Software / IT
Process automation, real-time inventory and important data accessed from mobile technology are just some of the benefits of information technology that can help the HME industry cut costs, improve compliance, provide better patent care and overcome the myriad changes that keep disrupting the HME landscape.
With the increased demands placed on HME providers because of constant regulation and policy changes, software, perhaps the driving force behind most modern business innovation, has helped providers to stay competitive. But the challenge hasn’t been whether software is a smart choice to enhance your business — it’s trying to keep up with the myriad options and features most software systems offer, implementing them across your business and then riding the wave of change until your new processes show benefit over the prior.
Still, for some providers, the thought of letting technology take over certain segments of their business is still frightening and overwhelming. The idea of taking a manual process or documentation to an electronic format might seem too intimidating to implement. The irony here, of course, is after you push change uphill, going down should be a lot easier and much more productive.
So to get the most out of your software, make sure you talk to your vendor to see how they will support your operation. Do they offer education and training that will get you up to speed quickly? Your confidence to dive deeper into technology will be higher when you find a software partner you can trust and rely on to help you drive innovation. To help you on your journey, here is a list of some of the software products on the market that might be able to help you take your HME business to the next level.
Computers Unlimited
TIMS Delivery
TIMS Delivery gives flexible access to DME software
Computers Unlimited says it is designing its TIMS Software to support HME businesses throughout the entire revenue cycle, and in its latest update, TIMS Software can now go anywhere provider staff go via its TIMS Delivery mobile application. TIMS Delivery aims to increase delivery efficiency to help providers grow their business. The system lets HME businesses create delivery schedules and optimize routing with TIMS Scheduler via CU’s integration with Roadnet from Omnitracs; access delivery prompts and checklists; confirm and update orders on-site; collect electronic signatures; submit forms; take credit card payments; and print or email customer receipts.
Apacheta Corporation
Mobile Logistics Software
Cloud-based delivery logisticis for HME
Mobile logistics software Apacheta Corp. offers paperless proof of delivery solutions that reduce costs, audit risk and billing time. The company’s integrated platform provides logistics and delivery fleet optimization, real-time status, estimated delivery windows and service workflows to ensure standards are enforced. The software runs on commonly available and affordable iOS or Android-based mobile devices and browser-based fleet management services running in the cloud.
Bonafide Management Systems
Facility Portal
Bonafide launches new Facility Portal
The new Facility Portal from Bonafide allows DME providers to sell directly to healthcare facilities through an online shopping portal, which is linked to the providers back-office billing operations, inventory and delivery systems. Nurses and other healthcare workers can use the Facility Portal to create patient profiles, place rental and sale orders, suggest patient-specific items based on a clinical algorithm, allow for an approval process and schedule delivery, service and pickup.
GCE Healthcare
Clarity
Software gives providers a clear picture of POC use
GCE’s Clarity is an online platform that provides operational and usage information from the company’s Zen-O portable oxygen concentrator (POC). This helps providers optimize assets in order to ensure patients have the right device, as well as manage patient adherence to prescription. Also, the device can help providers track the POC’s location using GPS and GSM/cellular technologies.
Snapworx LLC
Patient Management Platform
SNAP's Patient Management Platform harnesses the power of AI
SNAP is a Patient Management Platform that relies on Artificial Intelligence to move orders from booking to the warehouse with greatly reduced patient or employee touches and documentation errors along the way. When an order is generated, SNAP queues eligible patients and identifies and launches corrections for imperfect orders. Additionally, SNAP automatically adds or adjusts payers and policy changes, identifying and verifying insurance eligibility in real-time. SNAP also offers optional turnkey patient support on the provider’s behalf.
Brightree
ePrescribe
Brightree integrates ePrescribe with athenahealth
Brightree’s new ePrescribe solution lets HME businesses digitally receive orders from more than 62,000 providers using athenaClinicals within the athenahealth network, the same way doctors have long referred patients to other specialists. Previously, physician and HME staff had to manually send, receive and process referrals and related documents via fax and phone calls. Now, any office that uses athenahealth can refer patients to an HME provider using Brightree’s eprescribe.
Computers Unlimited
TIMS Software
Software offers range of HME management capabilities
TIMS Software provides a comprehensive and integrated business management system for HME providers. TIMS offers rules-based, revenue-qualifying patient intake including workflow and document management. Updated software features include Denial Management and A/R Collections Worklists, ePurchasing, eDrop Shipping, Asset Tracking, Inventory Management, Mobile Delivery, and Business Intelligence. TIMS provides a mix of software, service and support.
Brightree
Brightree ConnectPRO
System helps improve patients’ re-supply use
Brightree ConnectPRO includes various Brightree technologies, services, and data analytics into one time-saving solution to help providers get patients to fully comply with resupply programs. The system combines Brightree Connect for patient contact management; Performance Concierge Services focused on optimizing the Brightree Connect software solution; Revenue Cycle Management Resupply Intake Services which includes processing all paperwork and verification of benefits; AllCall Connect. outsourced call center services; and data analytics to give provides operational insights for performance improvement.
PlayMaker Health
PlayMaker Edge for HME
A solution to develop and execute HME sales strategies
Built specifically for HME business sales organizations, PlayMaker Edge for HME combines market data and the provider’s referral data with relationship management tools. Sales leadership can identify opportunities and target appropriate referral sources. Sales managers can evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of their teams, and determine the ROI of their sales efforts. Sales reps can improve efficiency and productivity by managing relationships and organizing activities in the field.
Universal Software Solutions, Inc.
HDMS Scheduler
A tool for accurately scheduling specialized DME staff
Universal Software Solutions Inc. will feature it HDMS Scheduler at MedTrade Spring to show providers how they can better schedule time for their various professionals, such as orthotists, assistive technology professionals, certified mastectomy fitters, and respiratory therapists. Using a system similar to Outlook, providers can define appointment location, appointment rooms, room types, the professionals conducting appointments, and the appointment types themselves.
BFLOW Solutions Inc.
BFLOW
Flexible, affordable DME management software
BFLOW is a software as a service (SaaS) DME billing software and business management solution built from scratch for providers. The system is designed for DME operations looking for simplification and affordability in a cloud-based software package. Because BFLOW exists in the cloud, it can add more capability, and ease integration with top online business solutions via API technology.
TeamDME
TeamDME! XL
A 360-degree view of provider performance
TeamDME! XL combines all the tools providers need to manage their front and back office. Features include customizable workflow templates, e-eligibility, e-purchasing, e-dropships, EHR and mobile delivery apps. Providers an use accurate, real-time data to make informed financial decisions. Because all back end office functions are included, providers have a 360-degree view of their financial health.
Noble House
Noble*Direct Version 11
New upgrades ensure efficient patient processing
Noble*Direct Version 11 includes new and upgraded features such as an integrated patient flow control, enhanced security, same or similar check, and patient eligibility all using an SQL database. The flow control system allows for customization of all aspects of patient files from initial intake through claim adjudication on multiple product lines at one time. When paired with document tracker and patient eligibility this lets providers follow a predetermined, streamlined path to more efficiently process a patient from conception to completion.
Brightree
Lockbox
Automated pay service expedites payments
Brightree announced the release of Lockbox, an automated patient-pay service that helps home medical equipment providers receive funds faster, improve their cash flow, shorten their revenue cycle and save hours in staff time. Lockbox provides an automated, high-speed document scanning process that replaces many of the manual steps that burden HME accounts receivable. With this process, Lockbox posts all bank funds and documents online, and applies the funds to the HME’s accounts receivable in Brightree.