As a lifelong Los Angeles resident, I grew up with the legend of UCLA basketball and John Wooden (aka the “Wizard of Westwood”), its indomitable guiding spirit. Coach Wooden motivated players with a calm demeanor that radiated authority. When he spoke softly, players listened.

Wooden’s philosophy sought to maximize the abilities of all his players. Of the many indispensable Wooden aphorisms, one of my favorites is: “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” For the disabled people you serve, the quote goes hand in hand with the services you provide.

Some of your clients cannot walk or stand for long periods of time, but with the help of scooters or wheelchairs, they can get around. Some of your clients cannot breathe properly during exertion, but with the help of respiratory equipment, they can maximize their potential.

As far as holding the line on future reimbursement cuts, you cannot guarantee that legislators will listen, recognize the value of home care, and seek cuts elsewhere. However, you CAN try. And try you must.

Yet another pithy Wooden saying goes like this: “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” Whether you are reading this in the edifices of Washington, DC during the AAHomecare Legislative Conference or the comfort of your business office, the lesson resonates.

In this month’s cover conversation with Kay Cox, president and CEO of AAHomecare (page 14), you will find an optimism born of confidence in the professionals of home care. On page 17, Washington Watch Round Table respondents strike a more cautionary tone as they prepare for the battles ahead. All five Washington Watch respondents are providers who represent the concerns of both national chains and small shops.

After just over a year at the helm of Home Health Care Dealer/Provider, it is my privilege to reflect those concerns and continue to seek articles that go beyond theory to address market realities. Throughout this first eventful year, I have found myself buoyed by your victories and disappointed by the occasional setbacks.

When these setbacks do strike, I am reminded of yet another quote from American statesman Alexander Hamilton, “We must make the best of those ills which cannot be avoided.”

In this vein, AAHomecare is following Hamilton’s advice as they search for ways to redirect competitive bidding. Indeed, a recent statement said the following: “AAHomecare believes that reducing home care therapies and equipment to commodities that are bid on is not good health care policy. Since the competitive bidding ‘train’ has a great deal of momentum behind it, AAHomecare is working to ensure that quality standards are established to protect patients and preserve a level playing field for providers.” Additional focus groups for small providers (such as the ones CMS held in early May in Dallas and Chicago) may yet provide more opportunities for competitive bidding advocacy.

Wooden preached that while shooting slumps come and go, practice and preparation should always remain. This year’s AAHomecare Conference can serve as a forum to prepare legislators and build a solid educational foundation. With your help, home care will have a fair shot when the game begins.

Greg Thompson
gthompson@ascendmedia.com