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Agenda
Attendees and exhibitors are invited to any and all conference sessions, breaks, meals, and networking opportunities.
EXHIBITOR EDUCATION
TexMEP offers exhibitor-exclusive sessions and encourage our associate members/exhibitors to join us and learn more about the challenges providers face and how we can work together to strengthen the HME community in Texas.
Session details available soon!
ATTENDEE EDUCATION
Tuesday | November 4, 2025
Exhibitor Move-In: 7:30 - 10:00 AM | Expo Hall Opens at 11:15 AM!
8:00 - 8:45a | President's Welcome | TexMEP Advocacy Victoria Peterson, RespMed |
9:00 - 10:00a | Audit Landscape: What’s the Latest and What Can We Expect? Kelly Grahovac, van Halem Group
Audit activity across all contractors is on the rise. Knowing what to expect can save you time and money. In this presentation, Kelly will provide a high-level overview of the current audit landscape, including which entities are auditing and what their focus has been. The presentation will include information related to government payers as well as Managed Care and Commercial plans. It will also highlight key issues and topics that may impact oversight entities and/or suppliers. Lastly, it will provide an overview of what suppliers may expect for the remainder of the year as it relates to audits, appeals, and compliance. |
9:00 - 10:00a | Voice AI for DMEHarshil Mattoo, CEO, Armory DME We'll given an overview on how DME companies can leverage AI tools to help address their staffing concerns, particularly around their phone-based workflows. |
10:00 - 10:15a | Refreshments / Restroom / Phone Break |
10:15 - 11:15a | Payer Issues Today and How to Navigate ThemMiriam Lieber, President, Lieber Consulting; and Panel TBA As more than 50% of the Medicare population opts for Medicare Advantage Plans and as Medicaid plans continue to shift towards managed care, it is clear that HME companies must navigate through numerous payer challenges. Market trends suggest that the relationship between providers and payers is much more dynamic today than ever before. Join Miriam as she moderates a panel of HME providers who contend with third party payers on a regular basis. You won't want to miss this interactive discussion on third party payers and how to Improve performance for today and the future. |
10:15 - 11:15a | Decoding AI in Healthcare: Separating Potential from RealityAjay Shrihari, CEO, Coral AI In a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming nearly every aspect of healthcare, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype. But what can AI really do - and where does it still fall short? In this engaging and thought-provoking keynote, Ajay Shrihari, a serial entrepreneur and innovator in healthcare AI, breaks down the capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence in clinical and operational settings. Drawing from his experience building Coral AI, a company revolutionizing administrative workflows in medical practices, Ajay will explore real-world use cases, common misconceptions, and the critical role humans still play in the AI-powered healthcare ecosystem. Attendees will gain a clear-eyed understanding of where AI can drive efficiency, reduce costs, and improve patient care - and where caution, oversight, and human expertise remain indispensable. Whether you're a provider, administrator, or tech enthusiast, this session will equip you with the insights needed to make informed decisions about integrating AI into your healthcare organization. |
11:15a - 12:15p | Expo Hall Opens | Review Exhibitor Directory for Raffles, Giveaways, and Promos Grab your TexMEP Expo Hall Game and make your way around the Expo Hall. Earn raffle tickets by playing the game to use on several TexMEP prizes including free passes to our next annual conference, discount on membership, and more! |
12:15 - 1:15p | Lunch Exhibitors and attendees are invited to join us for lunch. |
1:15 - 2:15p | Outsourcing: Optimizing Operating Efficiency, Customer Experience and ProfitabilityBruce Gehring, Allegiance Group; Kyle Neese, ACU-Serve; Derrick Stark, MiraVista
In this interactive session, we'll be addressing key operational areas that benefit from outsourcing. This session will highlight Front and Back Office support, covering claims processing to patient billing and follow-up. We will discuss the key metrics for measuring operational effectiveness and the impact on profitability. We will discuss common pitfalls and key performance benchmarks to review and track to assure optimal effectiveness. We will review the processes and procedures that ensure accountability and drive customer satisfaction and financial performance. |
1:15 - 2:15p | CGM 101: What Providers Need to Know to Get Started with a CGM Resupply Program Brian O'Neill, DDP Medical Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is one of the fastest-growing segments in healthcare today - and providers who establish a resupply program can unlock recurring revenue while improving patient outcomes. In this session, Brian O'Neill, President of DDP Medical Supply, will walk through the fundamentals of CGM and what every provider needs to know to get started. Attendees will learn:
Whether you’re new to CGM or looking to expand your current offerings, this session will provide clear, actionable guidance to help your organization succeed in this growing market. |
2:15 - 3:15p | Dessert Break in Expo Hall | Last Chance to Visit Exhibitors Be sure to turn in your TexMEP Game Board at registration for raffle tickets after! |
3:15 - 4:15p | National and State Legislation: What You Need to Know - But More Importantly, What You Need to Do! Wayne Grau, NCART; David Chandler, AAHomecare; Emily Kettman, VGM & Associates In today's rapidly shifting political landscape, staying informed about national and state legislation is essential. But knowing the landscape is just the first step - knowing how to take action is what truly drives change. In this session we will break down the most critical developments at both the national and state levels, providing clear insights on how these changes impact our industry. Whether you're new to advocacy or an experienced professional, this session will give you the tools you need to not only understand the political landscape but also take the next steps in driving meaningful action. |
5:00 - 6:30p | Event Mixer Meet us in the Dover Room for beverages and appetizers before you head out to Austin for dinner and nightlife! |
6:30 - 8:30p | Dinner | Explore Austin! |
8:30 - 10:30p+ | TexMEP Bar Hop! Join us as we bar hop to a few venues in Austin before heading in for the night! |
Wednesday | November 5, 2025
8:30 - 9:30a
| Talking to Decision Makers: Navigating Legislative Changes & Building Grassroots Advocacy in the HME Industry Dwight Osteen, Day N Night Medical and Emily Kettman, VGM & Associates This session combines practical communication training with timely policy insights to prepare participants for effective advocacy in the Home Medical Equipment (HME) industry. Attendees will gain confidence in approaching and engaging decision makers while also deepening their understanding of the federal legislative landscape, key congressional committees, and emerging policies with direct implications for HME providers. In addition to exploring current legislative developments, participants will learn proven strategies for building relationships with members of Congress, mastering effective communication techniques, and crafting persuasive advocacy messages. The session will also provide guidance on launching impactful grassroots campaigns, organizing town halls and roundtables, and leveraging media coverage to elevate your advocacy efforts. Whether you’re new to speaking with policymakers or seeking to sharpen your skills, this program will help you feel prepared, confident, and results-driven in advancing the HME industry’s priorities. |
9:30 - 9:45a | Refreshments / Restroom / Phone Break |
9:45 - 10:45a | The Ins and Outs of "ABNs" for Medicare Advantage PlansAndrea Stark, MiraVista It is no secret more and more Medicare dollars are passing through Medicare Advantage Plans (MAPs). Those MAPs are focused on reducing their costs to pocket a larger share of the money charged to the Medicare program, so DME suppliers must harden their defenses against lost revenue attributable to denials and claw backs. All of the above means Advance Beneficiary Notices (ABNs) will play an increasingly important role in the provision of equipment and services ... except MAPs are expressly prohibited from recognizing ABNs! Enter the Pre-Service Organizational Determination (POD), the MAP alternative to the ABN. In this session, Andrea:
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9:45 - 10:45a | Unlock Closed Networks: Value-Based Contracting Success Through Clinical Programs Heather Davis, VisioneraIn today's competitive healthcare landscape, access to closed networks is crucial for DME companies seeking sustainable growth. Value-based care contracts are the key to unlocking these opportunities, but plans are increasingly looking for innovative providers who can bring proactive, outcome-driven programs to the table. They won't hand you their ideas; you must demonstrate your ability to create and implement impactful clinical solutions. This session will guide you through the strategic process of developing and implementing innovative clinical programs that not only improve patient outcomes but also position you as a preferred partner for payers. We will explore how to:
Attendees will gain actionable insights and practical strategies to transform their approach to payer contracting, moving beyond traditional models and embracing a future where clinical innovation drives financial success and unlocks access to previously inaccessible networks. Learn how to create programs that not only improve patient lives but also secure your organization's position as a leader in value-based care and a preferred partner within closed networks. |
10:45 - 11:00a | Refreshments / Restroom / Phone Break |
11:00a - 12:00p | The Smart Growth Playbook: How Healthcare Operators Can Use M&A to Scale Safely Bradley Smith, VERTESS Growth in healthcare doesn’t have to mean years of grinding it out, one patient or referral at a time. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can offer owners and operators a safer, faster path to scale, higher margins, and stronger market positioning. In this session, we’ll break down how healthcare businesses, from physician groups to post-acute providers, are using acquisitions to grow strategically, minimize risk, and maximize enterprise value. You’ll learn what to look for in a target, how to structure a deal, and common mistakes to avoid. Walk away with a clear playbook on how to leverage M&A as a core part of your growth strategy. |
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THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS
DIAMOND SPONSORS
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