Business Solutions
As a variety of reimbursement cuts drive down provider revenues to the point that turning a profi t practically becomes untenable, they need new revenue sources. Fortunately, retail sales offer them a way to revitalize their bottom line. The only hitch is that providers face a steep learning curve they must surmount in short order — especially with Round Two of competitive bidding looming. How can they prepare their businesses for this new challenge?
- By David Kopf
- Dec 01, 2011
Product & Technology
Many providers are ready and willing to dive into retail sales, but they need an entry point. We review some key product categories that offer providers easy entry points into cash sales. We review not only categories that offer the simplest and quickest avenues into retail, but also categories that offer a growth track toward more lucrative offerings as they gain experience and expertise.
- By David Kopf
- Dec 01, 2011
Products & Technology Annual Software Roundup
HME software is becoming a strategic necessity for survival and success in this industry, especially when it comes to the run-up to Round Two of competitive bidding. Round Two’s sheer size makes it an unknown challenge. We look at features from today’s software offerings to see how they can help providers prepare now for a still-unfolding tomorrow .
- By David Kopf
- Nov 01, 2011
Business Solutions
Providers are facing tough management challenges these days: not only do they have to lay off valued team members in the face of reimbursement cuts, but they must do so without crushing staff morale. Moreover, they must also learn how to inspire and motivate remaining employees to take on new responsibilities. What are the solutions?
- By Joseph Duffy
- Nov 01, 2011
Business Solutions
The industry finds itself at a crossroads when it comes to the fight against competitive bidding. The toxic program clearly needs to be repealed, but the current political environment might not be hospitable to that proposal. Can the industry live with a middle ground solution?
- By David Kopf
- Oct 01, 2011
Respiratory and Sleep Funding Outlook
If Round Two wasn’t on respiratory providers’ radar, it probably is now, making it a good time to look at the recent past to peer into the near future.
- By Joseph Duffy
- Oct 01, 2011
Disease Management
To HME providers and the industry as a whole, disease management has become a casualty of cuts, caps and competitive bidding.
- By Joseph Duffy
- Oct 01, 2011
Products & Technology
As providers strive to find new efficiencies and cut costs in a downward trending funding environment, software has come to the fore as a key tool to accomplish those goals — so much so that it is often reshaping entire HME business processes. We look at software’s impact on HME workflow and explore the workfl ow features available from various software offerings on the market.
- By David Kopf
- Sep 01, 2011
HME software offerings improve HME providers’ workflow to create more efficient and more cost-effective business processes.
- By David Kopf
- Sep 01, 2011
Medtrade Fall 2011 is right around the corner, bringing a jam-packed conference schedule and new special exhibits to Atlanta.
- By David Kopf
- Sep 01, 2011
Business Solutions
Many HME providers have included private payor funding as an essential part of their business, and many more providers have been turning to the private insurance market in recent years as Medicare funding has been repeatedly cut. However consolidation and single-provider deals are making the private payor market increasingly difficult. How are HME businesses coping?
- By David Kopf
- Sep 01, 2011
Business Solutions
The value proposition of member service organizations and buying groups is clear: leverage group purchasing power, as well as additional education and other services aimed at helping member companies grow. We take a look at three key MSOs in the industry to review the sorts of services they offer to HME providers.
- By Joseph Duffy
- Aug 01, 2011
Business Solutions
They say that change can be good, but not when it comes to the oxygen services market. Years of major upheavals stacked on top of each other have added up to a heavy burden indeed for respiratory providers. Yet, somehow they have managed to survive and reinvent themselves. Can they do the same in Rounds One and Two of competitive bidding?
- By David Kopf
- Aug 01, 2011
HMEs must find ways that they can increase efficiency for their delivery operations. Fortunately, there are a couple key technologicalsolutions at hand that can help them.
- By David Kopf
- Jul 01, 2011
As the needs for home access increase, savvy providers need ways to tap into this burgeoning segment.
- By Joseph Duffy
- Jul 01, 2011
Dedicated software systems help provider become masters of efficient billing and claims processing.
- By David Kopf
- Jul 01, 2011
Patients are providers' best political ally. Here are some ways to mobilize them.
- By David Kopf
- Jul 01, 2011
Pre- and post-payment audits are plaguing providers, and there are some key things they can do to shield themselves.
- By David Kopf
- Jul 01, 2011
For patients that spend their days in mobility devices, they must have the right cushion.
- By Joseph Duffy
- Jul 01, 2011
CPM machines are considered advantageous for post-surgical treatment. How can providers help ensure the best results.
- By Joseph Duffy
- Jul 01, 2011