Page 16 - HME Business, April 2018

However, that doubles the opportunity for errors.
If integration with your existing system is possible, it may be expensive, so be sure to weigh the costs and bene ts carefully against the other options.
Start from the Ground Up
Starting from scratch with a new system is a big decision, and where you are in the life of your business and your existing software makes a big difference.
“Regardless of how much DME a pharmacy handles, the keys are Medicare Part B billing and compliance. It’s important to be able to share patient and doctor les and avoid duplicate entry as much as possible,” Edens says. “If you’re acquiring DME software, it’s impor- tant that it interface with your pharmacy software like our own SystemOne does. Our NRx pharmacy software also has built-in tools available to aid Medicare Part B billing and compliance.”
If you are just starting up, a combined or modular system is prob- ably your best choice.
“It avoids miscommunications and allows monitoring of meds. It can catch con icting prescriptions,” Rogers says. “The physician systems all have that ability, to look for contra-indications or con icts.”
Often providers will offer a software as a service (SAAS) model that’s similar to leasing a car – you get the product for a monthly fee, and the provider gives you the software, maintenance, updates and tech support as part of the deal.
For the small retail pharmacy, “SAAS is the way to go,” Crane argues. “You might pay a little more monthly but you don’t have to make a big down payment. The price difference is astronomical...and your staff doesn’t have to do as much training and maintenance.”
Jacobs adds, “A SAAS offering is ultimately a better investment for the pharmacy. Cloud-based systems reduce costly and potentially unreliable infrastructure requirements for the pharmacy.”
If you are nearing retirement or winding your business down, it might not be worth the investment in a new system, training and business disruption of the transition.
Most businesses are somewhere in between, so the cost-bene t analysis will depend more on where your existing system is in its life cycle and how aggressively you want to pursue DME business. If your current work ow system is on track for an upgrade anyway, a new, combined or modular system may be the choice that gives you the most room to grow.
If your system has been around for a decade or more, chances
are that newer products available now will have more or expanded features such as reporting, inventory management, combined billing, point of sale and credit card processing. That alone may make the upgrade worth the investment.
“There are several software products directed speci cally at the DME market,” Edens says. “Most are geared toward the stand-alone DME retailer. Our NRx pharmacy system has built-in DME compli- ance and billing tools for pharmacies that don’t have separate DME departments.”
When choosing a software provider, you also need to think about how the transition will affect your daily operations. “How disruptive is this to my day-to-day operations? Does the technology company have a streamlined implementation process? “ says Jacobs.
Why it’s Worth it
DME software can make a lot of processes easier for a retail pharmacy and help create or add to access to automated billing of Medicare and private insurers. That lets the pharmacy offer products and services that help keep customers, and keep them happy. If you do it right, the patients won’t notice anything but improved customer service. For you, it can really streamline business processes.
“Integrating pharmacy, DME and point-of-sale enable a pharmacy to share patient, doctor and vendor records, creating data entry ef ciencies while reducing errors,” Edens explais. “It allows better management of inventory and customers are better served because a single transaction can process pharmacy, DME and OTC items – or bill them in a single statement. Likewise, only a single signature at the POS is required for prescriptions, HIPAA, counseling, Medicare Part B documents and credit card transactions.”
Expanded product offerings can help keep customers by saving them a trip to another store for their DME.
Integrating DME software may increase the pharmacy ability
to serve as a “one stop shop,” Jacobs says. “The patient can pick up diabetic medications as well as test strips and meter all in one location.”
In addition, he notes, “Integrating DME software into a pharmacy’s business can improve communication and impact the overall DSO (days sales outstanding) of the business. It may also create niche business opportunities for the pharmacy, such as hospice and long term care.” n
“In the pharmacy world, before the patient gets to you, you know the product is covered. You collect from your patient before you ever hand them anything. DME is the opposite.”
— Daniell Crane, Universal Software Solutions Inc.
Made in USA
Penco Universal Walker Glides
Now Available in White or Grey
• Fits front-wheeled walkers with 1” to 1-1/8” tubing diameter
• Self- tting mechanism and stainless steel tightening bolt keeps glides safe and secure
• Ski design allows for easy movement
Made in USA
Low $50 Minimum Order Includes FREE Shipping Mention dme Pharmacy when placing your order Phone: 800-370-1582
FAX: 800-369-5204
Email: customerservice@pencomedical.com
All Orders Received by 3:00PM EST SHIP THE SAME DAY
Penco Walkerballs - Precut tennis balls for easy, safe installation
• Glides e ortlessly on most surfaces • Precut for easy installation on most
walker legs
• Designed for indoor use
5 Popular Colors
Rx 8 April 2018 | DME Pharmacy
hme-business.com