Archive for the ‘Articles by Michael Harris’ Category
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
If you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from disc-related back pain it is important for you to understand the difference between the three major types of disc dysfunction and how to treat them.
A disc can suffer damage from an isolated incident such as a fall or a car accident, or it can gradually weaken with age. Either way, the result is most likely severe pain.
This is because discs are in such close proximity to a slew of delicate nerves. One slip, bulge, break or squeeze from the adjacent disc and you can experience pain that will stop you in your tracks, most likely in the form of sciatica pain (the nerve that goes through your buttocks and down your legs).
Here’s a summary of everything you ever needed to know about your discs but never knew you needed to ask:
- A healthy disc has a fibrous outer shell with a jelly-like, squishy substance in the middle called the nucleus. It is that center substance that gives the disc its shock absorbing traits and keeps the vertebrae from rubbing against each other.
- A bulging disc is when, most likely through an injury, the disc is over compacted (squished) between the two vertebrae it protects, forcing the nucleus to push against the fibrous shell with such force that it actually bulges the wall of the shell.
- A herniated disc is when the nucleus actually penetrates the fibrous wall spilling out into the inter-vertebra cavity. This is also called a ruptured disc.
- Disc degeneration is not necessarily caused by injury although an earlier injury may be the partial cause. Degeneration is a much slower onset and is due to age, poor health and poor posture. All these combined gradually wear the disc down. The disc loses its height and elasticity. As it loses height it begins to allow the vertebra to touch and rub. This in itself can be painful and will likely result in osteophyte formations (bone spurs on the outer rim of the vertebrae). Signs of early disc degeneration are referred to as disc thinning.
No matter your disc ailment, believe it or not there is something you can do. Discs can heal if given the opportunity. That opportunity is in the form of added space. All of the above ailments are caused by either a onetime violent squeeze on the disc or a life time of squeezing from gravitational effects. Either way the disc’s natural residing area was compromised forcing it to flatten. With no room to spare in the inter-vertebral disc space, the disc, or parts of it, is forced out. Or in the case of degeneration, cell by cell, over time the disc dissipates.
Give the disc back its original space and the disc will reassume its original shape…and heal! Well, most likely. Extremity of the injury or the advancement of the degeneration may be deterring factors…as will age and patient’s overall health.
How do you give a disc more space? Depends on who you ask. A spinal surgeon is likely to tell you it can be done through surgery (by cutting off the herniation or carving into the vertebra to create more room) or not at all (in which case they may recommend a spinal fusion of the two vertebrae in question thus totally eliminating the need for the disc).
A chiropractor will tell you otherwise—particularly a chiro who specializes in decompression therapy. Modern decompression therapy involves computer guided micro adjustments that can target the specific disc in question. The adjustments expand or stretch the two vertebrae thus creating more inter-vertebral disc space. The result is the disc distracts back into its place and begins the healing process. Full distraction is accomplished over the course of 15 to 30 sessions. These sessions may be augmented with a decompression brace.
Of course, it should go without saying that exercise and good health can make a huge difference in both preventing disc problems in the first place, and in helping them heal. This is especially true with degenerative disc disease. If your core muscles, (the ones responsible for lower spine support) are kept strong, natural weight-bearing forces are kept off the discs to begin with thereby sparing your discs the wear and tear that promotes degeneration.
Tags: back injuries, back surgery, healing, herniated disc, Lower Back Pain, pain, spinal decompression, spine
Posted in Articles by Michael Harris | 17 Comments »
Monday, August 16th, 2010
If you have prolonged moderate to severe back pain, chances are at some point a doctor is going to suggest back surgery. Most likely this suggestion will come after pain med prescriptions and epidural blocks have lost their efficiency and you are at your rope’s end.
There are many things you can do to help your back heal and avoid going under the knife. Of course everyone is different and each cause of back pain is unique, so unfortunately a “one cure fits all” remedy is simply not available.
Let’s get going. First and foremost is diet and exercise. Yeah yeah I am sure you are as sick as the rest of us of hearing you’ve got to work out and eat right. But maybe you are hearing it so much because it is actually important? Just a thought.
The preventative effects exercise alone can have on your back and its overall health are significant. Ever heard of exercises that strengthen your core? They are not referring to your spirit or soul. They are referring to that group of muscles located in and around your midsection (your waist and lower back). They are called obliques, abdominals, flexors, extensors and glutes. Keep these babies toned and loose and you will not only avoid a plethora of potential back problems later in life, but you will find your posture is one even 18th century Aristocrats would be proud of.
Keeping these muscles strong keeps weight bearing forces off the spine…which can prevent such nasties as bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and facet joint deterioration. All of which equal pain with a capital “P.” Regarding diet, answer this question: What is most likely to wear down your spine—80 or more lbs of beer belly fat (men) or no extra weight at all? Does the answer really need to be stated?
What does need stating is the effect smoking can have on the back. As if you needed one more reason to not smoke, the arteries which carry precious nutrient-rich blood to your back—including to all the delicate tissue around your spin and the discs and muscles that cushion and support it—tend to harden and restrict with age. Smoking speeds up this process possibly making it so you have an 80-year old back when you are only 60 or 65. Lack of nutrients to your back is an open door invitation for degenerative diseases such as arthritis to take hold.
But let’s say you’ve already spent most your life neglecting your core muscles coupled with a wicked mixture of bad eating habits. Now you have constant moderate to severe back pain. Is it too late? Is your back destined to be sliced and diced? No, not necessarily.
Again, this has to be said with caution because sometimes surgery may indeed be necessary. But we’ll assume you are one of the many lucky ones who can find relief without a surgical knife. How do you know if you are one of the lucky ones? One of the following tactics will work.
To begin with, start exercising your core muscles! Trouble is by now you may be in so much pain that you can’t actually exercise. Now what?
Work with a physical therapist. Start slow, with stretches and mild moves. Believe it or not, little by little your muscles will strengthen. However, that might not be enough. You may have damage that needs repaired in addition to strengthening your core. Fortunately the body is its own best healer! A chiropractor, especially one that specializes in spinal decompression, may be exactly what you need. Today’s decompression tables are guided by super smart computers that control the force and angle of the pull on the spine thus tricking the body’s natural tendency to resist. The result is extra room between the vertebrae into which bulging or herniated discs can distract and heal.
Lastly, use a decompression spinal brace for your toughest times. Such a brace can give your back the break (no pun intended) it needs just long enough to get you to your next round of core-strengthening exercises.
Tags: back brace, back pain, back surgery, Lower Back Pain, pain, spinal brace, spinal decompression, sr 500
Posted in Articles by Michael Harris | 5 Comments »
Friday, August 6th, 2010
It’s 2010 and the world is out to get you. At least that is the way it seems. With a sluggish economy, health care reform, competitive bidding and the looming threat of alien invasion, you may just be at your wit’s end.
Ok, maybe the alien invasion part isn’t a real threat, but you get my point. It is tougher than ever these days to survive as a credible durable medical equipment (DME) provider. So what’s a DME professional to do? Take two aspirin and burry your head in the sand?
As with all challenges and crossroads in life, there is an opportunity to focus either on the bad or the good. Is the cup half empty or half full? Do you see only the dirt on the ground or do you gaze upon the stars in the sky?
I’ll spare you the cheesy, motivational discourse here. Suffice it to say the future is in your hands. It is up to you whether to let the current challenges ruin you or make you stronger.
One of the best things you can do is broaden your business paradigm. What new paths can you take to become more profitable? What other products can you add to your repertoire? How can you do what you are already doing more efficiently?
For example, if your DME sales model is centered on supplying and servicing oxygen, perhaps it is time to diversify. Spend some time searching for other durable medical equipment you can sell. Maybe it is wheel chairs, maybe bracing, maybe beds, commodes or electrical therapy units. Only you will know what product or service is right for you. But keep in mind that while some products seem to be the target of Medicare cutbacks, others are seemingly under the radar. Such is the case with qualifying back braces.
The answer to survival may not be just in adding more products. Take a look at your company’s practices. Look for ways to save on expenses. Bringing your cost of sales down is equal to making more money on each product: You get to keep more of what you make!
For example, you may be able to cut some of your travel expenses by requiring your salesmen to make better use of the phone. And when on the road maybe they don’t have to stay in the Hilton. Perhaps the Hampton will do just fine.
Also take this opportunity to shop your wholesale suppliers for a better price. In a tough economy you are likely to find product similar to what you already carry but at a lower price. Don’t be too hasty in switching suppliers though. Do your homework to make sure they are credible and won’t leave you hanging without product when you need it most.
Lastly, go through your profit and loss statements. Look at each expenditure and identify ones that can be cut by 5 percent or more. Small cuts can add up to big savings and a healthier bottom line.
Tags: DME, DMEPOS, economy, health care, HME, profit, sales
Posted in Articles by Michael Harris | 1 Comment »
Friday, July 30th, 2010
No one disagrees that the evolution of modern medicine has been a miracle. From the discovery of Penicillin in the 1920’s to the development of the artificial heart; the advances and innovations that have come within the last century are stunning.
The resulting industry found within modern medicine is large and powerful with more than a quarter million physicians and over 5,000 hospitals in the U.S. alone. World-wide total health care expenditures top $4.5 trillion, $550 billion of that in prescription drugs.
Yet there are many who feel the “system” is broken—that it is focused more on profits than the patient. This thought is exacerbated by mainstream medicine’s resistance to new approaches such as preventative medicine, chiropractic practices and holistic and energetic healing techniques—despite some very convincing data and success stories. The resulting banter between the two thoughts can leave the consumer frustrated and confused, wondering which philosophy to subscribe to.
How about subscribing to both? Why does it have to be one or the other? It doesn’t. But since those in traditional and alternative medicines don’t live under one happy roof, it is unfortunately left to the consumer to navigate his way through the maze that is to become their road to recovery.
Amongst all the chatter, there are a few things you can believe, and a few you can’t. Here is your quick guide:
Believe—that Chiropractic is a legitimate way to help your body heal and prevent pain. Chiropractics have been around for three decades and has gained acceptance even within the “traditional” medical community.
Believe—that a healthy diet and regular exercise will keep you healthy and out of the hospital.
Believe—that bacterial infections need to be treated with antibiotics. There is no “alternative” equivalent. Yes, your body’s immune system may be able to trump the infection on its own, but the risk is so not worth it.
Believe—that sometimes surgery is necessary, sometimes it is not. Unfortunately some doctors jump to the surgery conclusion too quickly either out of frustration, lack of understanding or—God forbid—because it makes them the most money. So it is up to you to understand what it is your doctor wants to do and why, and what the desired outcome is. Then do your own research to see if there are alternatives to reach the same outcome.
A good example of an alternative to surgery can be found with those who suffer from back pain, particularly pain associated from a ruptured or bulging disc. Western medicine’s approach is to surgically remove the herniated disc matter. The alternative approach is spinal decompression using a decompression table at a qualified chiropractor’s office. Decompression has saved thousands of patients from back surgery.
Don’t Believe—that just because something did or did not work for someone else, that it will or will not work for you. Everyone is different. Individual results will vary.
Don’t Believe—that all drugs are bad. Some drugs may be necessary. But of course when it comes to prescription drugs, less is more. Don’t blindly accept every prescription offered to you. Also, don’t blindly refuse to take them either. Do your research.
Don’t Believe—all vitamins, minerals and supplements are good. This is an unregulated area of the FDA. As a result there are some false claims and overstatements of benefits. Generally though, subscribing to a diet full of vitamins and minerals won’t hurt anything…other than maybe your wallet.
Don’t Believe—that just because your doctor doesn’t bring up or endorse a certain alternative practice that it is not a good one. Remember, doctors have gone to 12 years of higher education to learn a certain world view on medicine. They are not likely to step out of that box. Alternative medicine is gaining popularity for a reason—it can work. You don’t have to look very hard to find plenty of success stories from folks who “cured themselves” through alternative means.
Tags: alternative medicine, chiropractics, decompression, diet, health, Lower Back Pain, pain, surgery, vitamins
Posted in Articles by Michael Harris | 18 Comments »
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
Check out this new slide presentation called
I put together. It’s informative and entertaining. I call it “infotaining!”
Tags: back surgery, decompression table, discs, distraction, healing, herniated disc, Lower Back Pain, spinal brace, spinal decompression, spine
Posted in Articles by Michael Harris | No Comments »
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Sprained ankles are common, but what about a sprained back? Is it possible? Yes it is. Use this quick question and answer article below to learn what a sprained back is and how it can be healed.
Q: What is a sprain anyway?
A: A sprain is a microscopic tear of ligaments, tendons or muscles.
Q: How do I know if I have a sprained back muscle?
A: You will feel pain. But making sure the pain you feel is from a sprain and not a damaged disc or other problem is critical. Generally you will have stiffness, pain that may radiate into the buttocks but does not go into the legs, pain that persists more than two weeks and muscle spasms.
Q: Will my sprained back heal?
A: Yes. Statistics show that well over 90 percent of all sprained back sufferers experience a full recovery.
Q: How long will it take my sprained back to heal?
A: This depends on severity of the sprain, your age and health, and on how well you are able to put yourself into healing-conducive situations. But a sprain can take up to a year to heal. Don’t worry though; it is most likely that you will be able to lead a normal active life after the initial healing period.
Q: Initial healing period? What’s that?
A: There are four stages of healing after a sprain.
Stage 1 is referred to the Active Swelling stage and occurs during the initial 12-72 hours after the injury.
Stage 2 is called the Passive Congestion stage and begins by day 2 or 3. This is the stage where most of the swelling occurs.
Stage 3 is the Tissue Repair stage. It begins by day 4 or 5. During this stage the body infiltrates the damaged area with scar tissue which is laid down in criss-cross matrix of fibers and is not conducive to normal function.
Stage 4 is the remodeling stage. It starts about six weeks after the Tissue Repair stage begins. In this stage, scar tissue fibers are realigned to a parallel orientation. It generally lasts 3-6 months but can last up to a year. It is during this stage that you can return to an increasingly normal routine.
Q: Is there anything I can do to speed my recovery?
A: Yes there is. During stage 1 stay down and keep movement to an extreme minimum. During stage 2, as pain levels allow, start to become somewhat mobile. But don’t push it. During stage 3 increase movement and functionality. You should be able to begin to cautiously return to some normal function albeit slower, and guarded. Avoid lifting or any sudden movement. Then, during stage 4, under your doctor’s or physical therapist’s guidance, you can engage in stretches and exercise to aid the body in realigning the scar tissue.
In the initial stages anti inflammatory drugs will greatly aid in the reduction of swelling which will allow for quicker healing. Electro therapy devices are also highly recommended. There is a great article I wrote on the various devices called TENS, EMS, IF, HVPC! Oh My! The DME Providers’ Ultimate Guide. http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=2965593 It was written for those who sell this equipment, but any reader will find it quite informative.
Q: Should I wear a back brace? If so, when and for how long?
A: A back brace, (a.k.a. a spinal brace) can be very helpful in immobilizing your sprained muscles while allowing you to remain active. In the initial stages, a restrictive or “cinch-tight” brace is ideal. However, especially as you enter the remodeling stage, a flexible brace such as Spinal Rehab Solutions’ SR 500 brace is a better choice. I mention the product by name because while restrictive braces are common and can be found almost everywhere, the newness of the flexible brace makes them harder to locate.
In general, braces should be worn no more than 4 hours a day to avoid muscle atrophy, and they can be worn at your most challenging times whether that be while lying, sitting or standing.
Tags: back brace, back injuries, back sprain, Lower Back Pain, spinal brace
Posted in Articles by Michael Harris | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
So what is spinal decompression and what does it mean to you as a durable medical equipment supplier?
That’s an excellent question. Wikipedia defines spinal decompression as “the relief of pressure on one or many pinched nerves (neural impingement) of the spinal column.”
There are two ways to treat neural impingement, surgically and non-surgically. Surgically there are two common procedures called microdidectomy and laminctomy (also known as open decompression). During microdisectomy the herniated portion of a disc is removed by surgical knife or laser under the guide of a microscope. Laminctomy is more invasive and involves the removal of a small portion of the arch of the vertebrae.
For most back pain sufferers, a non surgical approach is by all means the preferred treatment choice.
One of the most effective non surgical solutions to evolve in the last decade is computerized mechanical decompression, usually found at a chiropractor’s office. Computerized mechanical decompression is similar to more traditional decompression tables, only the decompression is applied through an on-board computer that controls the force and angle of disc distraction, which reduces the body’s natural propensity to resist external force and/or generate muscle spasm.
As a compliment to this treatment, or even in lieu of the treatment, a chiropractor or physician may prescribe the use of a unique spinal brace designed to mimic and/or continue the decompression effect achieved during spinal decompression therapy. This type of brace is called a spinal decompression brace, and selling these braces is where profits for durable medical equipment providers can really come in.
If you have been in the durable medical equipment industry for a while you undoubtedly know about the hundreds of back or spinal braces on the market. But which of those braces provide spinal decompression?
The answer is tricky because, as an unintended but positive side affect, almost all braces may provide some decompression. But when it comes to traditional spinal bracing, decompression is not a primary intention. Traditional braces work by cinching tight in order to prevent movement in the affected area. Their main purpose is immobilization. However, as the intestinal cavity is compressed and the internal organs are forced upward thereby pushing on the upper torso, some minimal lumbar decompression may result. According to proponents of traditional bracing, this “compression” of the intestinal cavity provides sufficient decompression of spine.
There is another option however. A new brace on the market designed specifically to create decompression is rapidly gaining acceptance and popularity. It works by expanding vertically after it is on the patient. It has internal vertical air cell chambers that the user inflates via a hand air pump. As it inflates the brace grows vertically as opposed to constricting inward. It lodges up under the rib cage pushing upwards and down against the pelvic girdle pushing downwards. The resulting “stretch” provides spinal decompression and creates an environment where herniated or bulging discs can distract into the inter-vertebra cavity.
The centers of the discs consist of a jelly-like substance encased in a tough, fibrous outer skin shell. A herniated disc is one where the jelly like substance has erupted through the fibrous skin due to trauma or degenerative disc disease. In most cases this eruption can push on or pinch a nerve in the spinal column and cause severe pain. When proper spinal decompression is achieved and the weight bearing forces are removed from the lumbar area a distractive force is created and the jelly like material of the disc retracts back into its natural shape and position within the vertebrae, reabsorbs the disc fluid it lost when it was compressed, and with time it has the ability to completely heal itself.
A proper understanding of spinal decompression and the remedies available, particularly how spinal bracing comes into play, can mean big profits to you as a durable medical equipment provider.
Tags: back brace, DME, Durable Medical Equipment, herniated disc, HME, Lower Back Pain, spinal decompression, spine
Posted in Articles by Michael Harris | 23 Comments »
Friday, June 4th, 2010
As a durable medical equipment (DME) provider you no doubt already know about the therapeutic benefits and the market demands for electrical therapy devices. You may even be aware of the various devices on the market and what purpose each serves. But do you know how each device works and why?
Understanding the science behind the specific functions of each type of electro therapy device will help you to choose the best solution for your patients, which will improve the end user’s experience, which will in turn lead to customer satisfaction, referrals and more sales.
So here we go, one by one:
TENS
T.E.N.S. is an abbreviation for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Transcutaneous (trans-kyoo-tey-nee-uhs) means “through, or by way of the skin.” TENS sends electrical impulses via electrodes or conductive garments to occupy the nerve pathways with a more comfortable sensation which overrides the pain. More specifically, according to Wikipedia, the high and low frequencies of TENS activate receptors in the spinal cord and the medulla. Further, high frequency TENS reduces excitation of central neurons that transmit nociceptive (pain) information, reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters and increases the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters (GABA) in the spinal cord, and activates the main “end” receptors centrally resulting in the blockage of pain. Low frequency TENS also releases serotonin and activates serotonin receptors in the spinal cord, releases GABA, and activates the main end receptors to reduce excitability of nociceptive neurons in the spinal cord.
EMS
E.M.S. is an abbreviation for Electrical Muscle Stimulation. Whereas TENS targets the nerves and is primarily for pain relief, EMS is more for aid in healing via direct muscle stimulation. It sends electric impulses to elicit muscle contraction and relaxation by mimicking signals normally coming from the central nervous system. Studies have shown EMS to be beneficial for the prevention of muscle edema and atrophy by increasing blood circulation. Positive results have also been shown for the adaptation (training) of skeletal muscle fibers, help in relaxing muscle spasms, maintaining or increasing range of motion or joint mobility, prevention of venous thrombosis (blood clots due to inactivity) immediately following surgery and for general muscle strengthening and toning.
IF
I.F. stands for Interferential. It crosses two slightly different, medium-frequency alternating currents to create a third, much stronger and deeper sub frequency current ideal for deep tissue stimulation. It has both healing and pain relief benefits. Its unique current is able to pass through skin, fat and bone—which are poor conductors of current flow—to target the fluid inside the cells of the damaged area. It changes the fluid in such a way that excess sodium ions are able to cross the cell’s plasma membrane and be actively transported out of the cell by activating the Na/K+ pump which then controls the concentration of sodium and potassium ion within the fluid that surrounds the cells. This occurrence forces displaced fluid to exit the swollen cell which eliminates edema. Inflammation is also reduced as the blood proteins that were trapped in the extra-cellular fluid are removed when the sodium imbalance is corrected and oxygen flow increases to the cell. Oxygen removes bradykin (a blood flow restrictor) and histamines (a chemical substance involved in edema and inflammation) thus speeding the cell’s recovery. Oxygen also removes prostaglandin—a natural pain substance of the body. To obtain IF frequency, electrode placement should be in an “X” pattern, with the point of intersection located directly over the affected tissue area.
HVPG
H.V.P.G. is an abbreviation for High-Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Current. Galvanic is another word for direct current (DC). Unlike low-voltage, alternating current (AC) that is found in TENS, EMS and IF, galvanic is best suited for major tissue trauma including bleeding and swelling. It quickly increases blood circulation while reducing edema. Like TENS, it stimulates the nerves, which aids pain relief. It also helps relax muscle spasms and is ideal for diabetic-induced neuropathy. It is unique in its application using a large dispersive pad which is placed in a neutral area on the body to ground the current while smaller “active” pads are placed over treatment area.
Tags: alternative pain management, DME, Durable Medical Equipment, Electric Muscle Stimulation, electro therapy, EMS, healing, High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Current, HME, Home Medical Equipment, HVPC, IF, Interferential, nerves, TENS
Posted in Articles by Michael Harris | 6 Comments »
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
Ok. So, you just landed a job at a company that manufactures, distributes or sells durable medical equipment, or DME. If this is your first time in this field, you have undoubtedly noticed the sea of new words, abbreviations and acronyms. Treading your way from day to day the first few weeks can be overwhelming…as if you were in a foreign country.
Lucky for you, this article is your proverbial life preserver. So grab hold my friend. Soon you will be doing the equivalent of synchronized formations impressing your new boss, associates, colleagues, friends, family and maybe even your significant other.
DME Durable Medical Equipment
Durable medical equipment is defined as any medical equipment or device that is intended to be reusable or “durable.” DME is almost exclusively prescribed by a doctor, physician, chiropractor or physical therapist and is primarily for home use. Therefore DME is often interchangeable with HME.
HME Home Medical Equipment
Home medical equipment is defined as any medical equipment or device for use in the home. It is almost always of the “durable” nature. Thus HME is often interchangeable with DME. In fact many times when professionals reference such equipment they will use the term HME/DME or HME/DMEPOS.
DMEPOS Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies
We have already covered durable medical equipment. Prosthetics is the medical term for an artificial limb such as a leg or an arm. Orthotics is the term to describe the medical field that deals with the manufacture and application of orthotic devices. It can also encompass the practice of working with the torso.
O&P Orthotics and Prosthetics
Same as above abbreviated differently.
AMA American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the nation’s largest and most powerful association of physicians and medical students. It publishes the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) which is the world’s largest weekly medical publication.
HCPCS Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System
HCPCS is commonly pronounced as “hick-picks.” It is a set of health care procedural codes that, as described on Wikipedia, standardizes the coding system for describing the specific items and services provided in the delivery of health care. It is based on the AMA’s current procedural terminology (CMT) and is, as of 1996, mandatory. They help agencies such as Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies efficiently track and reimburse claims. Codes for durable medical equipment are considered level II and are alphanumeric.
CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is a federal agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Its purpose is to administer the Medicare program. It also works with state governments to help administer Medicaid, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and health insurance portability standards. CMS was formerly called HCFA (Health Care Financing Administration).
MAC Medical Administrative Contractor
The abbreviation “MAC” is often used directly following DME. A DME MAC is a durable medical equipment medical administrative contractor. Their sole function is to process medical claims for Medicare. There are four DME MACs jurisdictions in the US, each serving a different geographical region—Noridian Administrative Services, CIGNA Government Services, National Government Services and NHIC (National Heritage Insurance Company). These DME MACs are referred to as durable medical equipment regional carriers, or DMERCs
Conclusion
Of course there are many other words and abbreviations you will run into in this industry, but the ones covered above will definitely get you going. Future articles will tackle more intricate terms in the DME industry.
Tags: AMA, American Medical Association, definitions, DME, DMEPOS, Durable Medical Equipment, HCPCS, Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, hick-picks, HME, Home Medical Equipment, MAC, Medical Administrative Contractor, Orthotics, Prosthetics, terms
Posted in Articles by Michael Harris | 5 Comments »
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
Running a Durable Medical Equipment supply company is pretty much like running any company: You are in it to make a profit…the larger the profit the better. And like most any company, there are many ways to not only make a profit, but to substantially increase them through employing best practices and taking advantage of new market advances and products.
The following five tips cover areas every successful company needs to review on a regular basis to ensure a path to greater profits.
1. Digital
If your Durable Medical Equipment Company does not have an aggressive digital policy you might as well throw some cash in the trash every morning when you get to work. The costs savings to be gained by taking advantage of the digital revolution is profound. But the advantages go well beyond just using email and having a basic website. From online training and meetings to digital marketing and advertising, the cost savings the Internet and modern computers offer over “old-school” ways is nothing short of significant.
2. Image
Never underestimate the power of your image. It can make or break you from first impression to a lasting effect. Do your potential customers see you as a professional firm or as a group of amateurs? Your company image is your first line to communicate who you are. Of course you have to follow up a professional image with professional action; one begets the other.
3. Products
Are you carrying the best products at the best prices? Do you realize that sometimes the best products aren’t necessarily the cheapest products? There are Thousands of durable medical equipment products you could represent. Some are good for a quick buck due to their low cost and high reimbursement, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are good for your company’s long-term health. Make sure you offer products that are not only profitable but offer the client and patient lasting value. If you sell a poorly made product your reputation and image will suffer, and that will negatively affect your bottom line.
4. Customer Service
In an industry where your clients can have a hard time telling the difference between the products you sell and the ones your competitors sell, the difference between growing more profitable and growing stagnant could be how you service your customers after the sale. Give your clients a reason to keep coming back. Treat them like gold with every communication. Go the extra mile to make sure they are totally satisfied…or they just may go to your competitor in search of better treatment.
5. Efficiency
Is your firm efficient? Or is there a lot of red tape and corporate bureaucracy your employees and clients have to wade through to get stuff done and problems resolved? Review your company protocol and procedures on a regular basis to look for unnecessary slowdowns. Can a step be skipped without sacrificing quality or jeopardizing your reimbursement? Can you cut response time to your clients in any way, shape or form? Keep in mind the Internet can be a huge asset in becoming more efficient.
Tags: DME, Durable Medical Equipment, efficiency, Growth, Profits, Tips
Posted in Articles by Michael Harris | 7 Comments »
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