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We all know that the women’s health industry has changed throughout the years. For Nancy Gunderson, this change is a good thing. Celebrating her 40th anniversary in the industry, Nancy has had years of experience and has great expertise when it comes to mastectomy fitting. Though many aspects of women’s health have changed over the years, the importance of making personal connections with customers and helping them feel good about themselves is a value that Nancy has carried with her

By: Nikki Jensen and Kayla Mahler What a quarter! Our lives have drastically changed since the beginning of March. For the majority of Essentially Women members, our businesses either closed, converted to appointment-only business while using drop ship or curbside pickup services, or became busier than ever on the pharmacy or DME-side of the business. Many of you have spent countless hours researching, navigating and applying for various government programs meant for small businesses, including

By: Miriam Lieber, Lieber Consulting This article was originally featured in the 2nd Quarter 2020 issue of Essential Advantage. In these unusual times, life for Essentially Women is nothing short of challenging. As essential service providers, most of you work directly with customers. During a conversation with a boutique owner, she mentioned that she is carefully evaluating every single expense. In addition, we discussed how she can hone her business practices, ensuring she is operationally

By Cassi Price, Manager of Marketing Strategy, VGM Forbin This article was first featured in "VGM Playbook: Technology and the Patient Care Continuum" “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” – Fred DeVito It’s safe to say that we’ve all been personally challenged and changed by the pandemic of 2020. When this is all said and done, you’ll ask yourself—did your business rise to the challenge and adapt technology to accommodate

By: Christopher Miles, OTR/L, CLT, CWCA It is interesting to look back in life and try to make sense of the decisions we make. As an occupational therapist working in a hospital for many years, I jumped ship and landed in an oncology center during the dawn of oncology rehabilitation and the newer specialty of lymphedema care. This is a decision that I will never regret. There were many rewards and challenges that fueled the success of my professional career. With medical advancements

Question: What are your COVID-19 pre-screening questions? Answer: Consider the following: Have all guests’ temperature taken (must be under 100.4) Have all guests wear a mask. Have all guests use hand sanitizer immediately after entering your business. Ensure all of the below screening questions be asked before the guest enters the building. All questions must be answered ‘NO’ in order to pass. Have you experienced any COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness

By Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations & Reimbursement This article was first featured in Essential Advantage Q2 2020 An important topic that comes up when providing services for patients during the public health emergency (PHE) reimbursement. Reimbursement is essential to all providers, especially now. As providers are adjusting the ways in which they provide services for their patients, it is important to note proper reimbursement guidelines. The information below refers

The COVID-19 environment makes getting your American Board for Certification for Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABCOP) or Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) mastectomy fitting certifications more complicated. Not only have in-person mastectomy training classes been cancelled or postponed, but the supervised hours that both require complicates getting your CFm or CMF. Pre-Certification Courses Always make sure to check ABCOP and BOC’s websites as well as manufacturer

Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, Washington, D.C. and progress on many legislative issues came to a halt. The country is beginning to open back up and non-emergent surgeries are taking place again. Because of COVID-19, now more than ever women will be looking for lower risk and non-surgical options after a mastectomy. It is incredibly important that breast cancer survivors have all the reconstruction options available to them after mastectomy surgery, whether that be surgical reconstruction,

By: Miriam Lieber, Lieber Consulting, LLC This article was first featured in the 1st Quarter 2020 issue of Essential Advantage.  Minimum metrics and productivity - When I was asked to explore one of these two topics for this Essential Advantage article, I quickly realized that the two topics go hand in hand. You need metrics to measure productivity. As discussed during my recent sessions at EW’s Focus Conference in Tampa, employee productivity is dependent upon expectations and goals. Expectations