Orthopedists seek new revenue source

In an effort to boost income, orthopedic clinics are looking to add an ancillary service to their practices: selling and providing durable medical equipment on site to patients. Potentially, this could bring a $3,000 to $10,000 per month per doctor, says advocates of the new setup.

However, there are numerous hurdles involved, including making sure you have someone on staff who can handle the constant checklist of guidelines and details. You also need to keep in mind the Stark rules and the Medicare/Medicaid anti- kickback statute. But orthopedists are at least investigating this option.

DME can be a lucrative solution, said Gregory J. Simms, president of Creeker Medical LLC in Cave Creek, Ariz., during his presentation at the BONES Society annual conference. It is legal for doctors, clinics and ambulatory surgical centers to dispense DME as long as they follow the rules, he said.

“Even the law says that it is in the patient’s best interest to receive this equipment directly from their doctor,” he said. “Plus, it provides a great new revenue stream.”

Orthopedic clinics can dispense durable medical equipment for additional revenue [Via Orthopedics Today]

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