At Home with Dealers

• By J. Daniel Hull, Jay Williams
• Jun 01, 2005

Company Name: Med Resources Retail

Location/Contact Info: Text No Indent: 1688 Clarkson Road Text No Indent: Chesterfield, MO 63017 Text No Indent:Ph:(636) 530-4500

Established:In 1995 and are proudly celebrating our 10th year in business.

Types of products sold:We are a full line DME / Respiratory company with a retail outlet. Our retail location expands on our mobility and supply side offering.

Size of Company:35 staff members.

Home Health Products spoke with the company's Executive Director, Jeff Braun.

Q:What sets your store apart?

A:We have always been proud of our service record. At our retail outlet, we are staffed 100 percent by clinicians. We employ professionals in the fields of nursing and respiratory therapy as well as physical and occupational therapy. We also are the only DME/respiratory provider in the area to have a BOC Certified Orthotist as an employee. This strong clinical component has given us the advantage of providing the right product for the clients' needs. With such a diverse group of clinicians we can consult internally on a clients needs and provide them with the proper solution, as opposed to just selling a product.

Q:What is unusual/unique about the store?

A:The first thing you will notice when you walk into Med Resources is that it is alive; we really wanted to create a great experience for everyone who comes to visit. We have included many client-friendly features such as a viewing lounge and education center, a mobility center that features an obstacle course and a full-service orthotics lab on site. Our viewing center has been made available to many local clinicians who can hold community activities at our site to teach clients about better care for diabetes, sleep apnea and many other conditions.

Q:What is something you have learned from your experience in the HME industry?

A:Take great care of your clients and everything else will fall into place. We have been blessed with a great staff that really enjoys working in this field. That has made all other things possible.

Q:Do you think the HME industry is changing?

A:The HME industry is constantly changing. There are many regulatory issues facing providers that will present challenges. We will have to wait and see how some of the proposals such as NCB and mandatory accreditation play out. One thing is for sure: If you are not running efficiently and taking great care of your clients the road ahead will be bumpy.

Fun Fact:We include a small obstacle in our store and this course allows clients to see if they can safely drive their scooter or power chair through an environment that would resemble a real world setting. The store was really designed around meeting the needs of the clients, not about maximizing floor space for display.

This article originally appeared in the June 2005 issue of HME Business.