Choosing the Right DME Partner: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)

What Makes the Difference in a Partner

Managing durable medical equipment (DME) is a key function for any hospice care provider. Getting items like oxygen support systems, beds, and wheelchairs promptly is critical to delivering care to patients. Errors, lack of access to high-demand items, and logistical problems can cause headaches for hospice staff and eat up time that could be better spent on patient care. 

Regardless of any past problems you've faced working with medical supply distribution companies, making a change can feel risky. Finding new DME wholesale distributors and taking a chance can be a lot of work for little reward. It may seem easier to work within a system you already know, even if that system is inefficient.

That's why it's so valuable to work with a DME partner. A partner understands the nature of hospice care and supports the level of care your patients need. 

How a Hospice Champion Can Help

With many online DME suppliers, you may place an order, and they arrange for a DME vendor to deliver items to a particular client at a particular time. They help get you the products you need, but what you're really looking for is a partner in providing care. 

Before you settle on a DME wholesale supplier or manager, ask how their services can match the specific needs of hospice providers:

• One-size-fits-all contracts: DME vendors are outstanding at delivering necessary equipment. However, they serve a wide variety of clients. They may not have extensive experience working with hospice providers.
• Limited vendor choice: Many DME managers have an established vendor network. You may not be able to continue working with vendors you already know well.  
• Real-time support during issues: If you have an issue with procurement of delivery, it's helpful to know you can call a central customer service line. Taking the guesswork out of real-time support makes it easier to resolve any problems that arise. 
• Reporting and analytics: DME vendors are in an ideal position to share detailed reports that you can use for auditing purposes. Customized reports on your preferred schedule can help you improve administrative operations. 

What to Look For in a DME Partner

If you want to level up your DME management, consider working with a comprehensive DME management partner. As you consider your options for DME procurement, take the time to carefully evaluate the services that will best serve your hospice DME strategy. 

Consider the following factors as part of your DME vendor evaluation checklist:

• Vendor-flexible model: Does your DME manager have a large network of vendors? Can you choose your preferred vendors at the time of order? Will your DME manager let you keep working with your previous vendors?
• Centralized support: How can you get help for a problem? Does the DME manager offer customer support regarding all orders, or will they direct you to contact the vendor directly to address issues? 
• Compliance and billing knowledge: Does your DME manager understand hospice billing, coding, and other administrative tasks?
• Proven scalability: Will your DME manager be able to increase services as your hospice organization grows?

Why Hospices Choose Qualis

Qualis is a hospice-focused DME manager. With over 15 years of experience working with hospice providers, we understand the nature of the care you offer and what you need from a DME manager. 

We offer comprehensive DME solutions, providing an all-in-one platform for DME procurement. Our nationwide vendor network includes top medical supply companies to ensure that you will always be able to get the equipment you need at the time you need it. 

We offer real-time reporting and analytics. so you can see your order history and track spending to make informed budget choices going forward. Our business management team is up to date on medical coding changes, so you never have to worry about claims errors and denials affecting your revenue cycle management. 

Our accurate and efficient services bring peace of mind for patients and their families, improving the patient experience and raising CAHPS scores for providers. 

Don't Just Buy Equipment—Invest in Partnership

Are you ready to elevate your DME management process? Let's chat about what a real partnership looks like.

At Qualis, our focus is on quality of care. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive solutions for everything from DME vendor management to detailed reporting and billing audits. We will work with you to provide a suite of solutions that supports you so you can better support your patients. 

Learn how Qualis partners with hospices for DME management. Contact us today!