I love this time of year. The holidays are such an awesome time to share with family and friends. Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to the typical food and football day. I'm on call so we'll have to see how busy both hospitals are. In my opinion our service is far superior to the other companies and it's finally starting to pay off. We are really busy and getting more referrals every day. I'm super proud of the family of people I get to work with. They are great team players and it's really showing.
For the last five years we've given meals out to families who could use a little extra over the holidays. I'm finding though (and I would likely be the same) that many people are to proud to ask for much and I can totally respect that. It's tough for a lot of people right now. So many are out of work just doing their best to make ends meet. We so often take for granted the blessings we have. Those of us with a job, those of us with family, it's the little things that we really need to be thankful for.
I better get back to work. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. Take Care.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
A New Beginning??
Over the next couple of months things will be a little different around here. I'm hoping over time that the changes will all be good.
The worst change right now is that Mike is leaving on December 1. He's taking a family related job out in Omaha. Mike has made a huge difference and for a long time it was only him and I running the show. We've definitely grown over the years and I couldn't have done it without him. I'll really hate to see him go.
Instead of replacing Mike, what I'm going to do is replace myself. I'm hiring someone to do more of my office related work such as accounts receivable and dealing with insurance companies. Once that person is trained, I'm going to more less take Mikes spot. That will allow me to spend more time with the patients and focus a little more on growing the company in the direction I want it to go.
Speaking of growth, I'm still not content at where we are. Size wise, we are fine, but we aren't touching lives like I want to. I really want this company to stand out among the rest when it comes to making the difference in the lives of others. Over the next few months, that is really going to be our focus. I have no doubt that we will achieve this goal. The company is blessed with an outstanding staff. A staff that I believe in my heart really wants to make a difference in the lives of others.
Well I better get back to work. Have a great day.
The worst change right now is that Mike is leaving on December 1. He's taking a family related job out in Omaha. Mike has made a huge difference and for a long time it was only him and I running the show. We've definitely grown over the years and I couldn't have done it without him. I'll really hate to see him go.
Instead of replacing Mike, what I'm going to do is replace myself. I'm hiring someone to do more of my office related work such as accounts receivable and dealing with insurance companies. Once that person is trained, I'm going to more less take Mikes spot. That will allow me to spend more time with the patients and focus a little more on growing the company in the direction I want it to go.
Speaking of growth, I'm still not content at where we are. Size wise, we are fine, but we aren't touching lives like I want to. I really want this company to stand out among the rest when it comes to making the difference in the lives of others. Over the next few months, that is really going to be our focus. I have no doubt that we will achieve this goal. The company is blessed with an outstanding staff. A staff that I believe in my heart really wants to make a difference in the lives of others.
Well I better get back to work. Have a great day.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Do We Need Health Care Reform??
I always try to look at both sides of this question. I just don't think the legislation that is being proposed is really going to make a huge positive difference. They are focusing more on insurance than they are the actual cost of health care. Where are health insurance companies going to make up the cost?? The American public is going to see a huge increase in premiums. Middle class families are, as usual, take the brunt of all increases.
This plan is going to be a glorified medicaid program. The problem there is, the states already can't afford the medicaid programs they offer already. The feds are going to sign the "wonderful" public option for those that can't afford commercial plans, but as usual the feds will make the states responsible for paying for such programs.
The entire thing is a mess. I do believe/wish all Americans should have access to health care. I've been down the road of having no insurance and it's not a fun one, especially if you do get sick.
I think we need to look at keeping commercial insurance premiums low. Insurance companies and attorneys are the problem. We need to address the issues of outrageous law suits and outrageous increases in premiums. I was paying 300.00 a month two years ago for my family. Our premiums are now 540.00 a month. This is with a 5600.00 deductible!!!! That's insane.
I don't have the answers, but I do think were looking in the wrong places to make a positive difference. Most people don't mind paying for health care, but goodness, they shouldn't have to go broke to pay for it.
Oh, and before I go, where are the feds going to get the money to pay for this outrageous program?? MEDICARE!!!! Medicare is the whipping boy of congress. Most people on Medicare are on fixed incomes. These are the people that typically need the coverage most. The mentality of government truly amazes me at times. Then again, Congressman are covered for the rest of their lives by their own Government healthcare. No doubt their coverage is far supreme from the one they propose to sell to you and I.
What does it take for the American people to take a stand for themselves? We all just sit back and watch Congress pass their pork filled bills. Crazy!!!!!!!
This plan is going to be a glorified medicaid program. The problem there is, the states already can't afford the medicaid programs they offer already. The feds are going to sign the "wonderful" public option for those that can't afford commercial plans, but as usual the feds will make the states responsible for paying for such programs.
The entire thing is a mess. I do believe/wish all Americans should have access to health care. I've been down the road of having no insurance and it's not a fun one, especially if you do get sick.
I think we need to look at keeping commercial insurance premiums low. Insurance companies and attorneys are the problem. We need to address the issues of outrageous law suits and outrageous increases in premiums. I was paying 300.00 a month two years ago for my family. Our premiums are now 540.00 a month. This is with a 5600.00 deductible!!!! That's insane.
I don't have the answers, but I do think were looking in the wrong places to make a positive difference. Most people don't mind paying for health care, but goodness, they shouldn't have to go broke to pay for it.
Oh, and before I go, where are the feds going to get the money to pay for this outrageous program?? MEDICARE!!!! Medicare is the whipping boy of congress. Most people on Medicare are on fixed incomes. These are the people that typically need the coverage most. The mentality of government truly amazes me at times. Then again, Congressman are covered for the rest of their lives by their own Government healthcare. No doubt their coverage is far supreme from the one they propose to sell to you and I.
What does it take for the American people to take a stand for themselves? We all just sit back and watch Congress pass their pork filled bills. Crazy!!!!!!!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Good Week
It's been a good week so far. Work has been busy but that's good. I was getting too chubby so I've been doing more cardio workouts as well as my usual ab workout. I've also been trying to cut way back on the sugars. This is not an easy thing to do, as I love my sweets. I quit coffee (again) and have had no more of my wonderful Chai Tea's this week.
We've got our Fill Plant up and running (what we use to fill our own tanks). Wow, what a time and money saver. It's going to be a great thing.
I'm going to Holbrook today to watch my 10 year old run in his last cross country race. He's been doing very well. So far he's consistently in the top 3 of his school and the top ten and all his races. He's really impressed me this year. Not only with running but with his work ethic at school as well. He's usually got about 2 hours of homework every night and he just sits down and busts it all out. Way more motivation than I ever had at 10 years old.
I saw a horrible tragedy on the news yesterday. Two teenage brothers were killed on their way to school. They were driving an estimated 90mph in a small volkswagon when they broadsided a school bus. I think we all take the smallest of moments for granted. Last night at the dinner table, I was thankful to have my wife and 3 boys sitting at the same table. I could only think of the pain the family of those two teenage boys was going through as we sat there laughing while we ate. Cherish every moment. It's something we all need to remember daily.
I better get some work done. Hope you have a wonderful day.
We've got our Fill Plant up and running (what we use to fill our own tanks). Wow, what a time and money saver. It's going to be a great thing.
I'm going to Holbrook today to watch my 10 year old run in his last cross country race. He's been doing very well. So far he's consistently in the top 3 of his school and the top ten and all his races. He's really impressed me this year. Not only with running but with his work ethic at school as well. He's usually got about 2 hours of homework every night and he just sits down and busts it all out. Way more motivation than I ever had at 10 years old.
I saw a horrible tragedy on the news yesterday. Two teenage brothers were killed on their way to school. They were driving an estimated 90mph in a small volkswagon when they broadsided a school bus. I think we all take the smallest of moments for granted. Last night at the dinner table, I was thankful to have my wife and 3 boys sitting at the same table. I could only think of the pain the family of those two teenage boys was going through as we sat there laughing while we ate. Cherish every moment. It's something we all need to remember daily.
I better get some work done. Hope you have a wonderful day.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Is Fall Here??
What a gorgeous morning. I left for the office about 6am this morning and it was 37 degrees!! The steam was coming off of the lakes as I journeyed along the main road to the office. The sprinklers from the local resorts were spraying mist into the sky and the sun was just coming up. What a beautiful place we live in.
Were heading down to Phoenix today (where it's supposed to hit 100 degrees) for the Mercy Me concert and a D-Back game. To be honest, I'm not looking to forward to the game, but cant wait for the concert. So many of the Mercy Me songs go right to the heart. Here's one of my favorites, Word of God Speak. How often we take for granted a God that is so loving and forgiving. Lord only knows I don't deserve such attention.
We hope to be doing our first oxygen fill today. Oh my gosh what a nightmare it's been. I've never saw so much paper work. The consider oxygen a medical drug so we are monitored heavily by the FDA. Everything has to be calibrated and documented. When the government cuts our Medicare payments (which they've done for the last 2 years) I don't think they realize the work involve to adequately provide a patient everything they need to live a normal quality of life. I'm sure if the members of the house and senate had parents on a fixed income they may show a little more compassion.
We'll that's my rambling for today. Hope you have a wonderful Friday.
Were heading down to Phoenix today (where it's supposed to hit 100 degrees) for the Mercy Me concert and a D-Back game. To be honest, I'm not looking to forward to the game, but cant wait for the concert. So many of the Mercy Me songs go right to the heart. Here's one of my favorites, Word of God Speak. How often we take for granted a God that is so loving and forgiving. Lord only knows I don't deserve such attention.
We hope to be doing our first oxygen fill today. Oh my gosh what a nightmare it's been. I've never saw so much paper work. The consider oxygen a medical drug so we are monitored heavily by the FDA. Everything has to be calibrated and documented. When the government cuts our Medicare payments (which they've done for the last 2 years) I don't think they realize the work involve to adequately provide a patient everything they need to live a normal quality of life. I'm sure if the members of the house and senate had parents on a fixed income they may show a little more compassion.
We'll that's my rambling for today. Hope you have a wonderful Friday.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Good Weekend
It was a good weekend. I was on call on Saturday and had one Oxygen set up. The patient was such a sweet heart. It's people like this that make your weekends on call worth it.
We're going to start filling our own oxygen tanks this week. This is going to be huge for us. For the last few years, we've had to schedule a trip to Phoenix about once a week. With accreditation and everything else going on, it's been quite the battle trying to get all our ducks in a row. When a company fills their own tanks, there's a tedious process of paper work you have to go through to become certified by the FDA. We have found that working with the federal government is a slow and painful process. In the end it will all be worth it. More convenient for us and better service for our patients.
On another note, we had thought we were losing our office manager. She is not only a very valuable member of our team here, but I can't imagine working in the office without her. She's got a one year old little boy that up until recently it had been fine that he came to the office everyday. As he's gotten bigger, he's grown a little tired of the place (understandably). I think it's difficult for any mother to have to take their first born to a daycare. Two weeks ago, she had told me that we should probably start looking for someone else. So we did. We actually found someone, but right now nobody is going to compare.
Last Thursday she came to me (with tears) and said she was worried she had made a mistake. She loves her job and she knows she's very good at it. So we came up with something that would hopefully work for everyone. She'll bring her little boy in the mornings so that he can nap here at the office. After his nap, he'll go to a local day care for the afternoon. I'm also giving her Wednesdays off if she wants.
When I started this place, I wanted it to be family oriented. We all have kids and I think it's important that family comes first. So far no one seems to abuse the privledge. We've got a group of people here and I want to keep it that way.
Anyway, it's Monday so I better get back to work. Have a Great Day.
We're going to start filling our own oxygen tanks this week. This is going to be huge for us. For the last few years, we've had to schedule a trip to Phoenix about once a week. With accreditation and everything else going on, it's been quite the battle trying to get all our ducks in a row. When a company fills their own tanks, there's a tedious process of paper work you have to go through to become certified by the FDA. We have found that working with the federal government is a slow and painful process. In the end it will all be worth it. More convenient for us and better service for our patients.
On another note, we had thought we were losing our office manager. She is not only a very valuable member of our team here, but I can't imagine working in the office without her. She's got a one year old little boy that up until recently it had been fine that he came to the office everyday. As he's gotten bigger, he's grown a little tired of the place (understandably). I think it's difficult for any mother to have to take their first born to a daycare. Two weeks ago, she had told me that we should probably start looking for someone else. So we did. We actually found someone, but right now nobody is going to compare.
Last Thursday she came to me (with tears) and said she was worried she had made a mistake. She loves her job and she knows she's very good at it. So we came up with something that would hopefully work for everyone. She'll bring her little boy in the mornings so that he can nap here at the office. After his nap, he'll go to a local day care for the afternoon. I'm also giving her Wednesdays off if she wants.
When I started this place, I wanted it to be family oriented. We all have kids and I think it's important that family comes first. So far no one seems to abuse the privledge. We've got a group of people here and I want to keep it that way.
Anyway, it's Monday so I better get back to work. Have a Great Day.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Immmm Baaccckkk
After taking a small hiatus from the net, I'm back. I've got quite a bit of things to catch up on. It's been a year of learning more about myself and doing my best to understand others.
I'll separate all the story's with different blog subtitles but I'll give the gist of it here.
In November, we were blessed with the birth of our 3rd (and final) little boy. Keevan Russell was born on Thanksgiving Day at 9:29 in the morning. He truly is a wonderful little boy. Most of the time he is all smiles. Our older two boys were just the opposite. When they were awake, they were usually throwing some sort of fit. Thank God they finally grew out of that stage. Keevan usually only wakes up once throughout the night and when he does wake up, he's usually cheerful and happy. He is truly a pleasure to come home too.
One of the biggest blessings for the year so far was the ability of my wife and I to seriously work on our marriage. I'll leave the details for a later post, but all I can say is that marriage truly takes the work of two people. Two people giving 100% to each other. At the beginning of 2009, i wasn't so sure if that was possible. I'm so glad and thankful that it's all worked out for the best.
As far as stress and work are concerned, running the business hit an all time high level of stress this year. Starting in 2009, Medicare required all DME companies to begin the accreditation process. If a company wants to keep their billing privileges, they must be accreditated by September of 2009.
Preparing for Accreditation became the focus of most of our work. Everyday for about 6 months, my staff poured through policy and procedures making sure we were compliant in all areas.
Once the policy and procedures are complete, then comes the surprise inspection/survey. We all knew that sometime between February 1 and September 1, we would be greeted by an accreditation surveyor.
It's this persons job to go through your company and find things that need to be improved on. My staff and I were all walking on eggshells just waiting for the surveyor to walk throught the door. Finally our day came in April.
I was a nervous wreck. We had all worked so hard to be compliant in all areas. They went through our charts, all of the products that we carry, the policies which we had worked so hard to develop and the procedures we follow to stay in line with those written policies.
Employee performance was very impressive. Everyone had a job to do and they each did their assigned jobs perfectly. The hard work and the stress paid off. One month later, our Certificate of Accreditation arrived via mail. Wow!! We had done it. The following day, you could sense the peace and relaxation in the air.
It's now time for us to get back to running the business. Our patients were taken care of but, those that send us the patients haven't seen us for a while. It's time for me to get my butt in gear and start visiting and thanking those that send us the work.
So for now, I'm going to sign off and get work. Hope you have a great day.
Thanks
I'll separate all the story's with different blog subtitles but I'll give the gist of it here.
In November, we were blessed with the birth of our 3rd (and final) little boy. Keevan Russell was born on Thanksgiving Day at 9:29 in the morning. He truly is a wonderful little boy. Most of the time he is all smiles. Our older two boys were just the opposite. When they were awake, they were usually throwing some sort of fit. Thank God they finally grew out of that stage. Keevan usually only wakes up once throughout the night and when he does wake up, he's usually cheerful and happy. He is truly a pleasure to come home too.
One of the biggest blessings for the year so far was the ability of my wife and I to seriously work on our marriage. I'll leave the details for a later post, but all I can say is that marriage truly takes the work of two people. Two people giving 100% to each other. At the beginning of 2009, i wasn't so sure if that was possible. I'm so glad and thankful that it's all worked out for the best.
As far as stress and work are concerned, running the business hit an all time high level of stress this year. Starting in 2009, Medicare required all DME companies to begin the accreditation process. If a company wants to keep their billing privileges, they must be accreditated by September of 2009.
Preparing for Accreditation became the focus of most of our work. Everyday for about 6 months, my staff poured through policy and procedures making sure we were compliant in all areas.
Once the policy and procedures are complete, then comes the surprise inspection/survey. We all knew that sometime between February 1 and September 1, we would be greeted by an accreditation surveyor.
It's this persons job to go through your company and find things that need to be improved on. My staff and I were all walking on eggshells just waiting for the surveyor to walk throught the door. Finally our day came in April.
I was a nervous wreck. We had all worked so hard to be compliant in all areas. They went through our charts, all of the products that we carry, the policies which we had worked so hard to develop and the procedures we follow to stay in line with those written policies.
Employee performance was very impressive. Everyone had a job to do and they each did their assigned jobs perfectly. The hard work and the stress paid off. One month later, our Certificate of Accreditation arrived via mail. Wow!! We had done it. The following day, you could sense the peace and relaxation in the air.
It's now time for us to get back to running the business. Our patients were taken care of but, those that send us the patients haven't seen us for a while. It's time for me to get my butt in gear and start visiting and thanking those that send us the work.
So for now, I'm going to sign off and get work. Hope you have a great day.
Thanks
Thursday, January 22, 2009
I"m still Here
Wow I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted something. A lot has happened over the last month and a half.
First, we had our beautiful 3rd little boy on Thanksgiving Day. Little Keevan Church was born 6lbs 12oz. He is such an awesome little guy. Our first two boys weren't the easiest babies but this little guy has been great. I think he wakes about every 3 hours for feedings which is way better than our first two. Both of his brothers have adapted well. Ryan, the oldest, has really been a great big brother, where as Coby our middle son, I think saw Keevan as a bit of a threat at first, but he's coming around.
I've still been off the bike since the end of August. My back is no where near better. They've actually concluded that it's my pelvis and not my back. My pelvis is apparently rotated up in the back which is causing all kinds of pain and stuff in my legs. Its supposedly fixable with exercises so I've been going to physical therapy for the past 2 weeks and doing these funky exercises while at work.
Normally being off the bike for this long, I would probably be up around 180 lbs but life has been pretty stressful lately and I havent been eating much. I'm actually down to 165 lbs. That would be perfect if I was able to ride. I've never gone into a new year at this weight. Actually my doctor said I could start riding but I cant use clipless pedals. He doesn't want my using my hip flexors very much for now. So that will feel weird but I'll take whatever I can get.
Work has been unbelievably stressful. As of last week, I had 26 straight 16 hour days. Needless to say, I am fried. I've been living on Circle K coffee. It's been great for losing weight though. For breakfast today which I finally had around 10:30, I had Circle K coffee and a box of Milk Duds. I"m sure that would make the guys and Hammer Nutrition just cringe.
Home life has been stressful too, but I'm not going to go into that. I'm just going to leave everything in Gods hands and see where the cards fall.
I best get back to work. Have a great day.
Thanks for reading
First, we had our beautiful 3rd little boy on Thanksgiving Day. Little Keevan Church was born 6lbs 12oz. He is such an awesome little guy. Our first two boys weren't the easiest babies but this little guy has been great. I think he wakes about every 3 hours for feedings which is way better than our first two. Both of his brothers have adapted well. Ryan, the oldest, has really been a great big brother, where as Coby our middle son, I think saw Keevan as a bit of a threat at first, but he's coming around.
I've still been off the bike since the end of August. My back is no where near better. They've actually concluded that it's my pelvis and not my back. My pelvis is apparently rotated up in the back which is causing all kinds of pain and stuff in my legs. Its supposedly fixable with exercises so I've been going to physical therapy for the past 2 weeks and doing these funky exercises while at work.
Normally being off the bike for this long, I would probably be up around 180 lbs but life has been pretty stressful lately and I havent been eating much. I'm actually down to 165 lbs. That would be perfect if I was able to ride. I've never gone into a new year at this weight. Actually my doctor said I could start riding but I cant use clipless pedals. He doesn't want my using my hip flexors very much for now. So that will feel weird but I'll take whatever I can get.
Work has been unbelievably stressful. As of last week, I had 26 straight 16 hour days. Needless to say, I am fried. I've been living on Circle K coffee. It's been great for losing weight though. For breakfast today which I finally had around 10:30, I had Circle K coffee and a box of Milk Duds. I"m sure that would make the guys and Hammer Nutrition just cringe.
Home life has been stressful too, but I'm not going to go into that. I'm just going to leave everything in Gods hands and see where the cards fall.
I best get back to work. Have a great day.
Thanks for reading
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