Thank you for your support. The 2009 ride was a success. Because of your generous donations Alpine has identified 2 children who will benefit from a new power wheelchair. More information about our recipients will be available soon.
To view and download pictures from the event click here. If you would like a high resolution copy of one of the pictures e-mail us and we will e-mail you a copy for free.Thanks again for your support!
Alpine Home Medical Equipment was honored to receive 2009 Best of State Award in the “Medical Supplies” Category on May 30, 2009 at the Best of State Awards Gala. This award is only given to one company per category in the whole entire state. We were judged on achievements, innovations and community involvement. Alpine was awarded second Runner up for HME Excellence, A national award, in the HME Provider category. HME Excellence Award is a National Award that is given out to the best HME/DME providers in the country. This award is based on growth, certifications and compliance and community support.
Salt Lake City, Utah April 14, 2009 Senator Robert F. Bennett's legislative assistant, Amber Sechrist, listened to the frustrations of both Alpine Home Medical Equipment and their oxygen patients, regarding CMS's irrational reimbursements cuts. CMS's (Medicare) new law known as the "36-Month Cap" on oxygen simply states after a patient has oxygen equipment for 36 months Medicare will no longer reimburse medical equipment providers for the oxygen equipment. Medicare will pay a marginally low amount on portable oxygen equipment, as well as maintenance and service, while still expecting the same level of service; in addition to a 9.5% cut earlier this year. Jim Stoll, an oxygen patient expressed his frustration with the new rule to Amber Sechrist, "This is not right, this is not fair!" "Oxygen equipment is not like a microwave. If it breaks down you don't throw it away and get a new one", explained Jay Broadbent, President of Alpine Home Medical. Jay continued to explain how oxygen equipment requires regular maintenance and cleaning, and how this service is better left to a professionally trained staff. Customers Avon and Jim Stoll agreed, as they recalled how they called Alpine Home Medical, late at night, to come service their oxygen equipment after it's alarm had gone off and later found that they misinterpreted their home smoke alarm for their oxygen equipment's alarm. With the new "36-Month Cap" already in effect some of Alpine HME's oxygen patients are more than worried about what they are going to do when they reach their 36-month mark. Avon Stoll, who uses oxygen 24 hours a day, said, "We are worried that we aren't going to die in the first 3 years." Amber Sechrist showed concern for oxygen patients in rural areas that will also be affected by the "36-Month Cap". Jay asked the question, "How am I expected to stay in business if their oxygen equipment has problems in the middle of the night and we send our on-call technician to drive to their home and swap out their machine? Most of these patients are going to end up going to the emergency room because they will not be able to get service if they are dependant on oxygen therapy." Amber Sechrist encouraged Alpine HME to continue gathering other Medical Equipment Providers and come together on this issue, she said, "You're going to have the best bet by being one voice". Amber also encouraged Alpine HME's oxygen patients to contact their other congressional representatives. Amber assured everyone that Senator Bennett knows of these issues, and that she would convey our frustration and worry over the "36-Month Cap" to Senator Bennett.
Order from left to right: Avon and Jim Stoll.
On April 7, 2009, Alpine Home Medical Equipment, a locally owned company, celebrated 12 years of business. The employees of Alpine HME celebrated together in this milestone. Jay Broadbent, President of Alpine Home Medical said, “We are really proud of our accomplishments and look forward to another great year”. During the past 12 years, Jay Broadbent built and nourished Alpine HME beginning as the sole employee. Alpine HME includes 75 employees and 6 branches which include Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, The Service Center and our newest The Web Branch. Jay said, “As the industry changes we will continue to take good care of our customers, our employees and continue to be a good member of the community”. This business philosophy has really led Alpine HME to be one of the leading DME providers in the country.
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