To educate and entertain its members, HME Providers will launch HME TV, a web video program, this spring. The program will include interviews, news updates, humorous skits and other industry specific content produced specifically for DME providers. The program should also serve as a forum to help providers and other home health professionals in the HME Providers membership share information.

HME TV is a way to create a live up to date venue for dealers to talk to dealers or get information,” said HME Providers CEO Ryan Ruskin.

The videos will be short, five- to seven-minute streaming video programs that will start with an initial monthly frequency, and will most likely ramp up in terms of length and frequency over time, says COO Jennifer Sowards. SEE A SAMPLE.

There will be opportunities for members to get involved with the program Sowards added, saying that interactive options could include the ability to answer polls and provide feedback. There will also be opportunities for members to get involved in the show by submitting their own videos and participating in member showcases.

HME Providers is a network of approximately 500 smaller providers of DME across the country. The organization offers services such as discounts with vendors, web site creation and hosting services, online catalogs, and private label DME.

Besides giving providers industry information, the hope is that HME TV will also entertain them, Ruskin said. In fact, HME Providers is even planning an industry-related video game: “DME Invaders,” in which a DME truck must fend off competitive bidding aliens.

“We’re trying to lighten things up a bit,” Ruskin explained. “[HME TV] will be a good way to share information in a more positive venue.”