Fastrack shoots to charge up sleep biz

PLAINVIEW, N.Y. - Fastrack Healthcare Systems recently formed a new strategic partnership to help providers reduce the costs associated with replenishing CPAP supplies.

The partnership paves the way for system integration between Fastrack and Houston-based cpapdropship.com, a CPAP patient compliance service and equipment supply subcontractor. Under the arrangement, Fastrack automates the order entry and confirmation process, generating an electronic purchase order in the cpapdropship.com system.

"With the pressure on reimbursement rates, using a fully automated drop ship service is a way to compete, remain profitable and still provide high quality customer service," said Fastrack President Spencer Kay. "This alliance gives providers the ability to reduce inventory costs as well as overall operating costs for CPAP supplies while helping to improve patient compliance."

Patient follow-up and parts replacement often prove troublesome for sleep providers. That's why cpapdropship.com subcontracts with HME companies for this segment of the market, said general manager Jason Holzman.

"Following up with CPAP patients is a time-consuming and costly expense for providers," he said. "Turning your follow-up service into a program that improves compliance and increases revenue can be even more challenging--that's where we come in. We have sleep specialists who are experts in troubleshooting over the phone and have a proven track record of sending out the correct supplies the first time around."

Even though orders and shipments are handled behind the scenes, the provider's name and logo is featured prominently on the packing slip, Kay said.

"All the HME provider has to do is process the billing--no inventory or shipping concerns," he said. "We are very impressed with cpapdropship.com's record of success in increasing providers' revenue and reducing operating costs."

The software integration is free for Fastrack customers, though Holzman says cpapdropship.com "wants to work with any provider serving CPAP patients."