Archive: July 2017
Quality spurs BOC biz
July 31, 2017Jeff Rowe
OWINGS MILLS, Md.- As payers increasingly focus on the quality and competence of DME suppliers, those suppliers are increasingly recognizing the value of having one or more certified DME specialists (CDME) on staff.
And for that, they are turning to the Board of Certfication/Accreditation (BOC).
That interest in DME certification is one reason why BOC recently moved to an office space nearly 50% larger than its former space, explains Claudia Zacharias, president and CEO of the not-for-profit organization.
But...
USS excels at efficiency
July 31, 2017Jeff Rowe
DAVISON, Mich. - Interoperability is very much a buzzword in health care today, but at Universal Software Solutions (USS), the idea that software systems should be able to “talk to” each other is an idea that dates back to the company's founding in 2000.“Interoperability is how we got our start,” Vice President Dave Golen said, noting that the ability to adapt to any customers existing software system is first among the company's principles.The ultimate goal, Golen explained,...
Go mobile: Switch to mobile like 'night and day'
July 31, 2017Kelly Bothum
A push to break its paperwork logjam and speed up the billing process prompted MedCare Equipment Company to switch to a mobile delivery system just over a year ago.The HME provider partnered with Apacheta, a mobile solutions provider, to cut paperwork, standardize delivery and reduce its days sales outstanding number. Using Apacheta's software, MedCare transitioned to a paperless environment using mobile devices to transmit information between departments and optimize travel time for drivers.In doing...
When in Rome
July 31, 2017Kelly Bothum
ROME, N.Y. - The HME landscape looks plenty different than it did when Martin J. Nunn started Nunn's Hospital Supplies. But 75 years and one name change later, Nunn's Home Medical Equipment and its third-generation owners are still focused on providing the same kind of personalized care to a growing New York region.
Nunn's has expanded beyond its Rome, N.Y., headquarters with two acquisitions in the past 17 months. Last month, the company announced it had acquired Tri-County Home Care's...
24-Hour Care: Assess need-want and environment
July 31, 2017Brad Peterson
A. An important part of 24-hour care is successful implementation, with the goal of improving function, activity, participation and quality of life for the individual.The starting point is a comprehensive assessment of the individual's and the caregiver's needs and lifestyle, specific to their environments. By assessing and understanding the need, it's clear how to implement the provision of equipment, services and care over the 24-hour period.The assessment process will require an all-inclusive...
Efficiencies: Go out and talk to your patients
July 31, 2017Melissa Kozak
A. The best way is to go out and talk to your patients. Find out what their current experience is. It may sound too simple, but it's a critical step rarely taken.As a home infusion nurse, I saw on a daily basis how frustrated patients were with their care. And I was shocked when I learned how much money my bosses wasted delivering experiences that only frustrated their patients. If you are spending money to keep your patients happy, and it mostly makes your patients mad, that money is worse than...
Social Media: Meet them where they are
July 31, 2017Katlyn Bourget
A. Social media influencers, bloggers, online news and podcasts are the new newspapers and magazines. And while these outlets are a bit different from the traditional print publications that used to run the media world, similar tactics are needed to make sure your content has the best chance to be seen.Over the years, we've seen a shift in the industry from PR and social media as separate tactics, to working hand in hand. When thinking about your PR strategy, it's important to include social media...
Don't let desperation lead to miscalculation
July 31, 2017Letter to the Editor
Recently, while talking with a friend/business adviser about expanding my business, we discussed some areas that I had ventured into in the last year. The topic of the conversation revolved around budget allocation for this expansion. I know what you are thinking, “yawn.” During our conversation, he asked me my thoughts on the marketplace in which I was making my move. I knew I could do what needed to be done to make it successful, but as we continued to talk about the costs and steps...
Ostomy lifestyle expert feels 'lucky'
July 31, 2017Kelly Bothum
Laura Cox has served as Shield Healthcare's ostomy living expert for 3½ years. She was hired by the company after CEO Jim Snell saw her speak about her ileostomy on an episode of Tosh.0. She talks about her interest in telling her story to educate and break down the stigma around ostomy. HME News: How does sharing your personal experience help others?Laura Cox: People get an ostomy for all sorts of reasons. Mine was inflammatory bowel disease. When I was doing my own research, there wasn't...
NRTS backs wheelchair users
July 31, 2017Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON - When wheelchair users rolled onto Capitol Hill in June to advocate for a number of issues, they had official support from NRRTS for the first time.
NRRTS was a “Capitol” sponsor for the United Spinal Association-organized Roll on Capitol Hill, a $20,000 commitment.
“As the (manufacturer, provider and user communities) work together more, we saw this as an opportunity to show our cohesiveness,” said Weesie Walker, executive director of NRRTS. “We're...