Posts Tagged ‘Durable Medical Equipment’
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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