VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

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

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

The Cost of Not Doing Your Due Diligence When Considering a New Billing System thumbnail The Cost of Not Doing Your Due Diligence When Considering a New Billing System For providers large and small, a reliable, accurate, and efficient billing system is essential for ensuring smooth, financial transactions and maintaining healthy cash flow. Bipartisan Medicare O&P Bill Introduced thumbnail Bipartisan Medicare O&P Bill Introduced In a timely move ahead of next week's NAAOP Legislative Fly-In, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act, a bill aimed at improving access to high-quality orthotic and prosthetic care for Medicare beneficiaries. The Patient-Centered Care Act seeks to address critical gaps in Medicare coverage for orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) services. Under current rules, beneficiaries may receive devices without the necessary clinical services Meet the VGM Live at Home Team! thumbnail Meet the VGM Live at Home Team! The first half of 2025 has brought exciting developments and fresh momentum to Live at Home, underscored by the integration of the VGM Member Success Team. Customization, Communication, and Clinical Strength: The Indie Edge in Complex Rehab thumbnail Customization, Communication, and Clinical Strength: The Indie Edge in Complex Rehab Independent complex rehab providers say they are differentiating themselves with product customization and referral and patient engagement. The Rising Cost of Doing Business in the Mobility and Complex Rehab Technology Industry thumbnail The Rising Cost of Doing Business in the Mobility and Complex Rehab Technology Industry This article delves into concerns of rising costs in the mobility and complex rehab technology (CRT) industry and explores potential strategies to mitigate their impact. Empowering Patients and Caregivers: Advocacy and Education thumbnail Empowering Patients and Caregivers: Advocacy and Education Whether it's a safety bed, mobility aid, or a respiratory device, healthcare providers' roles extend beyond equipment delivery—we are educators, advocates, and allies. Staffing Ratios and Compensation Insights for U.S. Rehab Members and CRT Dealers thumbnail Staffing Ratios and Compensation Insights for U.S. Rehab Members and CRT Dealers This report provides insights into team structures and pay for key roles like ATPs, service technicians, and billing personnel. Marketing: Embrace the Happy Customer thumbnail Marketing: Embrace the Happy Customer In today's hyper-connected world, customer satisfaction isn't just a metric—it's a marketing engine.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Become a Member