Products & Technology

Winning Solutions

This year's winners of HMEB's New Product Award offer up solutions that are the perfect fit for today's HME environment.

• By David Kopf
• Dec 01, 2020

Remember that computer game Tetris? A variety of differently shaped polygons would fall from the top of the screen and you’d manipulate them so that when they landed they would complete a row and keep the screen from filling up, which would otherwise end the game. The more rows you completed, the more points you’d get. However, the real thrill was when you’d control a perfectly shaped piece so that it would clear multiple rows at once.

Patients likely feel that exact same visceral thrill every time they use a piece of home medical equipment that is the perfect solution for their needs. And they associate that value, satisfaction and enjoyment with the HME business that provided them that product. This is why, each year, we conduct our annual New Product Awards competition. We want to ensure that providers have a chance to see some top products for the patients, as well as solutions that can help them run more effective businesses and provide better care and service.

Now in our seventh year, we had 22 winners across 21 categories, with only one tie this year, and one product that one across two categories. We saw winners in the following:

• Access - Auto
• Access - Home
• Accreditation and Certification Services
• Bath Safety
• Beds & Support Surfaces
• Business Technology – Complete HME Management Solutions
• Business Technology – Specialized Solutions
• Compression
• Incontinence & Urology Supplies
• Mobility – Power & Manual Wheelchairs
• Mobility - Scooters
• Mobility Walking Aids
• Orthopedic Products
• Pain Management
• Respiratory – In-Home Equipment
• Respiratory – Portable Equipment
• Retail
• Seating and Positioning
• Sleep – Resupply Items & Related Sleep Products
• Sleep – Therapy Systems
• Women’s Health Products

It’s also important to remember that this competition is judged by providers. We want to make sure the professionals that will be using these products decide what rates and what doesn’t. So, each year, we enlist a panel of anonymous HME providers across a variety of disciplines volunteered scored the entries. This year saw incredible support from the providers who shared their greatly appreciated expertise and experience with the program.

So, with no further introduction necessary, let’s dive into the 2020 New Product of the Year Award winners and see what kind of solutions are right for your business and patients:

ACCESS – AUTO

HARMAR AL580-HDX

HARMAR MOBILITY
(941) 308-7300
harmar.com

The AL580-HDX is designed to carry popular heavy-duty power wheelchairs on a hitch-mounted vehicle lift.

The 580-HDX is a solution ideal for large power wheelchairs that can’t be carried inside a vehicle (due to size restraints). This is the highest capacity hitch mounted lift on the market today.

ACCESS – HOME

“ENABLE” SERIES MODULAR RAMP

ACCESS4U INC.
(800) 355-7025
www.access4uinc.com

The “Enable” series of Modular Ramps from Access4U builds on our tradition of innovative design. “Enable” series leads the way in adapting to site conditions, and attractive appearance in aluminum ramps. Subtle changes make handrails stiffer, and reduced water retention on walking surfaces, make “Enable” our best ramp ever. The series is compatible with all Access4U modular accessories such as stairs, gates, angled platforms, picket railings and guardrails which may be required for a convenient and safe installation.

All Access4U ramps are manufactured in the USA.

ACCREDITATION AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES

PHARMACY TESTING CERTIFICATION

THE COMPLIANCE TEAM INC.
(215) 654-9110
thecomplianceteam.org

In response to the “new normal” in pharmacies across the country, The Compliance Team’s Pharmacy Testing Certification program (a new Exemplary Provider recognition award) aims to help to keep pharmacies on the leading edge of patient protection. The Pharmacy Testing Certification program provides pharmacies with the education and tools necessary to achieve Pharmacy Testing Certification for COVID-19 and other CLIA Waived tests. It offers pharmacies new revenue opportunities via Point of Care testing and Collect and Transfer testing. As a certified pharmacy testing facility, the pharmacy assures its customers, patients, payers, and employees that its pharmacy testing quality and safety procedures have been validated by a nationally recognized third party.

This is a stand-alone certification program, so a pharmacy need not be accredited by The Compliance Team for any other service. However, those pharmacies that are currently accredited by The Compliance Team will be ahead of the game in that the Pharmacy Testing Certification standards retain many aspect parts of the more stringent Exemplary Provider accreditation standards.

BATH SAFETY

INVACARE AQUATEC OCEAN ERGO DUAL VIP WITH COLLECTION PAN/LID/PAN SUPPORT RAIL

INVACARE CORP.
(440) 329-6000
www.invacare.com

The Aquatec Ocean Ergo Dual VIP Shower and Commode Chair with Collection Pan, Lid and Pan Support Guide Rail, features 5-40 degree tilt with a smart weight shift mechanism that helps ensure stability on a small footprint and 5-35 degree backrest recline. Ergonomic, height-adjustable swing-away armrests and footrests and angle-adjustable flip-up textured footplates with heel loops for security. Innovative ergonomic seat encourages a more upright position for enhanced comfort and independence. Easily maneuvered in small spaces as well as allowing for a better fit over standard toilets for independent personal care.

BEDS & SUPPORT SURFACES

INVACARE ETUDE HC HOMECARE BED

INVACARE CORP.
(440) 329-6000
www.invacare.com

The new Invacare® ETUDE HC Homecare Bed™ is the ideal choice for community home care. With its attractive aesthetics, flexible design, simple operation and easy handling, it is one of the most versatile homecare beds on the market. The ETUDE HC is the only advanced homecare bed to offer Shear Management Technology as a standard feature, reducing shear and friction providing superior comfort and safety.

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY – COMPLETE HME MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

TIMS DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT

COMPUTERS UNLIMITED
(406) 255-9500
www.cu.net

Aiming to fight improper documentation keeping providers from collecting revenue while helping ensure reduced denials and compliance audits by managing their patient documents more effectively TIMS Software is designed to bring the entire HME medical billing process together. If documentation is required at any point in the revenue cycle, the CSR has highly visible tools to generate and request the right forms. TIMS monitors the patient’s order and alerts the CSR when the documentation has been updated. The pre-established rules based on each payer’s specific requirements let the CSR quickly validate the forms and continue working the order toward fulfillment and billing.

TIMS Document Management helps ensure providers receive timely reimbursement and successfully pass audits. Effectively managing documents within their revenue cycle and leveraging the fully integrated and automated features saves time and money on every order resulting in increased profitability.

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY – SPECIALIZED SOLUTIONS

BRIGHTREE MOBILE DELIVERY

BRIGHTREE LLC
(888) 598-7797
www.brightree.com

Brightree Mobile Delivery helps HMEs optimize delivery routes, track and confirm deliveries, monitor driver location, and more — all in a connected, electronic workflow from office to field. By eliminating paperwork and enabling wireless syncing to automatically schedule and track deliveries, Mobile Delivery helps HMEs optimize productivity and improve cashflow.

Brightree has made updates to its Mobile Delivery module to provide HMEs with new tools essential to doing business throughout COVID-19, including enabling contactless delivery. In accordance with CMS’ temporary regulatory waivers throughout the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, Brightree has updated its Mobile Delivery module with the ability to provide proof of delivery through photos rather than physical signatures to enable safe and secure contactless delivery. With this update, delivery technicians can take a photo that acts as proof of delivery, along with automatic timestamps and geocodes, and a notation on the electronic delivery documentation, noting patient signature was not available due to COVID-19. As a result, patients continue to receive their medical supplies safely, drivers remain shielded from disease risk, and HMEs continue to enjoy accelerated billing and collections.

COMPRESSION

KATY T (COMPRESSION T SHIRT WITH POCKETS IN CHEST WALL AND UPPER ARM) STYLE 918

WEAR EASE INC.
(208) 424-0512
www.wearease.com

The Katy T (Style 918) is a compression T shirt designed to provide additional compression for relief from axillary swelling. It is constructed of a double layer of fabric for comfortable compression. Pockets are sewn into the chest wall and the inside of the upper arm for placement of chip pads, swell spots or foam. Keep those items in place with a pocket. Great for travel, sleeping and active wear.

INCONTINENCE & UROLOGY SUPPLIES

PACEY CUFF ULTRA

PACEY MEDTECH LTD.
(877) 377-2239
paceycuff.com

The Pacey Cuff Ultra uses patented technology to ensure comfort and control without blocking circulation. Features of the Pacey Cuff Ultra include: Compression thumb tab to help achieve the best fit. Adjustable in two places, top and bottom, to get a custom fit. Extra durable neoprene padding and an enhanced anti-pinch flap at strap guide that improves skin protection. Each Ultra is designed to last at least six to eight months (if not more). The patented design ensures circulation protection using a fenestrated hood. Unique anti-pinch designed urethral pressure pad made of comfortable, closed cell padding. A Power Sleeve protective barrier is included with each Cuff for added comfort and control.

MOBILITY – POWER & MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS

EDGE 3 STRETTO

PRIDE MOBILITY/QUANTUM REHAB
(800) 800-8586
www.quantumrehab.com

The hottest new power base from Quantum Rehab, the Edge 3 Stretto gets its name from the Italina Stretto, which means narrow and the base holds up to its name. Featuring an overall width of 20.75 in. with 12.5 in. drive wheels, the Edge 3 Stretto is the narrowest power base in America, according to the company. The Edge 3 Stretto’s narrow width makes it an ideal option for children, teenagers and small adults. It provides outstanding maneuverability in tight spaces and is equipped with independent SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension). Optional iLevel delivers 12 in. of power adjustable seat height at walking speed (up to 3.5 mph). The Edge 3 Stretto comes standard with LED front and rear fender lights and a USB charger.

MOBILITY – SCOOTERS

IRIDE

PRIDE MOBILITY/QUANTUM REHAB
(800) 800-8586
www.pridemobility.com

The iRIDE Scooter combines an aluminum frame, lithium batteries and brushless motors to create an ultra-lightweight design for easy travel. It offers quiet operation and a new electrical system that works with brushless motor technology. The scooter has a heightadjustable, removable seat with a foldable tiller and includes an air-safe lithium-ion battery pack. Other features include a digital LCD display, a manual hand brake, a supplemental foot brake, a twist grip throttle, an easy-to-grip tiller adjustment knob, an on/off switch and five color options.

MOBILITY WALKING AIDS

UPWALKER LITE

LIFEWALKER MOBILITY PRODUCTS
(714) 803-3259
upwalkerlite.com

The UPWalker Lite Upright Walker is a lighter and smaller model of the company’s UPWalker, and is especially well-suited for indoor and outdoor use. This new take on a familiar mobility format helps users walk upright in a safer, more secure posture as compared to traditional walkers and rollators that cause users to hunch over. Compared to the original UPWalker, the UPWalker Lite walking aid is easier to maneuver in tighter spaces, easier to lift and transport better and suited for smaller, frailer users. The UPWalker Lite and the original UPWalker are the only upright walkers to be ISO certified for safe, indoor and outdoor use. While 34 percent lighter, the device has a 300 lbs. weight capacity and a safe, patent pending design for low tip-over risk. The lightweight mobility solution folds easily for easy transporting and ensures less pain and more walking comfort.

ORTHOPEDIC PRODUCTS

DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE ORTHOTICS

DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE
(610) 277-1990
www.docinthehouse.com

DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE INTRODUCES a COMPLETE LINE of ORTHOTIC BRACING DESIGNED by an orthopedic surgeon, that requires fitting and adjustment and is perfect FOR the traditional brick and mortar HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT COMPANIES.

Worried about Competitive Bidding? Devastated by what the Mail-Order DME’s have done to the Off-The-Shelf (OTS) L-codes in orthotics? FEAR NO MORE!

Work with your local doctors, hospitals, and clinics and when the patient is fitted by a medical professional – they bill for the fitting; the HME bills for the device. Our brace lineup includes both LSO & TLSO Backs, Shoulder, Wrists, Knees and Ankles. All our devices are built for step down fitting, providing each patient with the maximum comfort and pain relief.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

ONE LESS CBD TOPICAL INFLAMMATION CREAM FROM ONE LESS CBD LLC

ONE LESS CBD LLC
(615) 818-7618
onelesscbd.com

The soothing combination of traditional, time-tested ingredients works together with our THC-Free CBD isolate to offer powerful relief for pain and inflammation. Topical creams provide an unmatched speed of relief as active ingredients don’t need to pass through the stomach or liver to get to work. With the ability to apply directly to the problem area as needed, you have access to targeted management of your symptoms on-the-go.

Topical cream provides unmatched speed of action:
- Apply as needed directly to problem area
- Six natural, no-compromise active ingredients
- Made and manufactured in the USA
- 400mg of CBD isolate (100mg/ounce), third-party verified
- 4 fluid ounce (118 ml) jar

RESPIRATORY – IN-HOME EQUIPMENT

PHILIPS RESPIRONICS TRILOGY EVO

PHILIPS
(724) 387-7500
www.usa.philips.com

Trilogy Evo is a next-generation ventilator designed to enable seamless care transitions for patients, physicians and homecare (HME) providers. It delivers proven performance in noninvasive (NIV) and invasive (IV) ventilation, and is designed to stay with your patients across changing care environments. The first-of-its-kind ventilator allows physicians, clinicians and care providers to effectively collaborate and coordinate care by storing their patient prescription and therapy information in a single secure location. Trilogy Evo is designed to provide timely (three times a day with manual data push) ventilation data empowering home healthcare providers to deliver high quality of care.

RESPIRATORY – PORTABLE EQUIPMENT

SOCLEAN AIR PURIFIER

SOCLEAN
(603) 371-3120
www.soclean.com

Designed for individual rooms and personal spaces, the SoClean Air Purifier, produces cleanroom-quality air. The SoClean Air Purifier, featuring Celios Advanced Air Purification Technology, eliminates up to 99.99999 percent of airborne viruses, bacteria, and allergens before you breathe them in. And if your pet had an unfortunate mishap or you accidentally burned dinner, just move to the offending spot and the smell is replaced with clean, fresh air.

RETAIL

SOCLEAN DEVICE DISINFECTOR

SOCLEAN
(603) 371-3120
www.soclean.com

The SoClean Device Disinfector kills 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria* on smartphones and other everyday items, in minutes. The unit Users drop their high-touch items into the chamber, close the lid, and let it get to work automatically. The device works on the user’s schedule with five-, 10- and 20-minute cycles. In just a matter of minutes, users’ items are ready for them to handle. The Device Disinfector fits multiple items in the chamber — and its sleek design aims to complement any countertop or dresser. The Device Disinfector has easy-view indicator lights to let users know when their items are fresh and ready to use, and features a USB port for charging their electronic devices before or after use. (*The Device Disinfector is effective at killing 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria on many items at the longest cycle time, according to the company. For more information and a list of examples, visit SoClean.com/device-test.)

SEATING AND POSITIONING (TIE)

FUSION CUSHION WITH CRYO TECHNOLOGY

SUNRISE MEDICAL
(303) 218-4463
www.sunrisemedical.com

The JAY Fusion with CryoFluid addresses all four risk factors associated with pressure injuries: pressure, shear, temperature and moisture — a feat the company says only the CryoFluid can accomplish. The patent pending CryoFluid is made of paraffin wax microbeads combined with graphite that absorbs the user’s heat, cooling the skin surface to a therapeutic temperature to help reduce the risk of pressure injuries. CryoFluid actively cools for up to eight hours, “resets” during off-loading, and the capacity for cooling won’t diminish over time. The CryoFluid insert is divided into five chambers to minimize fluid migration for optimal immersion and weight distribution.

SEATING AND POSITIONING (TIE)

INVACARE MATRX E2 BACK SERIES FROM MOTION CONCEPTS

MOTION CONCEPTS
(905) 695-0138
motionconcepts.com

The NEW Invacare® Matrx® E2™ Back Series has taken back support to a new level! Introducing hardware updates and new accessories for the best fit and easiest set up ever. New leading-edge Ripple foam technology provides temperature control and enhanced immersion for the most comfortable support ever.

• Airflow channels for breathability and temperature control
• Rippled surface provides extra immersion for support and comfort
• Spinal relief area designed for extra immersion and shear reduction
• Channels allow perfect fit of foam to back contour
• E2 series offers E2 Standard (3” Contour) and E2 Deep (6” Contour) Backs
• E2 backs are available in 1” width increments for precise fit to trunk width, 2” height increments for fit to desired level of support, and 2 contour depths for midline support required
• Height and Width Adjustable
• Fits chairs of model width or 1” wider or narrower
• Back height can be adjusted even with user seated in back
• Hardware can be positioned to avoid frame obstacles like arm supports and rigidizer bars
• MiniSet interface standard on back heights up to 16”, EasySet interface standard on 18”/20” back heights
• Width: 14”, 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19” & 20”
• Height: 6”, 8”; 10”, 12”, 14”, 16”, 18” & 20”
• Weight Capacity: 300 lb.

SLEEP – RESUPPLY ITEMS & RELATED SLEEP PRODUCTS

PHILIPS RESPIRONICS MASK SELECTOR FROM PHILIPS

PHILIPS
(724) 387-7500
www.usa.philips.com

Philips Respironics Mask Selector 3D is a 3D scanning software tool that helps providers fit patients with one mask from initial setup. Mask Selector 3D is an automated, personalized solution powered by a proprietary algorithm. It’s built on data from more than 10 years of facial-scanning research, representing a wide range of ethnicities and geographies. Traditional fitting methods, such as manual sizing and measuring, can raise the risk of refits which in turn can threaten patient adherence and the provider’s bottom line. However, because Mask Selector 3D helps you determine the most personalized mask recommendation possible, providers can feel more confident than ever that you’re giving patients a uniquely personalized experience and helping to promote compliance from the start.

When providers can’t meet with patients face-to-face, Philips Respironics Mask Selector 2D is a convenient remote tool that allows you to find them the right mask from afar. Using the camera on a patient’s cell phone, tablet or computer, our proprietary algorithm identifies the 46,200 most critical points, to build the patient’s individual Facial Point Cloud and determine an accurate, precise CPAP mask recommendation. With the help of Mask Selector 2D, providers can give their patients the personalized, comfortable fit they deserve, from the convenience of their own home.

SLEEP – THERAPY SYSTEMS

PHILIPS NIGHTBALANCE

PHILIPS
(724) 387-7500
www.philips.com

Specially designed to treat positional OSA, NightBalance is a clinically proven, mask-free, sleep positional treatment therapy that softly and quietly encourages wearers to move from a supine sleeping position to prevent apneas – without disturbing their natural sleep. The new Philips NightBalance positional OSA technology features wireless connectivity and a mobile app that monitors product use and provides patients and physicians with access to data via a cloud-based system.

WOMEN’S HEALTH PRODUCTS

KATY T (COMPRESSION T SHIRT WITH POCKETS IN CHEST WALL AND UPPER ARM) STYLE 918

WEAR EASE INC.
(208) 424-0512
www.wearease.com

The Katy T (Style 918) is a compression T shirt designed to provide additional compression for relief from axillary swelling. It is constructed of a double layer of fabric for comfortable compression. Pockets are sewn into the chest wall and the inside of the upper arm for placement of chip pads, swell spots or foam. Keep those items in place with a pocket. Great for travel, sleeping and active wear.

This article originally appeared in the Nov/Dec 2020 issue of HME Business.