I'm looking to see what it takes to start a small DME company. I do not want to cover medicare, just aetna, UHC and BCBS. Therefore I do not believe it will be as tough as I do not have to follow the medicare guidelines, and hopefully be able to run it out of my house. I would love some feedback.

I own a DME company out of Texas, so I went through this every step. Although my company is accredited and Medicare certified. It should be some what simple. You need to form either a DBA or a corporation, get a tax id # and a NPI. Carry the required liablity insurance requirments and then apply for the contracts that you want. The problem is two fold. Some private insurances require the DME company to follow Medicare guidlines and most of the private insurance companies will be closed to new DME companies. E-mail me if I can answer any other questions. gstevens@orthoadvance.com

I am also thinking about starting one.But the consulting company asking $7500.00.Is it worth to pay that much or you think i can do this myself.Kindly reply.thanks.

you can do anything yourself. in this day in age, if a consultant is asking for 7500 to do anything, they are seriously overpricing. if you look hard enough on the internet, you can lower the price of almost anything. it just depends on how much time you have to obtain the info you need.

I was a programmer for many years, so I know how bad the internet can be for sustaining a good standard of living in the country, but if you're business smart, you will use it to cut a cost like this at least in half.

I also believe that companies that charge these high fees stay in business because of the elite population in the country. it just really depends on how much money you have at your disposal. Elite folks don't care about free information because they don't need it.

another thing to add is the fact that automation is really taking away a lot of technical jobs. unfortunate, but it happens. i don't know anything about DME, but i'm sure it's lucrative (unless medicare is cut of course). if you want to spend money that's really worth it, do make sure you are getting some political clout out of it. As, good human connections and a good image in the healthcare community. computers can't do THAT sort of stuff. But then again, elite folks aren't going to share the secrets without a little bit of green in return. =)

DME consulting can cost an arm and a leg.My consulting fees with start up training was about $3000k and that included my travel to New Jersey to attend the training with PMCS, medicalstaffingmanuals.com. Their services were good but wished it was cheaper. I think is always best to shop around. It seems every company sets its own price for consulting fees. There should be some type of regulation in this area. any thoughts?

I am a Medicare biller for a DME company. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. Medicare's reimbursement on things such as ostomy supplies are not as high as say tens units, some loose money others bill unassigned...! However, Medicare is usually the number one ins. patient's have in this day and age Medicare Advantage plans are coming up in numbers as well. Medicare is a must really, dont be worried though just much. Having a great and highly recommended biller is your biggest asset.!! Do your homework throughly..!

I am a Medicare biller for a DME company. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. Medicare's reimbursement on things such as ostomy supplies are not as high as say tens units, some loose money others bill unassigned...! However, Medicare is usually the number one ins. patient's have in this day and age Medicare Advantage plans are coming up in numbers as well. Medicare is a must really, dont be worried though just much. Having a great and highly recommended biller is your biggest asset.!! Do your homework throughly..! Good Luck..!

Can you do 3rd Party Billing for DME with out getting lic? I was thinking of LLC(ing) then get a billing company to charge say 12 - 15 percent for billing. Is that legal? I know you cannot do that with medicare, but wasn't sure about private ins. Please let me know

Hello JD,

We run a small Medical billing service, can you give us more information on how to get into DME billing. We are located in NJ, and will be grateful if you can point us in the right direction.

Thanks
Respond back to ashbritan@yahoo.com

I would love to hear more input on this subject

Dependant upon the state you live in for the licensing requirements.
City County State license requirements are set by your area. You can go to CBIC web site and type in state licensing requirements and it will take you to a map of the us, select your state, and depending upon the equipment you want ot supply will tell you which license you need. I am in Al and city, county, state license is required. You also need a DME license unless you are located in a Hospital setting. If you are going to supply oxygen you will need a State Board of Pharmacy license. Most companies now require 1m/3m in liability insurance. Medicare required accreditation and surety bonds (50,000 per location). There are many regulatory guidelines for DME. Definately not for the faint of heart. Guidelines are tough for billing as well. I would look long and hard before I ventured into this business. If you dont follwo the guidelines the penalities are stiff. Look at OIG website. Hope this helps...

Hi Matt

Good luck with your DME start up. I am from Equinox o2 Medical. We specialize in NPWT pumps and dressings. If you decide to do NPWT services, just send me a message. I'll forward my brochures and price list.

Happy Holidays
gary_schear@yahoo.com

Hi
I live in Dallas TX and want to start aDME company .I am looking for a consultant to assist with the start up process. Can anyone recommend a good consultant or firm that specializes in DME start ups?
Thanks

call TY Bello at 260-438-1089 he has been in DME for 20 years and he is reasonable.

Geoff,

Would you be interested in diversifying? We are a genetic and toxicology laboratory that services physicians to help monitor prescribed medications.

If you are in the Pain Management, Ortho, Primary Care or OB/GYN world...you may have the relationships established to be successful in this space.

Email me for more information!

No Boundaries,
Mark

PS: I'm based in Fort Worth
www.pcls.com

a few things you might be overlooking.

Insurers including Medicare may require you to have a commercial place of business, not run it out of your home.

Especially if you carry anything classified as "pharma" Each state then also has physical and location requirements before you get licensed.

Keep in mind that Medicare is going (has gone) to competitive bid for certain geographies, and expect aetna et al to follow suit.

Write a business plan, do your research, then discuss it with others in the business.

Hi !

We are the best DME billing company. We work on all claims & items. Billing, ICD / DX compatibility, Follow up's, appeals, medicare audits.. We charge reasonable @ 7% or per Full time employee basis.

I can be contacted directly at sheo.parvat@knackglobal.com .

Regards,
Sheo Dutt

I would like to speak with you at your earliest convenience, please call me at 606 309-6891.

im looking to start a DME company in south texas. I need orientation on How to start and about how much it would cost me. Plus ive heard theres companies that help you with a complete start up assistance. If anybody could provide me a number for this company i would appreciate it. Any info !!

If you want a quick start, our new patented pain control device is an easy sell without Medicare. Cost is not the issue for these suffering patients.80% of severe chronic pain patients purchase after simple demo without questions. 100% of patients continue use with complete success. See our product at cpreliefwand.com. Contact me for details.

I own a dme for 25 years it is not for the faint of heart. Or wallet!!!
Read read and don't be scared as I used to be of Medicare. It's regulated. But after a year I have found they have all the tool. They want dme companies that understand medical necessity. And have so many programs and learning networks. The referrals are the hard part. Ama consulting helps start ups every day and she is amazing Angela Austin. Ask questions. And read. There wasn't Google when o started and I wish you all the best. Learn all the medical terms you'll need them and reach out to your states board of pharmacy they can help.

what cit are you living at jen----------------------------
> I am also thinking about starting one.But the
> consulting company asking $7500.00.Is it worth to
> pay that much or you think i can do this
> myself.Kindly reply.thanks.

what city are you plan to operate the dme . my email jasonchenz1234@gmail.com
thank you

Hello!
I am thinking of starting a DME company in MA but have no idea where to start. I know you have been doing this for years, is there any advice to starting this up? What accreditations? Licenses? How much money to start? Educational background, i.e do you need a nursing degree to start this? Would it be possible to start with online and work out of the home or does a store front need to be present? Should I start with only a few specific items?

Sorry to bother you,
Thank you for your time!

Alicia

I'm interested in starting a DME business and also like to know more about the NPWT Pumps. Are NPWT Pumps in demand & can u make a good return from them ?

I'm interested in starting a DME business and also like to know more about the NPWT Pumps. Are NPWT Pumps in demand & can u make a good return from them ?

Hello
When I do obtain a distributorship for a medical supply that is already Medicare Certfied would I need to be a Medicare contractor in order to sell/supply this product to DME retailers? I am interested in distributorship but not necessarily operating a DME outlet.
I would appreciate some helpful info. Thanks!
Riaave@yahoo.com

hi I am also looking to start up a dme company... I have gotten as far as the permits and the building.. but I have hit a wall when it came to the accreditation and medicare start up... did you ever find and companies that can help you/ complete the whole start up process for a decent price?

Getting a distributorship for dme items today is not nearly as easy as it was ten or twenty years ago. The model has changed significantly. You would need minimum purchase requirements and deep pockets to start. I've been distributing dme items from cervical/back down to ankles since the late 80's and I'll tell you it's a different world today.