DME Marketplace

Succeeding in DME means offering a variety of options to your customers. Here are some of the latest products on the market for DME pharmacies to stock.

• By David Kopf
• Dec 01, 2018

Pharmacies play a key role in their communities that goes far beyond filling prescriptions or offering over-the-counter medications. Pharmacies offer a level of healthcare expertise and service that no other business or health entity in their area can provide. This goes double if they offer a range of products, such as durable medical equipment items.

And, as many pharmacies know, that role could use some reinforcement given that reimbursement for pharmacies is being cut by a variety of entities and programs. Moreover, diminishing profit margins are hurting pharmacies’ abilities to fulfill their roles as community service providers. Simply put, the more compelled you are to focus on cost, the harder it is to focus on care and service.

But there are options that can help you not only continue to provide benefits to your clients, but in fact, broaden the service you offer. There are a variety of existing DME product offerings you can stock that will serve a wide range of your customers’ needs.

Any pharmacy that has some free shelf space, decent merchandising chops, and a mind for marketing can offer these items. And if any sales training is needed, most of these products’ makers are more than happy to provide it, and often accompany that training with marketing and merchandising support.

The key is to stay current. A smart DME pharmacy will stay up-to-date on what DME products are available on the market. Here’s a look at some of the latest offerings:

DFree uses ultrasound to predict when incontinence patients need to go

Millions of seniors and people with disabilities struggle with bladder control issues, and DFree can help give these patients confidence and independence. DFree is the first wearable device for incontinence that notifies the user when it’s time to go to the bathroom. Through safe and non-invasive ultrasound, the device, detects changes in bladder size and predicts urination timing. DFree sends alerts a phone or tablet when it is time to go the toilet, and users can set the notification threshold so they have ample time to get to a toilet.

D Free
(833) 337-3387
www.dfreeus.biz

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Philips releases new portable hand-held nebulizer

InnoSpire Go is a portable medical nebulizer for people with asthma and chromic obstructive pulmonary disease who need daily inhalation treatment. Its rechargeable battery lasts up to 30 treatments per charge, and it includes a Lite Touch mask for comfort while using the device. InnoSpire Go can be used with many commonly prescribed medications for respiratory disease.

Phlips
(800) 659-9235
www.healthstore.com

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Invacare adds adjustable arms to toilet seat

Like earlier models, the Invacare Clamp-On Raised Toilet Seat With Arms 1320RTS has a contoured seat for internal rotation of the hips, rear seat wings for secure attachment, easy-to-clean durable molded composite and an easy Clamp-On mechanism for more secure attachment to the bowl. This model, however, features new adjustable locking arms, which gives the user more comfort and added safety. The seat fits most round bowl configuration and does not require any tools for assembly or use.

Invacare Corp.
(800) 333- 6900
www.invacare.comhomecare

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Cure Medical debuts pocket-sized catheter kit

Designed for men, Cure Medical’s Hydrophilic Cure Kit is a lightweight, ready-to-use catheter, designed for discretion and one-time-use. The Kit includes a 16 in. hydrophilic intermittent catheter, ambidextrous gloves, BZK wipe, underpad and collection bag with universal connector. The Kit is sold in 90 units and comes in French sizes 12-16.

Cure Medical LLC
(800) 570-1778
www.curemedical.com

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LifeWalker introduces new upright walker design

For nearly 40 years, the design of walkers for seniors and people with limited mobility has remained the same. LifeWalker has changed that with their new UPWalker, which enables users to walk safely in an upright position instead of the usual slouched position. The walker features four large 8 in. rubber wheels, adjustable height armrests, lockable brakes, and sit-to-stand padded handles. Because of the multi-terrain wheels, UPWalker can be used indoors and out. Optional accessories include a cane holder, flashlight, smart phone holder, luxury carry bag and shopping bag.

LifeWalker Mobility Products
(877) 488-0822
www.lifewalkermobility.com

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Lightweight paddle walker makes folding and transport easier

Invacare’s I-Class Adult Paddle Walker features a paddle release mechanism that makes folding the walker from a sitting position easier for people with dexterity challenges. PVC handgrips provide comfort for longer use and anti-rattle silencers for quiet operation. The wide and deep aluminum frame weighs only 5 lbs. 5 oz. and has a weight capacity of 300 lbs, and adjustable height range of 30.4 in. – 37.4 in. accommodates wide range of users. The Paddle Walker is available in junior and adult sizes.

Invacare Corp.
(800) 333-6900
www.invacare.comhomecare

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Suction balance bar lends flexibility to safety and support

Balance Bars add safety and a sense of security to bathrooms, but they often require tools and help for proper installation. To simplify the installation process, Safe-er-Grip’s balance bar uses suction cups to fasten itself to surfaces to smooth, flat and nonporous surfaces, like a tile wall or bathtub. Users only need to press down and release the tab levers on both ends of the bar to fasten and loosen for easy installation and removal. The bar comes in sizes 11 in., 17 in. and 24 in.

MHI Safe-er-Grip
(800) 371-3509
www.safe-er-grip.com

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Storm Sneaker from Vionic boosts buoyancy

The Storm Casual Sneaker utilizes Vionic’s orthotic technology to maximize foot comfort and support. The lace-up sneaker features a lightweight, flexible textile and durable rubber sole for buoyant movement. It has a highly-flexible pattern that is available in Black, Light Pink and Navy Black.

Vionic Group LLC.
(888) 882-7954
www.vionicshoes.com

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Support arms and backrest add comfort to bath seat

The Lumex Platinum Collection from Graham Fields features optional support arms and backrest. The rust-resistant anodized aluminum frame is both lightweight and durable with a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs. The maximum seat height is 20 in. and the minimum is 17 in., adjustable in 1 in. increments. The overall width is 20 in., suitable for most standard built-in bathtubs. No tools are required for installation or use.

GF Health Products Inc.
(770) 368-4700
www.grahamfield.com

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Skin care line to help reduce risk of infection

For elderly patient and people with limited mobility are often at risk of infection due to lowered immunity combined with prolonged skin contact with irritants from incontinence. By keeping sensitive areas of skin exposed to irritants clean and dry the Seni Care line of skin care products helps reduce risk of infection. The skin care line includes three products to be used in succession: Seni Care Washcloths (available in fragrance-free) or Cleansing Body Cream to prevent skin breakdown from wetness and bacteria, Seni Care Moisturizing Body Lotion to hydrate and smooth affected skin and Seni Briefs to reduce wetness.

TZMO USA Inc.
(407) 377-4942
www.seni-usa.com

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PediFix Heel gives relief to painful skin cracking

As many women age, they become more prone to cracked skin on the heels. Pedifix Heel So Smooth heel sleeves helps relieve and sooth the discomfort that can result from cracking with its propriety Visco-GEL material that gradually releases vitamin E enriched mineral oil onto the skin as the user wears the sleeves. Because of the material’s long release, the sleeves are ideal for use while sleeping or resting. The sleeves are washable and reusable.

PediFix Footcare Co.
(800) 356-8185
www.pedfix.com

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Cure Medical expands size availability for catheter for women

Cure Twist, a ready-to-use catheter specifically for women, is now available in French sizes 8-16. The Cure Twist is designed to look like a cosmetic product for discretion and convenience and features a twist open top and polished eyelets on a pre-lubricated straight tip for no drip cathing. Cure Twist is also available with an Insertion Kit, which includes a BZK wipe, ambidextrous gloves, underpad and collection bag with a universal connector.

Cure Medical LLC
(800) 570-1778
www.curemedical.com

This article originally appeared in the DME Pharmacy December 2018 issue of HME Business.