Consolidation creeps on, but mom-and-pops keep on rollating

We talk a lot in this industry about consolidation. This month was no different, with the specter (such a seasonal word, as I write this mid-October) of competitive bidding looming over providers large and small. 

Take our story on a recent HME Newspoll (page 3) that showed 90% of respondents believe the bidding program will further consolidate an already-shrinking industry.  

That’s certainly looking like a safe bet. Large national providers are reporting an increase in calls from companies looking for an exit strategy, as mom-and-pops reassess their futures. 

The third quarter also had us seeing providers form joint ventures with health systems (Quipt) and inking preferred provider agreements (Apria/Byram), both of which strike fear in – yes, again – smaller providers as they are shut out from potential business opportunities. 

However. HME providers have always been a resilient lot and perusing the pages of this issue highlights some of the creativity in the industry: Edwards Health Care Services is distributing gait therapy devices – a newly approved DME item – through a partnership with MedRhythms (page 9). Numotion has launched the LMN Navigator, a technology platform aimed at creating an easier, more efficient documentation process (page 12). 

I’m also seeing lots of community involvement from providers large and small: Viemed’s investment in a university respiratory lab (page 9). National Seating & Mobility’s ADA-sponsorship of a music festival (page 13). 

So it’s not all gloom and doom out there. 

But, back to the mom-and-pops. During my most recent visit to Cape Cod to visit my own mom, we finally(!) got her a rollator. Watching her test drive a three-wheeler and a four-wheeler in the showroom, it was like she was able to walk again, despite crippling knee pain. So, a shout-out to Independence HomeHealthWares in Yarmouth, Mass. You had what we needed, in stock and showed us how to work all the features (most of which we remember!). We’ll remember and recommend YOU. 

And allow me to share a photo of mom with her new rollator, christened Vivian.