Marketing Tip: Partner with DME

Home care agencies recognize the critical importance of cultivating referral networks. Consistent engagement with hospital discharge planners and social workers is essential for facilitating seamless patient transitions. In our field operations, we've found that strategic partnerships with Durable Medical Equipment (DME) providers significantly enhance our ability to reach our target demographic.

DME providers frequently interact with individuals likely to require home care services post-discharge. To optimize this synergy, we've implemented a proactive approach: developing comprehensive discharge planning checklists. These checklists, containing detailed agency information, are designed to be readily utilized by discharge planners when counseling patients.

These checklists encompass a broad spectrum of essential post-discharge needs, ranging from basic incontinence supplies to advanced equipment such as patient lifts, bed alarms, and lateral rotation mattresses. By providing a consolidated resource, we streamline the discharge planning process, empowering planners to ensure patients are equipped for a safe and effective transition.

This attention to detail fosters confidence among discharge planners, demonstrating our commitment to comprehensive patient care. Consequently, they are more likely to consider our agency for future referrals, recognizing the value of our collaborative and supportive approach in minimizing readmission risks.

Below is a sample checklist. Please create your version, ensuring it includes your agency's header, contact information, and the details of the DME provider you partner with.

              Discharge Checklist 

Mobility & Ambulation:

• ☐ Wheelchair (manual or electric)

• ☐ Walker (standard, rolling, or with seat)

• ☐ Crutches

• ☐ Cane (single-point, quad)

• ☐ Transfer board

• ☐ Patient lift (e.g., Hoyer lift)

Bathroom & Hygiene:

• ☐ Commode chair

• ☐ Shower chair/bench

• ☐ Raised toilet seat

• ☐ Grab bars

• ☐ Long-handled sponge/bath brush

Bedroom & Positioning:

• ☐ Hospital bed (electric or manual)

• ☐ Overbed table

• ☐ Bed rails

• ☐ Specialty mattress (e.g., pressure relief)

• ☐ Wedge pillow

• ☐ Positioning pillows

Respiratory:

• ☐ Oxygen concentrator

• ☐ Oxygen tank

• ☐ Nebulizer

• ☐ CPAP/BiPAP machine

• ☐ Suction machine

Wound Care & Medical:

• ☐ Wound dressings

• ☐ Medical grade skin protectant

• ☐ Blood pressure monitor

• ☐ Glucose meter and supplies

• ☐ Ostomy supplies

• ☐ Catheter supplies

Other:

• ☐ Reacher/grabber tool

• ☐ Home ramp

• ☐ Medication dispenser

• ☐ Compression stockings

Should you require assistance in developing your checklist, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be pleased to provide support.

Need an online DME Provider? I can assist with that as well.