In the world of hospice care, getting on-time access and efficient delivery of durable medical equipment (DME) is more than just a logistical challenge. It’s necessary to provide compassionate care that centers on the patient instead of on financial and operational responsibilities.
Unfortunately, many hospices are familiar with the constraints of working with single DME vendors. While the simplicity of these arrangements may appeal to you initially, they often fall short when you need a problem solved. Limited inventory, delays, inflexible contracts, and a refusal or inability to adapt to different situations are just some of the frustrations that come from working with a single provider, and they can leave your practice vulnerable to disruptions and sudden pricing changes.
Luckily, there's a better solution for hospice administrators to consider. Here’s what you need to know about flexible DME vendor options — and how to get started with this approach.
In short, a vendor-flexible approach to DME provides access to a broad network of vendors that will give you freedom when it comes to choosing options. There are no loyalties owed to any specific vendor. It all comes down to the partnerships and equipment that align with your and your patients' needs.
Vendor-flexible DME ensures that, no matter the equipment requirements, you’ll be prepared to deliver appropriate care. Having multiple vendors balances the need for efficiency with the overarching goal of providing stability to your patients. Additionally, providing an open platform allows the best vendor to serve you and continually earn your business.
With Qualis, you’ll manage all of your DME needs through our advanced software that streamlines the whole process. Patient information is pulled directly from your electronic medical record systems, and the pertinent vendors will show up on your screen. You'll likely favor one DME vendor in each county and our system accommodates vendor voice as needed. The key is YOU retain control of the DME providers serving the patients entrusted to your care.
Hospices that work with multiple DME vendors can mitigate risks, reduce delays, and expand inventory options. You’ll be able to swiftly address your needs and issues — whether that’s supply chain disruptions or fluctuating patient needs. You have ordering control and transparency, allowing you to know the status of each piece of equipment serving your patients at all times.
Single-vendor relationships often mean limited inventory choices as well. By engaging with multiple providers, you'll have access to broader equipment options, so you can select the best choices for each and every one of your patients.
Vendor flexibility also fosters a competitive dynamic among suppliers. This, in turn, encourages better services, improved costs, and enhanced vendor relationships. It also allows you to form multiple partnerships with niche DME vendors specializing in specific equipment.
Centralized tools, such as Qualis’ DME+ Ordering platform, simplify the process from beginning to end. Streamlining ordering, tracking, and reporting has an immediate effect on the efficiency of your practice and staff.
Adopting a vendor-flexible approach is not just about meeting your current needs — it’s also about improving hospice DME for tomorrow. As healthcare evolves and your practice grows, you need to remain as flexible as possible to meet patient expectations and emerging models of care.
Transitioning to a vendor-flexible DME model is an opportunity for growth.
The first step is to begin with an evaluation of your current DME processes and pain points. If you’re feeling a bit lost, a service such as Qualis’ DME Evaluation can help.
Then, prioritize what you demand in DME providers serving you and what you want in an ordering platform that interfaces with your EMR.
Finally, consider a DME ordering method that works best for your team. Here at Qualis, we want to make your transition as smooth as possible, with the overarching objective of growing your practice. We can help with each piece of the DME puzzle - it's what we do every day.
The ultimate goal for any hospice is to be able to provide comfort and compassion to patients who need exceptional care. Vendor-flexible DME is one component of our service that allows your hospice to flourish.
With a nationwide network of more than 900 DME providers, we give hospices greater choice, control, and access to essential equipment, enabling you to respond quickly and effectively when your patient needs it. And that's a scenario that builds trust and satisfaction on all sides.
Ready to embrace the future of hospice care? Contact Qualis to learn more about vendor-flexible DME management.