• Get your Medtrade Spring off to a productive start by attending the American Association of Homecare’s (AAHomecare) Washington Update at 7:30 a.m. on Wed., May 7. Yes, it’s an early start — but here’s a chance to catch up on the legislative actions likely to have major impact on the HME industry the rest of the year.
• The Long Beach Convention Center is right on the water, so even if Southern California is hit by an unseasonable heat wave during Medtrade Spring, temperatures should be balmy. The Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau says the average high temperature is 74 degrees in May, with a low of 52.
• Once again, Mobility Management is sponsoring the re/hab & assistive technology track of the Medtrade Spring/AAHomecare Continuum of Care. This year, it’s on Tues., May 6, from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Sessions include “Mobility by the NUMBERS: What Group Do I Need? Hot Spots for PMDs” by Peggy Walker, RN, Billing/Reimbursement Advisor, U.S. Rehab; “Seating and Mobility Solutions for Bariatric Consumers” by Jane Fontein, OT, Clinical Specialist, PDG Mobility; and Stephanie Tanguay, Clinical Educational Specialist, Motion Concepts; and “Linking Medicare Coverage Criteria with Clinical Justification for Power Mobility” by Elizabeth Cole, MSPT, Senior Consultant, The Orion Group. For more information or to register, go to www.medtradespring.com.
• This year’s intimate venue makes it easy to transition quickly between exhibit hall and educational courses — and should help attendees to maximize their time in Long Beach. Classes and booths will be close enough together to spend plenty of quality time in both.
• Another educational opportunity before the exhibit hall opens: The VGM Group’s full-day National Competitive Bidding Seminar. The course will include discussion on such topics as the final rule overview; round one vs. round two programs; preparing to bid; options for networks and subcontracting; how to understand the financial costs and how to create bids that are right for your business; accreditation. Presenters are VGM’s John Gallagher, Mark Higley and Kelly Wolf. Discounted registration fees offered for members of CAMPS, VGM and state associations; go to www.medtradespring.com to sign up.
• Looking for a quick lunch that’s a step up from Convention Center fast food? The Pike at Rainbow Harbor, across the street from the Convention Center, offers a range of restaurant choices, from casual (such as Islands, an area favorite for great burgers) to more formal fare.
• Unwind after Medtrade Spring’s first full day by enjoying Mexican food, drinks and networking opportunities at Siete de Mayo, scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on Wed., May 7, at the Convention Center. Based on Cinco de Mayo, always a festive holiday in Southern California, the reception will give attendees and exhibitors a chance to make new friends and catch up with long-time ones. Go to www.medtradespring.com to sign up for the $45 event.
• Don’t miss eMobility’s post-Medtrade e-newsletter, which will include event highlights, statistics and major news. Until then — see you in Long Beach!
— Laurie Watanabe, editor