His new duties will include addressing concerns of VGM members.

WATERLOO, Iowa (May 31, 2017)—VGM & Associates added a pivotal position to its team of HME industry advocates. Craig Douglas will serve as the new vice president of payer and member relations for the Iowa-based member service organization.

In his new role, Douglas will assist in navigating payer relationships and addressing concerns that are impacting VGM’s membership. With nearly two decades of experience working with payers and providers, Douglas will be a valuable resource for members.

“Adding Craig’s expertise will serve as a huge benefit to our membership community,” said VGM & Associates President Clint Geffert. “He brings 18 years of experience working with payer sources and providers and has vast knowledge of the HME industry. Craig will play a vital role of helping our members navigate the complexities of the payer and managed care market.”

Prior to joining VGM & Associates, Douglas was vice president of provider relations of VGM’s HOMELINK division. His responsibilities included provider onboarding, oversight of network adequacy for the payer partners and patients for whom care was coordinated, and building and fostering effective, goal-driven relationships with payers and providers.

 “I have always enjoyed helping our providers gain and retain access to payers and patients that they may not normally have direct access to,” said Douglas. “The patients are the lifeblood of any provider, and the more patients we can help our members serve, at sustainable rates, the better off the providers will be in the long run.”

Douglas started his new role on May 15 and will be introduced to members during VGM’s annual Heartland Conference June 12–15. For more information about VGM and the services it provides, visit vgm.com.