July 2010
HME Handbook 2010
Feature
Diabetic Supplies:
By David Kopf
Even when kids develop the sorts of self-discipline and good habits that will help them manage their diabetes and comply with their treatment programs, there is another distraction that trumps all others: the need to fit in. How can providers help?
Software:
By David Kopf
To control inventory, a provider must strike balance between ensuring that money is not being tied up in DME that is not moving, versus ensuring that the right types and amounts of in-demand DME stay on the shelves. Fortunately, HME software and related technologies can help can help accomplish that balancing ac
POCs:
By Joseph Duffy
POCs provide HMEs with a tremendous opportunity to offer travel expertise to patients, both capturing a niche market and becoming an even more trusted advisor. By helping patients travel and enjoy life, providers gain a top-selling point to sway oxygen patients to POCs while winning patients for life.
Bariatrics:
By Joseph Duffy
The main differences between beds for bariatric patients and non-bariatric patients are the bed’s size and weight capacity. Picking the proper bed for a bariatric patient can be a lengthy undertaking since there are many areas to consider.
Compression:
By David Kopf
The number of potential compression clients is substantial. So how do providers crack into this important service opportunity?
MSOs:
By David Kopf
One key benefit that MSOs offer beyond the advantages of participating in a buying group or having access to educational opportunities is the ability to network with other HME providers and share best practices.
Accreditation:
By David Kopf
While the accreditation scramble of summer 2009 is ancient history at this point, there are many providers still seeking to reapply for CMS accreditation. Why is that, and how do providers approach reapplying for accreditation?
Cash Sales:
By David Kopf
While many providers might operate a cash sales business, they might need to ramp up their retail operations in order to ensure it is a dependable cash-flow contributor. Here are some solid ways to help build momentum in your retail sales.
Compression:
By Joseph Duffy
Compression treatments are used to provide long-term maintenance for a wide variety of people, from homecare patients to everyday people, but lymphedema patients differ from other compression garment wearers in key ways.
Mattresses:
By Joseph Duffy
The type of sleeping surface people use can affect every aspect of their life, including rest, pain and skin integrity.When addressing patients who are on a bed even longer, the effect of sleep surfaces on overall health and wellbeing becomes even more profound.
CPM Machines:
By David Kopf
The funding for CPMs is still very respectable, and there are still ways to build thriving CPM businesses. The key to succeeding in providing CPMs comes down to building relationships with the right referral partners
Oxygen:
By David Kopf
While free lunch is nice, referral partners are really looking for answers. By offering insights and information that referral partner staff might not have, as well as through answering questions, a provider can make significant gains in creating and growing referral partner relationships.
GPS:
By David Kopf
A key tool in that regard is global positioning technology. With GPS, providers can manage their deliveries and drivers using a system that lets them monitor each truck in real-time, which results in improved operations and reduced overhead.
Pressure Sores:
By Joseph Duffy
When it comes to the elderly, pressure sores become more prominent. Here is what you need to know about assessing and preventing pressure sores for geriatric patients.
Software:
And a key cost center within providers’ operations is deliveries. Fortunately, HME software systems and related technology can help in many ways to help increase delivery efficiencies and drive down costs.
Home Access:
Two key pieces of home access equipment that make that possible are vertical platform lifts (VPLs) and modular access ramps. However, deciding which access method, lift or ramp, best suits the patient’s need depends on a variety of criteria.
Government Affairs:
By David Kopf
Providers have a largely untapped source of help when it comes to their industry advocacy efforts. While it is one thing for a provider to meet with a lawmaker, homecare patients can leave a lasting impact on lawmakers because their stories are so personal.
Accreditation:
By David Kopf
What if a HME provider starts a new line of business, or acquires a new line of business after already being accredited? Does the provider need to apply for accreditation for that new business?
Column
Editor's Note
By David Kopf
The Hands-Free HME initiative’s goal is twofold: help HME providers, manufacturers and related service suppliers increase road safety, and also raise the homecare industry’s profile through promoting safe driving.
Observation Deck
By David Krause
CMS’s unreasonable requests on providers will put the claims process in traction.