Turning Leaf turns to medical supply markets

LEBANON, Ore. - When provider Anne Turner added diabetes supplies to her product mix this summer she found a ready pool of customers: her CPAP patients.

"With awareness and the growth of obesity, diabetes and (sleep apnea), we feel we can touch more of the patient population by incorporating the two," said Turner, president of A Turning Leaf.

A Turning Leaf celebrated its one-year-anniversary in September. The company has seven employees and Turner's husband has been able to join as a full time employee.

The provider hired a diabetes coordinator to handle billing and educate patients. Some print and radio advertising, as well as word of mouth, has gotten the news out, said Turner.

"When I see a CPAP patient, I let them know we do diabetes supplies too," said Turner. "Right now, we are getting two or three new patients a day."

A Turning Leaf offers a full line of durable medical and mobility equipment through its two locations here and in Salem. Patients like the one-stop approach, said Turner, who also added incontinence supplies, something she never thought she'd do.

"We didn't push for the incontinence, but so many patients are requesting it," she said. "I know there isn't big reimbursement but it puts us into some of the extended care centers and while we are doing that we can educate on sleep apnea as well."

Despite the tough economy, Turner said they are doing more home visits and customer outreach. Looking back on her first, year, she has no regrets about getting into the business.

"We are having a lot of fun, and I enjoy what I do," said Turner. "Things are good here on the West Coast."