Editor's Note

Orlando Magic!

• By Elisha Bury
• Sep 01, 2007

After 10 solid years, my sturdy floral suitcase finally gave out. It was on a trip to Atlanta for my second Medtrade show. The suitcase rolled down the conveyor belt at the airport with one wheel barely hanging on. On my return flight, a little duct tape managed to hold the wheel in place just long enough.

I loved that suitcase, but practically, I needed a new one. So, I set out to explore the latest suitcase technology. My criteria were many. The suitcase had to be large enough to carry a week’s worth of clothes, manufacturer brochures, extra editorial calendars and business cards. Despite the load capacity, it had to be easy to maneuver and extremely lightweight. Plus, it had to turn heads in a crowd, specifically baggage claim.

Today’s respiratory patients, armed with more education, have similarly long lists of demands when it comes to their home medical equipment. How wonderful and frustrating it must be for consumers who have more choices today than they did even five short years ago! Having had the opportunity to play with these gadgets at several tradeshows, I know that manufacturers are focused on giving patients what they want.

Our Respiratory Guide to Medtrade showcases some of the new product innovations that will be on the show floor in Orlando. Check out lightweight portable and streamlined standard oxygen concentrators, smart business software and cutting-edge sleep technology that go a step beyond the products offered last year, with more clinical efficacy and improved usability. As manufacturers continuously zero in on what works in today’s reimbursement climate, providers are getting more of what they want, too
— products that do more to improve business efficiency.

The guide also helps providers and respiratory therapists attending the show improve on-floor efficiency, with a format that walks you through the exhibit hall. You’ll find products, manufacturer giveaways and demonstrations listed in order of booth number; classes geared toward respiratory, funding, accreditation and marketing strategies arranged by day; plus important information on the Continuum of Care conference, exhibit hall hours and nearby restaurants.

In the end, after ransacking nearly seven stores, I chose a feather-light, pale pink suitcase equipped with inline wheels for easy rolling that best suited my individual needs. At Medtrade, you’ll have the opportunity to talk with industry experts and product managers that place the highest value on your respiratory clients’ unique needs. The more informed you are about the latest offerings, the more compliant your patients will be. It’s that commitment by providers and therapists to continued education and service that embodies the magic of our industry.

This article originally appeared in the Respiratory Management Sept/Oct 2007 issue of HME Business.