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2002
Best Rehab Technology Provider
Hudson: 'poster
child' for rehab industry
Judges were impressed by Hudson's image in the
community.
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If only one rehab provider could
be showcased on Capitol Hill, where members of
Congress make decisions that affect the home medical
equipment industry every week, which would it be?
That’s the question one of the HME Excellence Awards judges had in the
back of his head as he leafed through applications for the Best Rehab Provider.
In the end, the judges found Hudson Home Health Care was the answer, giving
the company the nod for first place.
“At the crux of this was picking a company that would make a great poster
child for the industry,” one judge said. “Hudson’s that kind of
company.”
Hudson moved to the head of
the class by earning high marks in all the categories
the judges examined: financials, marketing, patient
satisfaction, referral source satisfaction and
accreditation rating. The company’s image
in the community was especially impressive. Extracurricular
activities like working with children’s wheelchair
sports teams and the local Boundless Playgrounds
program gave Hudson’s image a boost.
“This company gives back to its community, it doesn’t just take out,” one
judge said. “They’re a real part of their community.”
Ed Curley, Hudson Home Health Care’s marketing manager, said the company
participates in activities not only because it likes to but also because it
wants to maintain its image.
“It’s a conscious thing we try to do,” he said. “We maintain
an image of a company with integrity in the work we do, and with the compassion
we have for our clients and their special needs.”
Curley said the mastermind behind Hudson’s positive image is the company’s
experienced staff. He said many of its sales and management employees have
filed 10-plus years with the company. Curley said Hudson also encourages employees
to become certified rehab technology suppliers (CRTSs) by reimbursing employees
after they receive the certification. The company has 10 CRTSs on board. All
but three attained their certification after joining Hudson, he said.
“We have an image of being experts in the supply of rehab/assistive technology
products,” Curley said.
On a regional and national level, Hudson has solidified its image further with
memberships: the New England Medical Equipment Dealers (NEMED) and AAHomecare.
The company’s also accredited by the Joint Commission of Accreditation
of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and ranked in the 99th percentile last
year.
“Being a member of these organizations affords us information,” Curley
said. “They allow us to be more competitive with our business. They also
have educational programs and seminars that give us even more of a competitive
edge.”
The judges were also impressed with Hudson’s patient and referral source
satisfaction. “They speak of the company’s quality of care very highly,” one
judge said. “That means a lot.”
Curley said Hudson keeps close tabs on satisfaction with survey response cards
that are provided to each patient and referral source upon delivery of equipment.
Those cards carry these kinds of responses: “Service is so good. Greg
is wonderful to work with. We will buy anything we need from Hudson.” And, “There
was an unexpected repair needed and they handled it promptly and professionally.”
“Without patients and referral sources, we wouldn’t be in business,” Curley
said. “The goal is to treat the patient and referral source with respect
and professionalism.”
Hudson
Headquarters:
Newington, Conn.
Locations: 2
Age: 22-year-old company
Employees: 80 (10 CRTSs)
Facility: 25,000 square feet
Accreditation: JCAHO
Memberships: NEMED, AAH, RESNA, The MED Group
Business mix: 30% Medicare, 35% Medicaid, 35% private pay
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