05/14/2020

Survey Details Challenges for HME Suppliers Under COVID-19 Crisis

AAHomecare Summarizes Severe Disruption for Items Related to Treating COVID-19 Patients

A recent survey of more than 500 home medical equipment suppliers shows that the COVID-19 pandemic is seriously impacting suppliers’ access to products on account of supply chain disruptions and rising prices from manufacturers and distributors. The survey results show a rapidly changing operational and product cost landscape that presents significant challenges for an industry already dealing with unsustainable reimbursement rates from Medicare and other payer segments.  The survey was completed in late April, with results summarized by leading healthcare research firm Dobson DaVanzo & Associates.
 
The disruption is especially severe for items directly related to treating patients with COVID-19.  80% of respondents noted difficulties in receiving oxygen and ventilators, with 97% citing delays in obtaining personal protective equipment.  Suppliers also report significant delays for other equipment potentially used to treat COVID-19 patients – hospital beds (59%), CPAP/RADs (53%), and nebulizers (49%). The delays are also being felt across other major HME product categories, as well. 

Read the AAHomecare newsletter for details.