Get ready for me to pontificate and let this be your mindset as you enter Medtrade next week…

The reason I am in this business is because what providers do for our friends and family is critical to their life. These providers, when doing their job right, create happiness for their patients and make any condition better. When they do their job right, they make our friends’ and family’s lives better or as good as they can be. When providers do their job wrong, they create incredible sadness and jeopardize our lives. This is something that I don’t think every provider gets. It’s not an order or a piece of paper. Everything we do impacts somebody’s life! When I hear that someone can’t get a document signed by a doctor or supply is not going out that day, it means someone’s family member is not getting cared for.

I’ve had the unfortunate experience of being on the wrong side of healthcare with HME providers. My father had bladder cancer. He relied on an HME provider to ship him ostomy bags. There were countless times when his shipments weren’t delivered on time or were delivered in the wrong size. My father, who is my hero, would have to sit in his own urine and cry because his dignity was taken away. This was all because someone couldn’t get the paperwork right or did not fit him correctly.

Left to right: My dad, Uncle Lou and my mom.

My uncle was diagnosed with Mesothelioma. When he was serving our country as a Marine, he was exposed to asbestos. Long story short, he was diagnosed and required oxygen. His provider did such a poor job taking care of his oxygen that he begged to go back to the hospital. He feared for his next breath. I just can’t image what it’s like not knowing where your next breath is coming from. He lived his final days terrified because his provider did not do his job right. My uncle finally went back to the hospital and eventually died.

I also know what it’s like when HME providers do a good job. My mother has had diabetes, congestive heart failure and open heart surgery. Through her will, and through the great care of HME providers and home care nurses, she is the vibrant businesswoman you see today. As a matter of fact, you can come meet her in my booth at Medtrade!

The point of this whole discussion is that our HME providers, care coordinators, delivery technicians and home care nurses, every single day create happiness and sadness. The next order you take or the next patient you see – think about if it was your mother, father, sister, daughter or uncle. How would you treat them and what kind of care would you provide someone you loved unconditionally? How fast would you get the paperwork done? How much care would you take to make sure the setup is done right?

It’s time to upcare. Recognize that you are incredibly important to every life you touch. Every single person is counting on you. I’m thrilled that healthcare is heading towards accountability. Our industry needs to be accountable for the lives we serve. Let this Medtrade be the start of a new beginning in recognition. Let’s recognize how important we are and how committed we are to our friends and family when they are in their times of greatest need. Take advantage of the education, new products and networking opportunities to up your game.

Upcare starts today!