Page 15 - HME Business, November 2017

Pharmacies are increasingly the focal point of care for their communities, especially as more pharmacies offer traditional healthcare services, such as flu shots,
physicals, vaccinations and various screenings. These services are beacons drawing people into the pharmacy every day — people undoubtedly with ailments that the pharmacy could service.
One such ailment is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), which is a problem with the flow of blood from the veins of the legs back to the heart. This condition can result in aching pain, tired legs, leg heaviness, swelling, numbness, and itching or an irritated rash on the legs. According to Web MD, people with CVI are likely older, female, overweight, inactive, and smokers, and have a family history of varicose veins.
“CVI, the progressive disorder that compression garments treat, is believed to affect 40 percent of the U.S. population,” says Matt Howard, director of sales for compression garment maker SIGVARIS. “This means that almost one out of every two pharmacy customers could have an interest or need in compression therapy garments. CVI is most prevalent in people over the
age of 50, so with the aging baby boomer generation, the customer base for these products is growing.”
The possibilities for compression run beyond the needs of CVI sufferers. Simple tired, achy legs could be the result of standing for long periods of time, and pharmacists could identify these customers and introduce them to compression garments.
“Pharmacies have a captive audience walking through the door that will benefit from compression,” explains Heather Trumm, BSN, RN, CWON, director of wound care for the HME member service organization The VGM Group. “People at risk for venous disease are ones that stand in one spot for long periods of time, such as nurses, factory workers, teachers,
medical professionals, flight attendants and hairdressers. Compression is also used after surgeries to prevent any embolisms in the legs.”
Kam Howard, executive vice president of Knit-Rite, agrees that anyone who sits or stands for long periods of time can benefit from wearing gradient compression. But also important is that with each region, city
Managing multiple business lines is complex.
Make it simple with Mediware
The ONLY complete software system designed to meet the needs of DME, home infusion, and specialty pharmacy.
With our previous system,
we had stacks of file folders and no organized way to track orders. With Mediware software, the efficiencies and productivity in the workflow process have been huge.”
Andrew Reeves, R.Ph.
Founder and CEO of OptiMed
EQUIP YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE POWER OF MEDIWARE’S LEADING SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS.
Request a FREE DEMO today! Mediware.com/dmerx
1.844.787.3974
“Pharmacies have a captive audience walking through the door that will benefit from compression.”
— Heather Trumm, BSN, RN, CWON, VGM Group
hme-business.com
DME Pharmacy | November 2017 Rx 7
“
