Updated cost study addresses pressure sores, incontinence, diabetes 

WATERLOO, Iowa – For every $1 CMS invests in DME and supplies to prevent pressure sores, it will see a return of $38.54 in reduced or avoided treatment costs, according to an updated study from VGM Government Relations and Leitten Consulting. 

DME and supplies to prevent pressure sores was one of three new categories included in the study. The others: catheters and related urological supplies, and diabetic test strips and monitors. 

“As CMS forced prices down and treatment costs continued to rise, the power of a dollar spent on preventive DME became ever more powerful,” stated Brian Leitten, head of Leitten Consulting. “CMS continues to spend its budget dollars on treating the very illnesses and injuries that could be avoided if they would just invest in providing the right DME to beneficiaries before they need it.” 

Other conclusions of the study: 

• Diabetic test strips – “The true value of this DME product category is that it gives more flexibility to beneficiaries in maintaining healthier lifestyles through data. The periodic knowledge of one’s blood glucose level allows beneficiaries to adjust their dietary intake, physical activity and medication protocols and reduce their need for medical treatment and the cost of that treatment.” 
• Catheters – “Whenever possible, intermittent catheterization provides a better quality of life and better outcomes (less UTIs). It is crystal clear that the DME saves ER visits, acute care stays and physician and urgent care visits, and reduces mortality.” 

Click here to read the full study. 

Click here to read previous studies on DME and mobility equipment (reduce falls), oxygen therapy (counter symptoms of COPD) and CPAP therapy (treat OSA).