MED History

Our History 1968
Five independent businessmen engaged in medical equipment sales and rentals founded and incorporated Medical Equipment Distributors, Inc. in 1968. These individuals, Lewie Bates, Jr., Nagle Bridwell, Chuck Chevillon, Bob Kruse, and Frank Jones each had a strong sense of ethics and a desire to serve the customers who depended upon their services. When they met informally to exchange thoughts and ideas, they realized they could jointly develop better solutions than those they developed individually. They discovered that several manufacturers were interested in developing purchasing agreements with independent businesses.

1969
The five founders incorporated under the name of Medical Equipment Distributors, Inc. (MED) and headquartered in Forest Park, Illinois. MED carefully began expanding its dealership base with other independent medical equipment companies.

1971
The first MED employee was hired and the development of a catalog began. Shortly thereafter, the decision was made to exhibit at national conferences. MED began to develop private label and special products for rehabilitation needs. Because of its catalogs, brochures, national advertising and participation in conference exhibits, MED became known as the company-of-choice to introduce new products in the rehabilitation field.

1972
A power wheelchair control system for high-level quadriplegics was MED’s first major product development began. Simultaneously, MED began developing a system to enable totally paralyzed individuals to automatically operate the reclining back on his or her power wheelchair.

In a joint effort with the Rehabilitation Engineering Program at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, MED attempted a “first” - the transfer of technology from university research to commercial distribution. MED has since developed cooperative relationships with the University of Tennessee, Johns Hopkins University (APL), Case Western Reserve University, Stanford University, and other research facilities around the country in an effort to develop and bring new, innovative products to wide, commercial distribution. For several years the MED office served as national headquarters for the Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA).

MED developed a Product Directory (catalog) illustrating thousands of devices ranging from small items, such as aids to daily living, to major departmental equipment and treatment modalities. In addition, MED developed product literature and instructional material for the end user as well as comprehensive audiovisual training programs for its dealers on how to prescribe, assemble and service products. A fully equipped electronics laboratory where products were developed, assembled and repaired was located at MED headquarters.

1982
MED formed its Authorized Dealer Program and chose to expand national distribution, while maintaining the highest requirements for ethics, education, and professionalism.

1986
The corporate office relocated to Lubbock, Texas and David Miller was hired as president and chief executive officer.

1996
MED and Universal Management Systems (UMS) merged into one dynamic organization. The new, combined organization continued to operate under the MED name.

1997
MED creates the MED website and MED*Web (MED’s members-only extranet sight, which provides immediate access to Vendor Contracts, Industry Newsletters, Managed Care, MED Consultants and a Discussions Database for rapid exchange of information).

1998
MED introduced a performance measurement system known as “Performance Driven Quality” (PDQ) in response to the Joint Commission on Accreditation’s ORYX initiative. The system allows benchmarking of a company’s performance to that of other like organizations, and the development of action plans to improve service and performance.

1998 – 2001
The Rehab Network and Respiratory Network programs were introduced allowing members with special interest in either of these areas of their business to more easily network with each other. RehabLogix software was developed specifically for rehab equipment providers. The Directory on Demand program, which placed the traditional MED Product Directory on CDROM enabling each MED member to customize the Directory to meet specific needs of his or her business, was introduced.

April 2000
MED University was established specifically for individuals in the HME/Rehab/Respiratory Industry. Courses are available online, on CDROM or in hard copy form. Tests are administered online for tracking and documentation. MED University is IACET approved to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Courses are available in Customer Service, Medicare, Medicaid, Disabilities & Diseases, Equipment, Safety & Annual Training, Reimbursement and others.

August 2000
Reimbursement Today was launched to assist members in receiving timely reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid, Managed Care and other funding sources. MED Members were given access to a Managed Care Web Page that houses tips and ideas, a monthly newsletter, regular education seminars, electronic reference databases, a discussions database, a forms library and “Best Practices Guide,” plus the most current information on HIPAA, the DMERCs and HCPCS.

2002
Managed Care Today program is launched to supply referral sources with a complete list of participating MED member companies and their branches on a quarterly basis. MED Members are also given access to a Managed Care Web Page that provides contract models, pricing templates, a managed care guidebook, contract profiles, Internet links, news & trends, tips & ideas from industry experts, a monthly newsletter, capitation information, a discussion area, and a consultative service program.

MED introduces the COMPASS Program to assist MED Members in becoming accredited by any of the three accrediting bodies: JCAHO (Joint Commission), ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care) and CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Program).

2003
MED forged one goal in 2003: to improve profitability and cash flow. Two strategies were defined to assist in attaining this goal. First, to lower inventory acquisition costs. And the second step, to lower operating expenses through better business practices tools.

The initial step in achieving the 2003 goal was through the Request For Proposal (RFP) process. Early in 2002, MED began to explore options in the vendor contract negotiation process. As a result of the RFP, 2003 was a pivotal year for MED and the industry as a whole. This process created competition between vendors - competition to provide MED Members the best possible contract terms.

One of the better business practice tools introduced in 2003 was MeasureUP which was designed to monitor the day-to-day aspects of a business through processes such as the accuracy and completeness of patient files. Another strong tool developed in 2003 was EmTrak. It was designed to fit the need of a Member's personal personnel resource.

To assist in the rollout of the RFP process, MED launched a new field membership services team, or Regional Managers (RM). Their mission is to assist Members in increasing their business productivity.

2004
Today MED continues to enhance existing programs and develop new programs for its approximately 185 Member providers representing more than 650 locations. MED now maintains purchasing contracts with over 60 manufacturers/vendors, some of which are the largest in the industry. The scope of these vendor contracts covers all categories of products and services. MED's focus continues to be on assisting their Members in holding down costs, training and educating their employees, being more competitive, and finding more efficient ways to run their businesses.