Medtrade 2026: AI, Policy Changes, and What’s Next for HME Providers

Welcome to Proof of Delivery, a podcast dedicated to unpacking the complexities of revenue cycle management in the Home Medical Equipment (HME) industry. From navigating intake and documentation to overcoming billing challenges and payer requirements, each episode explores the real issues providers face every day. Join industry leaders and experts as they share perspectives on emerging trends, regulatory changes and operational strategies, offering practical insights to help you drive stronger outcomes.

In this inaugural episode, hosts Joey Graham and Ronda Buhrmester come together from Prochant’s headquarters in Charlotte, NC to reflect on their experience at Medtrade and what it reveals about the current state of the industry.

Drawing on conversations across the exhibit floor, sessions and networking events, Joey and Ronda break down the most talked-about themes shaping HME today, from the rapid evolution of AI to significant regulatory developments, such as competitive bidding and the PTAN freeze. More importantly, they go beyond the headlines to explore what these changes actually mean for providers, highlighting where organizations are seeing success, where challenges remain and how to approach the road ahead with a more strategic lens.

Key Takeaways
  • AI in HME has moved from experimentation to reality, but the real differentiator now lies in how effectively providers apply it to drive meaningful outcomes.
  • Simply automating existing workflows limits impact; organizations must redesign processes alongside AI adoption to truly improve efficiency and accuracy.
  • The current landscape of fragmented AI tools, combined with gaps in areas like prior authorizations, billing and collections, highlights a market still in transition.
  • Regulatory pressure is accelerating the need for operational flexibility, pushing providers to explore alternative models like centralized hubs and rethink traditional expansion strategies.
  • As technology, regulation and operations evolve simultaneously, providers must take a focused, strategic approach, prioritizing high-impact initiatives rather than trying to solve everything at once.

At its core, this episode reinforces a clear message: the HME industry is entering a new phase where adaptability is no longer optional. Providers are navigating a landscape shaped by rapid technological advancement and increasing regulatory complexity, and success will depend on the ability to balance both. Those who take a thoughtful approach, leveraging AI where it delivers real value, reworking inefficient processes and staying ahead of policy changes, will be best positioned to compete in the years ahead.

Don’t miss this first episode of Proof of Delivery for a deeper look at the trends redefining HME revenue cycle management. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.