into the practical uses of these loans, the application process, and how to prepare for meetings with SBA lenders. The discussion also highlights why SBA financing is a preferable option compared to traditional financing and its relevance to the HME industry.  Different types of loans, including 7(a) loans, main street deals, and lending for acquisitions What they can be used for them What’s involved in application and how to prepare to meet with an SBA lender Why SBA financing would be a good option as opposed to traditional financing How this applies to the HME industry 

Join hosts Ronda Buhrmester and Kim Cuce from VGM as they discuss the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare regulations and policies, specifically for Medicare and other insurance guidelines. This episode covers updates on the five-year rule for patients who initially qualified under pandemic flexibilities, advice on managing patient equipment replacements, and the ongoing use of telehealth services. Stay informed with essential tips on running operational reports, proactive patient communication, and ensuring compliance with current healthcare policies. Show Notes: https://cgsmedicare.com/jb/pubs/news/2025/04/cope175580.html https://med.noridianmedicare.com/web/jddme/education/national-dme-mac-education/continued-use-of-modifier-cr-and-covid-19-claim-narrative