Why DME Management Matters in Hospice

Some durable medical equipment (DME) models slowly fall behind. Hospices that rely on multiple disconnected vendors may underestimate the hidden costs of some errors and delays.

From missed pickups to billing discrepancies, a lack of oversight that sometimes comes with these models can leave logistics teams facing paperwork and overtime. And, for patients, inconsistent DME management can mean stress and emotional strain.

But these issues don’t come from any single vendor’s failure; it’s a sign that something may be lacking in the structure.

The solution is to adopt a new model entirely. Through strategic, proactive DME management, hospices can enable care teams to focus on what truly matters: their patients.

Limitations of Traditional Vendor Models

Traditional vendor models are, behind the scenes, sometimes defined by rigidity.

Lock-in agreements may compromise flexibility and not allow hospices to explore alternatives when services fall short. Although seemingly convenient at first, these contracts  may act as constraints that take away vendor competition from the equation.

Manual tracking can further deepen the problem. Orders and invoices may end up lost, and administrative teams are the ones to manually reconcile records and documentation.

Instead of anticipating needs, single-vendor models sometimes operate on a reactive basis. DME management should be proactive, forecasting future needs and planning accordingly.

But it’s not just about the perceived risks. Rigid DME models can impact your hospice’s reputation and compliance.

Billing inaccuracies, unused equipment, missed deliveries, and unmet patient needs can quickly become structural problems affecting patient experience and CAHPS scores. And that’s not to mention how everything can domino into a troubling audit in the near future.

Lack of transparency, which is sometimes the case in single-vendor models, can also present compliance risks. Inadequate documentation and poor equipment oversight are risks to consider in a sector as regulated as hospice care.

What True DME Management Looks Like

At Qualis, we believe that true DME management means a proactive, tech-enabled infrastructure that helps improve your hospice care and patient experience.

DME needs could be covered by a neutral vendor network that’s based on patient needs and effectiveness instead of exclusive contracts. This vendor-neutral hospice solution promotes competition among vendors and improves the quality of their services.

Technology is, of course, central to this model. Digital platforms provide a solid infrastructure to oversee all equipment orders and deliveries. Real-time notifications and tracking prevent last-minute surprises, and analytics can help forecast future orders.

This same system and model can integrate with clinical workflows and EMRs to align managed medical equipment choices with treatment plans. This can improve coordination across the board—from clinicians and nurses to administrative staff and suppliers.

Proactive management also implies centralized oversight. Hospices shouldn’t wait for vendors to flag issues; performance levels can be easily tracked by administrative teams. This allows staff to catch errors and delays before they happen, way before they reach the patient.

Benefits for Clinical, Operational, and Compliance Teams

Proactive DME coordination impacts all levels in your hospice.

Clinical teams, for example, can see better outcomes and reduced friction as they rely on orders without chasing vendors. Equipment can arrive when and where it’s needed, decreasing patient care disruptions and last-minute surprises.

Nurses can have an easier time tracking deliveries and calculating arrival times, thanks to centralized reporting platforms. This also can mean more peace of mind for families waiting on crucial equipment for their loved ones.

On an operational level, centralized data can help automate tedious processes such as order entry and pickup scheduling. Staff can regain valuable time, and analytics can help track trends and cost performance across different vendors and equipment needs.

This transparency can help with compliance too—everything is tracked and traceable to ensure correct operations. Documentation can also be centralized, helping your hospice demonstrate regulatory compliance and financial integrity.

Why Qualis Is Different and Delivers Better Outcomes

We, at Qualis, understand that the traditional DME vendor model is sometimes not the right fit for your hospice.

Our robust network of over 900 vendors nationwide ensures a vendor-neutral position that may align well with your hospice’s goals and needs. Our team works hard to ensure nationwide coverage while also tracking vendor performance, costs, and stock.

Every one of our vendors is monitored to track SLA adherence. From ensuring prompt deliveries to overseeing pickups, our team is ready to solve any issues before they escalate and impact your hospice and patient care.

But it’s not just reach that sets Qualis apart. Analytics are critical for our vision, and for your hospice's delivery of care and clinical outcomes. Our centralized reporting platform integrates with clinical systems to enable real-time updates and visibility.

Experience what our DME management looks like—partner with Qualis today.