Optum Insight has launched DME Navigator, described as “an end-to-end solution for durable medical equipment (DME) benefits management that will speed the process of delivering durable medical equipment to patients who need it, while improving health outcomes and reducing costs.”
“Ensuring patients have timely access to DME is a growing challenge,” said Beth Merle, senior vice president, Affordability and Value Enablement, Optum Insight, in a June 11 press release. “DME Navigator will help health plans and DME suppliers deliver the equipment patients need more quickly and affordably.”
The press release said DME Navigator “streamlines each step of the process from ordering to delivery and payment” and provides “a seamless digital ordering experience for clinicians enabling them to fill order 90% faster.”
Optum Insight said the system has access to more than 3,000 DME supplier locations.
“Additionally, Optum continues to expand access to limited distribution channels and to add qualified suppliers to rural areas,” the announcement said.
Prescribing clinicians and their patients will be able to communicate directly with the DME suppliers via digital communication tools, “giving everyone visibility into the status of the equipment and greater insight into the cost of equipment and while maintaining payment accuracy.”
“Optum’s new solution is integrated with evidence-based criteria for key DME products to help clinicians make the most informed and clinically appropriate care decisions which can avoid overprescribing or ordering inappropriate equipment, while ensuring patients receive equipment that meets their clinical needs,” the announcement added.
A diagram on the Optum Insight website says one of DME Navigator’s goals is “to drive consistent cost savings” and added, “Reduced waste by enforcing coverage through upstream claims editing and pricing using negotiated, competitive rates” is another benefit.
Optum is part of UnitedHealth Group.
