Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/48253
34 Vendors Lunchtime roundtable offers opinions on product development BY JOHN ANDREWS, Contributing Editor ATLANTA – To make a sound prod- uct, CMB Solutions believes its users must sound off about it. That's why the Carmel, Ind.- based software company invited 15 HME industry users to lunch at Medtrade for an informal idea exchange on ways to improve its Automated Patient Contact System. Called "Leaders Lunch—Grow- ing the DME Collaboration," the session included HME providers and manufacturers that use the CMB system. Lubbock, Texas- based The Med Group co-spon- sored the event. A newcomer to the HME indus- try, CMB wanted to make an impact at Medtrade by hosting a meeting of "top decision-makers," WWW.HMENEWS.COM / DECEMBER 2011 / HME NEWS FEEDING AND FEEDBACK said Jim Howle, national sales manager. "The intent is to get valuable feedback on how to build a better patient contact system." CEO Phil Sever led the session, asking participants about what they would like to see in future generations of the CMB product. Founded just 18 months ago, the The Meeting Place for HME Jobs and People company "came from DME ideas," Sever said. "Now we are on a quest to fill in the blanks." He added that a frank discussion about the prod- uct is constructive and that "you shouldn't be afraid of negative feedback—you need it to grow." CMB's patient contact system uses electronic voice messag- ing and live phone technology to provide a platform for service calls, patient care checks and product ordering. Among the areas the group cov- ered was the concept of develop- ing a patient communication app for iPhones and iPads. While the majority of the attendees said they thought the idea was a good one, the consensus was that it might be premature for patients. "It may indeed be too early," Sever agreed, "but it's something we want to get on people's radar screen. It could be a powerful tool down the line." HME How do you fi nd your perfect HME job or the perfect candidate? INOGEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 the necessary state licenses to serve patients. It already works with providers in the state to provide POCs, but previously, its hands were tied in areas where those pro- viders didn't have a presence. "We don't have partners in every corner of the state, so there were still some blind spots," Wilkinson said. "Now we can play the role of default guy if there's no one else." Adding Florida to its ser- A niche job board is the answer. Whether you're looking for the perfect candidate, or the perfect job, the HME Career Center is the place to fi nd both. This specifi c online job hub focuses solely on connecting home medical jobs with experienced HME professionals. It's as easy as just signing up. You can post jobs, post resumes, set alerts and more! Start making your connections today! hmecareercenter.com New jobs postings Job seeking advice Tips on resumes, interviews & more Connect with your niche at: hmecareercenter.com Follow us! vice area was "a big deal" for Inogen, Wilkinson said. "As you know, Florida has a lot of oxygen patients," he said. DIVERSIFYING IS A PRIORITY Like any provider, Inogen aspires to do business with more than Medicare, and the contract with TriCare goes a long way toward meeting that goal. "We're trying to break down insurance barriers, just like state barriers," Wilkin- son said. BETTING ON NON-DELIVERY While the transition to non- delivery oxygen therapy hasn't been fast enough for some, Wilkinson believes it will happen—soon. "I think people started to embrace it, but competitive bidding did two things," he said. "It's gotten people interested, because they know they have to do some- thing big, but they're hesi- tant to make the investment, because they don't know if they're going to get a con- tract. Once that shakes out, you're going to see a more rapid acceptance and con- version." HME