Healthcare giant Optum is aiming to streamline access to durable medical equipment (DME) for patients with the launch of DME Navigator. Unveiled on Tuesday by Optum Insight, the digital program promises a faster and more efficient process for obtaining DME.
“Ensuring patients have timely access to DME is a growing challenge,” said Beth Merle, senior vice president for affordability and value enablement at Optum, in a press release. “DME Navigator will help health plans and DME suppliers deliver the equipment patients need more quickly and affordably.”
DME Navigator empowers clinicians to digitally order products, potentially filling orders 90% faster according to Optum. The platform integrates with electronic health records, connecting providers with DME suppliers within their existing workflow and encompassing over 3,000 locations nationwide.
Optum is committed to further expanding access by adding suppliers in rural areas and addressing distribution limitations. The solution also incorporates key evidence-based criteria, allowing healthcare teams to make informed decisions on the most beneficial DME options for each patient.
The program prioritizes meeting patients’ needs within the comfort of their homes, aligning with the growing preference for home-based care. Optum is collaborating with CareCentrix, a leading home health company, to facilitate this aspect of the initiative.
The DME market is projected for significant growth, reaching an estimated $93 billion by 2030. Optum attributes this trend to the aging population and rising chronic disease rates, with 60% of Americans currently managing at least one chronic condition. DME Navigator aims to meet this growing demand by optimizing the DME procurement process for all stakeholders – patients, providers, health plans, and suppliers.
