The Top 15 Products of 2015

Each month, HomeCare takes a look at some of the latest and most innovative products on the market. We also seek out market experts in various segments to provide insight and guidance into reimbursement, retail marketing, regulations and more. Our top 15 product categories from 2015 are diverse and show readers’ growing interest in retail products over Medicare reimbursable items. However, as our top product category, Portable Oxygen, reveals, Medicare reimbursable items still make up a large segment of the market.

1. Portable Oxygen

As a result of competitive bidding, reimbursement is down significantly, although demand for oxygen services remains steady. Operating within the current system requires home oxygen providers to be innovative, efficient, low-cost operators. Product developments include better oxygen output in smaller, lighter packages; improved durability and reliability with limited service and maintenance needs. Read more.

2. Lifts & Ramps

If you're buying a wheelchair or scooter, it's 99 percent likely that you will need a ramp or lift, whether to get into your home, to accommodate a step down into a room, or even to transition across a threshold. Many people don't know where to go for ramps or lifts, and HME/DME dealers are on the front line of solving this problem. Read more.

3. Better Solutions for the Bath

Improvements in bath safety products help older adults live safe, independent lives while also helping HME providers find cash sales and gain valuable long-term customers. Read more.

4. Sleep Therapy: A Challenging And Growing Market

Though providers face significant odds, out-of-the-box thinking could stabilize—and potentially increase—revenue. Read more.

5. Incontinence & Skin Care

Most people do not understand that the skin has many roles. From the thinnest skin (around the eyes) to the thickest skin (on the hands and soles of the feet), skin provides protection, temperature regulation and helps with metabolism. Caregivers need to have an understanding of why skin is so important and how to properly care for it. Read more.

6. If the Shoe Fits...

Highly customized products with mass-market appeal can help make HME providers a popular footwear resource for the modern, style-savvy consumer. Read more.

7. Power Wheelchairs

The power wheelchair market is thriving despite competitive bidding—consumers want customized retail products with innovative technology. Stay on top of the trends by arming yourself with the appropriate knowledge, and then pass it on to your customers. Our insiders let you in on the secrets to succeeding in this important segment of HME products. Read more.

8. Easing the Burden of Finding Relief for Chronic Pain

Take advantage of out-of-the-box thinking to increase profits and find loyal customers. Read more.

9. Sleep & Breathing Care

The biggest trend in the sleep disorders and breathing care market is toward a total solution, along with cash sales and a push for customer data and compliance. Payment is more often based on a demonstrated outcome. Enabling the broader approach are new technologies in the area of patient monitoring and engagement. Using these tools and applications enables providers to serve patients efficiently while achieving better compliance. Read more.

10. Orthopedic Softgoods

The orthopedic softgoods and O&P markets are more important than ever for HME providers, as aging adults seek solutions to help them remain more active. Because sports injuries know no age limit, there is room for expansion of sales to a younger demographic as well. All of our experts agree that education is a prime area in which providers can excel; product technology is booming, so learn about the market and what it can offer your business, then watch your cash sales soar to new heights. Read more.

11. Scooters

As consumers seek more active lifestyles, scooters can help contribute to the HME provider's retail sales bottom line. Customers are looking for higher-end options with more features and benefits, and products at these price points translate to better margins for the dealer. A vibrant, growing retail market is right there waiting for astute providers to get moving. Read more.

12. Applying More Than a Bandage to Seating Problems

The first step is to treat the cause of postural problems, not just the symptoms. Read more.

13. Compression

Almost every one can benefit from wearing compression products, which makes compression socks and other accessories the perfect add-on sale opportunity for HME providers. There are many variables to consider when deciding which types of products to carry in your store. Our question-and-answer session with top players in this growing market will help you decide what questions to consider before making decisions about what products to offer your customers. Read more.

14. A Solution to Better Sleep

Educate yourself and staff so you can help customers sleep soundly with high-end products. Read more.

15. Medication Management

Focusing on building skills and confidence—as well as advising on smart and accessible technology—will strengthen your role as a leader in the industry. Read more. To see the other Top 15 of 2015 articles, click here. Do you have ideas for topics we should cover in 2016? Email Stephanie Lepore at slepore@cahabamedia.com.