The 2014 HME Handbook: Support Surfaces
After assessing patient needs and providing a mattress, the support surface provider is involved in that patient’s care until the end, and that requires various elements of follow-through on the provider's part.
Oxygen
Providers using low- and no-delivery oxygen strategies share how an evolving business and care model is achieving success.
- By Joseph Duffy
- May 01, 2014
Business Solutions
The entire landscape of U.S. healthcare is experiencing vast and unprecedented changes, and part of those changes include increased emphasis on outcomes. How will that impact oxygen providers’ referral relationships?
- By Robert Messenger, Joseph Lewarski
- May 01, 2014
2014 Oxygen Market Survey
Respondents to our sixth annual Oxygen Market Survey try to find the bright spots living under Round Two of competitive bidding.
- By Joseph Duffy
- May 01, 2014
Business Solutions
Offering home access for mobility patients entails a set of needs providers must support that are unique compared to other patient groups. What do HME business owners need to know when considering moving into these services?
- By David Kopf
- May 01, 2014
Product & Technology
As providers diversify their revenue sources, private payor insurance is becoming increasingly important. To that end, they must put in place the processes and systems that will help smooth the process. How can billing software help?
- By David Kopf
- May 01, 2014
Products & Technology
Inventory typically represents the top overhead item for providers. In a cost-conscious reimbursement environment, HME providers have needed to develop smart inventory management and purchasing strategies to cope. HMEB looks at some of the techniques and tools they are using to contend with a constantly changing environment.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 01, 2014
Business Solutions
CMS's audit onslaught has been a trial and tribulation for the HME industry, but matters took a turn for the terrifying when the agency announced that it would delay assigning Administrative Law Judges to audit appeals by two years. Now the industry has redoubled its efforts to bring an out-of-control situation back under control.
- By David Kopf
- Apr 01, 2014
Competitive Bidding Round Two
O2 Providers share their initial experiences with competitive bidding Round Two and how it’s forced them to find ways to keep their businesses thriving.
- By Joseph Duffy
- Mar 01, 2014
Respiratory Survey 2014
Competitive bidding continues to shape the industry and drive opinion in RSM's Fifth Annual Respiratory and Sleep Survey
- By Joseph Duffy
- Mar 01, 2014
Business Solutions
Between competitive bidding, audits and other upheavals, CMS has all but blown up HME's Medicare model. Now, providers and industry leaders are striving to build new business strategies.
- By Joseph Duffy
- Mar 01, 2014
Products & Technology
The web is playing an increasingly important role in how providers communicate with patients, market their businesses, and even conduct transactions. How can providers better wield their web sites, and how will the role of providers' online presences evolve and help shape the future of HME.
- By David Kopf
- Feb 01, 2014
Business Solutions
As more and more providers move into cash sales, and learn the fundamentals, such as merchandising, sales training and marketing, we look to some retail veterans to learn some of the advanced lessons they've picked up on the pathway toward cash sales enlightenment. Their answers help set the stage for the next steps in the HME industry's retail revolution.
- By David Kopf
- Feb 01, 2014
2014 Preview
The seventh installment of our annual forecast of key trends, obstacles and opportunities facing the HME provider industry shows that the coming year is one fi lled with challenges, but also chances for providers to reinvigorate their revenues. We examine what’s in store for the next 12 months and how providers should prepare.
- By David Kopf
- Jan 01, 2014
Business Solutions
The rollout of CMS's face-to-face requirement has been a non-stop series of delayed dates and constant confusion over what those dates actually mean. Now providers are not only wondering how they can convince legions of referral partners to comply, but what exactly is required and when. We talk to the experts to shed some light on the situation.
- By David Kopf
- Jan 01, 2014
Oxygen Outlook
The oxygen industry may be stable, but competitive bidding and audits will endure through 2014, hampering oxygen providers’ ability to increase cash flow. The time to change is now. Industry experts offer tips to help respiratory providers find success in the new oxygen landscape.
- By Joseph Duffy
- Dec 05, 2013
Business Solutions
Various providers are trying to fi nd ways to expand their offerings in order to compensate for revenues cut short by Round Two of competitive bidding. Wound care is coming to the surface as a key way to accomplish that; it reaches patient groups and referral partners providers already serve, and complements many of their existing offerings. What's needed to branch out into this market?
- By David Kopf
- Dec 01, 2013
Products & Technology
Software continues to be a strategic asset for providers, especially now that they seek to transform their businesses. Our annual software roundup examines how software can function as an agent of change for HME business strategy and operations.
- By David Kopf
- Nov 01, 2013
Business Solutions: Power Mobility Outlook
Audits and competitive bidding continue to strangle the industry while PAD and pending legislation promise some relief. How will providers build their future? Various industry experts share their perspectives on what the future might hold for the power mobility industry.
- By Joseph Duffy
- Nov 01, 2013
Business Solutions
In terms of referral sources, skills and business assets, as well as reimbursement rates, orthotics and prosthetics has represented an alluring business opportunity for providers. But is its attractive funding situation changing?
- By David Kopf
- Oct 01, 2013