Empowering Patients: The Importance of Offering Essential DME/HME Products

Published in Member Communities on July 29, 2025

Some call it “up-caring.” Others call it “whole-patient care.” Either way, the goal is the same: to serve patients with compassion, foresight, and a commitment to their full well-being —hallmarks of value-based care, where outcomes, not volume, define success.

As home medical equipment (HME) and durable medical equipment (DME) providers, we’re in this business for one reason—the patient. We’re not just delivering equipment; we’re empowering people to live more comfortably, safely, and independently. But here’s the hard truth: we’ve historically fallen short in one critical area—offering patients the full range of products that could truly help them.

Why? Often, it’s because these items are considered “cash-only” and not covered by insurance. But when we withhold helpful products simply because they’re not reimbursable, we’re doing our patients a disservice. We’re missing an opportunity to improve patient outcomes, reduce complications, and show that we’re truly invested in their care.

Here are just a few examples of simple, affordable, and impactful products providers could consider offering:

Barrier Wipes
- Purpose: Prepares the skin for dressings or adhesives, helping them stick better while protecting sensitive skin. They prevent skin breakdown and improve dressing adherence.
Silicone Dressings
- Purpose: Gentle, non-allergenic wound coverage that doesn’t tear the skin upon removal. These are ideal for patients with fragile skin or chronic wounds. Reduces pain and trauma during dressing changes.
Moisturizers
- Purpose: Keeps skin hydrated and resilient. Dry, cracked skin is more prone to infection and injury—especially in patients with diabetes or limited mobility.
Saline or Hypochlorous Solutions
- Purpose: Cleanses wounds, burns, and abrasions safely and effectively. These solutions promote healing and reduce infection risk without harsh chemicals.
Transparent Dressings
- Purpose: Protects minor scrapes, burns, and surgical sites while allowing visibility without removing the dressing.
Nutritional Supplements
- Purpose: Supports healing, energy, and immune function, especially for patients with chronic illness or poor appetite.
Compression Socks
- Purpose: Improves circulation, reduces swelling, and helps prevent blood clots—especially for patients with limited mobility or vascular conditions.
Bed Pads and Underpads
- Purpose: Protects bedding and furniture from incontinence, promoting hygiene and dignity.
Cushions and Pressure Relief Pads
- Purpose: Prevents pressure ulcers for patients who are bed-bound or use wheelchairs.
No-Rinse Bathing Wipes
- Purpose: Offers a convenient hygiene solution for patients with limited mobility or post-surgery restrictions.
Skin Barrier Creams
- Purpose: Protects against moisture-related skin damage, especially in incontinence care.
Portable Nebulizers and Accessories
- Purpose: Ensures respiratory patients have access to treatment on the go.

The Bottom Line

If we know a product can help a patient, we should offer it—regardless of whether it’s covered by insurance. It’s not about upselling. It’s about up-caring. It’s about being proactive, not reactive. And it’s about treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

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