HME Business

Compression

Doctors use compression to treat various conditions, including foot swelling, mild edema, varicose veins, thrombosis, varicosities of varying severities, and circulation problems from diabetes. Geriatric patients, those with diabetes, lymphedema and post-surgery patients often depend on compression therapy.

Compression garments, such as socks, stockings and wraps, deliver support and increased circulation to affected limbs and other areas of the body. Compression is graded in millimeters of mercury and can range from 15-50 mmHg; the higher the compression, the tighter the garment.

Lighter compression products start out at 15-20 mmHg, which are for tired, achy legs, mild edema, varicose veins and foot swelling. This level of pressure can also help to prevent vein thrombosis. Higher levels of pressure such as 20-30 mmHg is for severe varicosities, for open face ulcers, moderate edema and post surgery. For people who have ulcers, lymphatic edema and varicosities, they typically need 30-40 mmHg.

HME providers often face fitting and non-compliance issues when it comes to patients. Compression garments are very tight, and for some patients, this can cause problems that lead to non-compliance. The garments also can be difficult to take on and off, and many patients have reach or strength issues.

Still, compression products are a key offering for HME providers looking to drive increased retail revenue, because it is a category not typically covered by Medicare, except in a few cases, such as lymphedema patients. Here are some of the latest offerings on the market: