There is simple power in the words of patients. You could sense it at the recent Long Term Oxygen Therapy Consensus Conference in Denver, when providers and clinicians alike perked up when patients such as John Tiger took the podium. A nationally ranked sailor in his boat class—and on 24-hour oxygen himself—Tiger is a walking advertisement for the wonders of portable oxygen. As president of the National Home Oxygen Patients Association (NHOPA), he knows what is possible and he also wants NHOPA members to know. Unfortunately, NHOPA’s own survey data found that 75% of members did not receive adequate information about oxygen options.
John Tiger (left), president of the National Home Oxygen Patients Association, shown here at the LTOT Consensus Conference, Denver, with LTOT cochair Thomas L. Petty, MD.
While chatting with Tiger about these options, I asked how often he wore his nasal cannula since it was nowhere in sight (see photo above). When he told me he used transtracheal oxygen, I confessed to being somewhat ignorant of this little-used (I thought) oxygen alternative. Tiger patiently told me all about transtracheal oxygen and made the salient point that if an editor of a national HME publication knew so little about it, how in the world would new patients have this knowledge? Great point.
Remember the statistic about 75% of NHOPA members who did not get enough information about oxygen options? Well, 73% also said they were satisfied with providers. How can this be? “Maybe they don’t know what they don’t know,” offered Tiger.
Physicians certainly contribute to this education deficit, but providers are often in a unique position to fill this know-ledge gap, especially when it comes to new equipment. Fortunately, you are in a great position to learn more and pass along this information to your knowledge-thirsty patients. After all, whether it is transtracheal or traditional cannula, patients come to you at a vulnerable time and knowledge can ease their minds. If you are reading this at Medtrade Atlanta (October 18-20), go to the seminars, get out on the floor, and take advantage of the expertise in oxygen, mobility, and everything in between. Whether you were able to get to Medtrade this year or not, we at Dealer/Provider hope you enjoy this packed October issue.
| Visit Grassroots Central at Medtrade Atlanta. Sponsored by Home Health Care Dealer/Provider® and Medtrade, Grassroots Central is located in the Medtrade Meeting Place—rooms B401/402. • October 18, 1:00 PM - 1:25 PM—Legi-slative Update from Cara C. Bachenheimer, JD: Invacare’s vice president of government relations will share her insights on the latest home care legislative initiatives. • October 18, 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM—The Latest on HR 3559 from John Gallagher: With the Hobson/Tanner bill, the industry has a chance to strike onerous provisions of nationwide competitive bidding. What are the odds of making the bill a reality? Gallagher (VGM’s director of government relations) will update you on the bill’s progress and what still needs to be done. • October 19, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM—HME Legal Forum: Four Brown & Fortunato attorneys will give presentations on “Growing Your Business Within Legal Parameters,” then stick around for a Q&A session. October 19, 4:00 PM—Reception with State Association Leaders: After AAHomecare’s Accreditation Central panel discussion (same area as Grassroots Central), enjoy food and drink at a reception sponsored by VGM. State Association leaders will be on hand to answer questions about how you can get involved. |
Greg Thompson
gthompson@ascendmedia.com
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