Growing Your DME Business: What is an Ostomy?

Published in Member Communities on December 28, 2022

Heather Trumm

By Heather Trumm, Director, VGM Wound Care

Many times, we as DME businesses work with patients that have an ostomy and may not know exactly what it entails or the reason for the ostomy.   

An ostomy is a surgically-created opening (stoma) that causes a change in the way urine or stool exits the body. The stoma is located on the abdomen and, generally, a pouching system is worn over top of the stoma to collect the urine or stool.1 

There may be multiple reasons why a person has an ostomy, some of which include cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, birth defect, diverticulitis, or other medical conditions.  

The following are the most common types of ostomies we see, but not limited to:   

  • Ileostomy – a surgically-created opening from the small intestine (ileum) brought out through the abdominal wall to form a stoma. This bypasses the colon, rectum, and anus, and it could be temporary or permanent.   
  • Colostomy – a surgically-created opening from the large intestine that is brought out through the abdominal wall to form a stoma. This bypasses the rectum and the anus. 
  • Urostomy – A surgical procedure that diverts urine away from the bladder. Generally, a portion of the small bowel is used as a conduit for urine to pass from the kidneys to the outside of the body through a stoma.   

Today, there are many tools and resources that patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals have access to in aiding in the management of ostomies. For example, the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Society has an “Ostomy DME Provider Checklist,” along with a guidance document regarding the various uses of the checklist. There are multiple reasons the checklist was created. Take a look at the attached and please tell your patients about this very useful tool.   

For DME businesses looking to expand their offerings, these ostomy “basics” can help you get started on this particular area of wound care. Stay tuned for upcoming ostomy blogs, where we will dive into the various types of appliances and their function in relation to ostomies. For any questions, feel free to reach out to me at heather.trumm@vgm.com. 

1. United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. What is an Ostomy? United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. website. Accessed December 2, 2022. ostomy.org/what-is-an-ostomy/ 


TAGS

  1. vgm
  2. wound care

From Our Experts

A Letter From the President: June 2025 thumbnail A Letter From the President: June 2025 Lindy Tentinger shares information on the VGM Heartland Conference, competitive bidding, new tools, and more. The Latest in Billing & Reimbursement from Ronda Buhrmester: Oxygen Equipment Updates and Reminders thumbnail The Latest in Billing & Reimbursement from Ronda Buhrmester: Oxygen Equipment Updates and Reminders Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, shares updates on oxygen equipment groups. Maximize Your Heartland Experience: Tips, Tools, & Must-Knows thumbnail Maximize Your Heartland Experience: Tips, Tools, & Must-Knows Here's everything you need to know to ensure a smooth, successful, and unforgettable Heartland experience. Maximize Your Heartland Experience: Tips, Tools, & Must-Knows thumbnail Maximize Your Heartland Experience: Tips, Tools, & Must-Knows Here's everything you need to know to ensure a smooth, successful, and unforgettable Heartland experience. 2025 O&P Woman of the Year Nominations Now Open thumbnail 2025 O&P Woman of the Year Nominations Now Open The nomination period for the 2025 O&P Woman of the Year Award is open now through July 11. This award is open to all women who work in the O&P profession. Understanding the Value of ATP Certification and ATP Academy thumbnail Understanding the Value of ATP Certification and ATP Academy Becoming an ATP is a popular path often taken by occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapy assistants (OTAs), physical therapy assistants (PTAs), and wheelchair technicians. With an ATP certification, one can both fill the needs of suppliers to sell certain wheelchairs and demonstrate that they have the skills and knowledge to complete their job as defined by the leading authority in the credentialing industry. Mobility Awareness Month: Celebrating the Impact of Mobility Providers thumbnail Mobility Awareness Month: Celebrating the Impact of Mobility Providers May is Mobility Awareness Month, a time recognizing the importance of mobility solutions, the professionals who provide them, and those who rely on them. Mobility Awareness Month: Celebrating the Impact of Mobility Providers thumbnail Mobility Awareness Month: Celebrating the Impact of Mobility Providers May is Mobility Awareness Month, a time recognizing the importance of mobility solutions, the professionals who provide them, and those who rely on them.