VGM Government Announces New Team Member

Published in Government Relations on January 25, 2024

Kim Cuce has joined the VGM Government Relations team as the Director of Business Optimization.

Kim has dedicated her career to the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) industry since 2010. Prior to joining VGM, she owned a comprehensive medical billing company catering to a diverse clientele of family practitioners, rehab centers, orthopedic surgeons, pediatricians, emergency room physicians, and urologists. As the managing partner of a small, full-service DME company in 2010, she orchestrated remarkable revenue growth from $1.2 to $11.4 million through a strategic blend of organic expansion and targeted acquisitions.

In 2011, she was sought after by a large provider to provide consulting services, addressing reimbursement challenges for healthcare practices. Her expertise in analyzing workflow processes, policies, compliance, company structure, reimbursement, and denials culminated in the development of a successful restructuring plan, including the creation of new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the establishment of performance benchmarks. Notably, she has served as the Director of Operations and Director of Reimbursement and Payor Relations for very successful DME companies. Her commitment to the industry extended to board service with several state associations.  

"I am thrilled to join the VGM Government Relations team as the Director of Business Optimization,” said Cuce. “Having dedicated my career to the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) industry, I am excited to bring my experience in strategic growth, operational efficiency, and reimbursement optimization to VGM. Together with the talented team at VGM, I look forward to contributing to the success of our members and helping them navigate the ever-evolving landscape of our industry.”

“We are excited to have Kim join the VGM community,” said Ike Isaacson, SVP of Government Relations. “Her industry experience and knowledge will serve our members well and allow them to continue to grow. Kim’s focus on helping members optimize their business practices will further enhance our team of reimbursement and regulatory experts at VGM.”

From Our Experts

Round 2028 Updates for Competitive Bidding & Interoperability Rule FAQ thumbnail Round 2028 Updates for Competitive Bidding & Interoperability Rule FAQ The Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) has posted a new phase for Round 2028 of the DMPEOS Competitive Bidding Program focusing on licensure and accreditation for DMEPOS suppliers.   All locations on your bid must collectively have current, non-expired state/territory licenses in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) by the close of the bid window opening later this year.  And each location on your bid must be accredited by a CMS-approved... What DMEPOS Providers Need to Know About H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act thumbnail What DMEPOS Providers Need to Know About H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act Medicare Advantage prior authorization continues to be one of the most significant operational and patient care challenges facing DMEPOS suppliers. A new bipartisan bill, H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, seeks to increase transparency, accountability, and oversight of Medicare Advantage prior authorization practices. This bill passed out of Ways & Means markup by a unanimous vote (42-0) on July 15... H.R. 1703 Advances, Bringing Greater Choice for Wheelchair Users thumbnail H.R. 1703 Advances, Bringing Greater Choice for Wheelchair Users The DMEPOS community, particularly wheelchair providers and users, should be celebrating an important victory as the House approved the Choices for Increased Mobility Act (H.R. 1703). North Carolina Medicaid Rate Floor Extended Through 2029 thumbnail North Carolina Medicaid Rate Floor Extended Through 2029 Earlier this year, it was announced that the North Carolina General Assembly has approved the state budget, securing an additional full two-year extension of the Medicaid fee schedule floor. This protection will now remain in effect until June 30, 2029, guaranteeing that reimbursement rates will continue to be set at 100% of the lesser of the supplier's usual and customary rate or the maximum allowable Medicaid fee-for-service rate. State Medicaid Work Requirements: The Impact on Medicaid beneficiaries and their DME Suppliers thumbnail State Medicaid Work Requirements: The Impact on Medicaid beneficiaries and their DME Suppliers Pursuant to the work and community engagement requirements included in H.R.1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an interim final rule mandating a framework for Medicaid departments to follow when evaluating Medicaid beneficiary eligibility. Beginning no later than January 1, 2027, states must require certain adult Medicaid enrollees to demonstrate at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activity, which may include employment, education, or community... Healthcare Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Supplemental Oxygen Reform thumbnail Healthcare Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Supplemental Oxygen Reform Washington, D.C. — A broad coalition of suppliers, manufacturers, clinicians, and patient advocates is calling on Congress to advance the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (H.R. 2902 / S. 1406) to protect patient access to life-sustaining oxygen therapy. Summer Advocacy Campaign-Make Your Voice Heard thumbnail Summer Advocacy Campaign-Make Your Voice Heard Summer is the perfect time to connect with your legislators while they are back in their home states and districts. Whether you're building a new relationship or strengthening an existing one, meeting with elected officials is one of the most effective ways to advance policies that protect patient access to home medical equipment and services. Wrapping Up a Successful VGM Heartland Conference & State Leader Summit thumbnail Wrapping Up a Successful VGM Heartland Conference & State Leader Summit One of our busiest and without a doubt, one of our favorite weeks of the year is the VGM Heartland Conference. This year kicked off with a special opportunity to bring together DME state association leaders from across the country for a dedicated pre-conference State Leader Summit. The focus was simple but impactful: collaboration, idea sharing, and real conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing our industry today.