What were the screaming HME headlines of 2007? Well, the year is not over, and grim surprises could still be ahead. After all, as we wrap up the last HME Today of 2007, legislative matters are still maddeningly in limbo.

A further trimming of the 36-month oxygen cap seems unlikely, but at press time CMS was instead considering additional "payment reforms" (whatever that means) for oxygen. Elimination of the first-month purchase option for power chairs is also still on the table.

Beyond these limbo issues, the big three headlines were competitive bidding, accreditation, and fraud. If you type the phrase "competitive bidding" in the search function, you get a monster list that stretches back to 2001. If you type in "fraud," the first issue that comes up is Feb 2000. How far do the HME Today (formerly Home Health Care Dealer/Provider) online archives go back? You guessed it—Feb 2000.

The magazine will be 20 years old next year, and a look in the print archives reveals articles about fraud at least as far back as the mid 1990s. The old fraud articles confirm what Raul Lopez of Bay Shore Dura Medical said during last month's National Public Radio story on DME fraud: The industry has been warning CMS for years about dishonest providers, and CMS did not aggressively pursue the bad actors.

On the activism front, this year marks a reinvigorated American Association for Homecare under the leadership of president and CEO Tyler Wilson. Even AAHomecare's harshest critics (and I do occasionally hear stinging criticisms) acknowledge that the association is working hard to increase the industry's Washington presence.

If you were one of the guinea pigs in the first 10 competitive bidding areas, this year likely brought confusion, anger, and hope that you might win a contract and be able to bill Medicare. Yes, December is the month designated for providers to learn whether they have in fact "won" a contract. As you read this message, you may have already been informed.

All this adds up to a lot of unwanted excitement. One editorial advisory board member said to me, "With all the news and turmoil in our industry, it must be easy to find material for the magazine." Yes, that is all too true. Since I took over the magazine almost 4 years ago, the industry has not seen a year of what could be called stability. When you consider that DME makes up such a small portion of the Medicare budget, it is baffling indeed.

With all this news to report, we finally yielded to the electronic age this year, and took out all breaking news from the print magazine. Instead, we now relay the hot news via Top News on this website and via Friday Report, our weekly e-newsletter.

As we celebrate 20 years as a publication, we realize that while some things have changed, others remain the same. This month's cover profile is a perfect example. Great providers who focus on service get loyal customers and steady referrals.

With a continuing focus on "tools and tactics" in 2008, we will hone in on the practical business solutions that keep you informed and inspired. After all, as the wheels spin in Washington, day-to-day demands of business keep on going.

As for me, it is a privilege to work with the extraordinary men and women of the HME industry. In 2008, it is my goal to blend the news (via the Internet) with the business tools and tactics (in the print issue) that can give you relevant information and inspiration. Be well.

Greg Thompson