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

Published in Member Communities on July 29, 2025

By Heather Trumm, Partner Account Manager, VGM & Associates

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. However, there is a significant challenge we face—offering patients the full range of products that could truly help them. 

This challenge often arises because certain items are classified as “cash-only” and are not covered by insurance. When we are unable to offer beneficial products due to reimbursement issues, it limits our ability to enhance patient outcomes and reduce complications. Our commitment to patient care remains strong, but financial constraints can hinder our efforts to provide the best possible support.

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. 
  • Available through: Medline, McKesson, Dermarite, Solventum, Cardinal Health at-Home
• 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. 
  • Available through: Medline, McKesson, Dermarite, Solventum, Cardinal Health at-Home, Sunset Healthcare Solutions
• 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. 
  • Available through: Medline, McKesson, Dermarite, Solventum, Cardinal Health at-Home
• Saline or Hypochlorous Solutions 
  • Purpose: Cleanses wounds, burns, and abrasions safely and effectively. These solutions promote healing and reduce infection risk without harsh chemicals. 
  • Available through: Medline, McKesson, Dermarite, Solventum, Cardinal Health at-Home
• Transparent Dressings 
  • Purpose: Protects minor scrapes, burns, and surgical sites while allowing visibility without removing the dressing. 
  • Available through: Medline, McKesson, Dermarite, Solventum
• Nutritional Supplements 
  • Purpose: Supports healing, energy, and immune function, especially for patients with chronic illness or poor appetite. 
  • Available through: Abbott, Nestle
• Compression Socks 
  • Purpose: Improves circulation, reduces swelling, and helps prevent blood clots—especially for patients with limited mobility or vascular conditions. 
  • Available through: Therafirm/Thuasne, PEL
• Bed Pads and Underpads 
  • Purpose: Protects bedding and furniture from incontinence, promoting hygiene and dignity. 
  • Available through: Medline, McKesson, Direct Supply, Cardinal Health at-Home, Attindas, Lake Court
• Cushions and Pressure Relief Pads 
  • Purpose: Prevents pressure ulcers for patients who are bed-bound or use wheelchairs. 
  • Available through: Permobil, Immersus, Great Life Healthcare, Lake Court, Direct Supply, Sunrise Medical, 5 Minds Mobility Group, Span America
• No-Rinse Bathing Wipes 
  • Purpose: Offers a convenient hygiene solution for patients with limited mobility or post-surgery restrictions. 
  • Available through: McKesson, Medline, Cardinal Health at-Home
• Skin Barrier Creams 
  • Purpose: Protects against moisture-related skin damage, especially in incontinence care. 
  • Available through: McKesson, Medline, Solventum, Cardinal Health at-Home
• Portable Nebulizers and Accessories 
  • Purpose: Ensures respiratory patients have access to treatment on the go. 
  • Available through: Medline, McKesson, Cardinal Health at-Home, GEMCO, Direct Supply, Sunset Healthcare Solutions

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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