Newspoll: Provider-payer trends raise concerns over access, choice 

YARMOUTH, Maine – Larger HME providers appear to be increasingly partnering with health systems, a trend that the respondents to a recent HME Newspoll say threatens access and limits patient choice. 

Sixty percent of respondents reported seeing an increase in joint ventures or preferred agreements between larger providers and health systems in their markets. 

“From a market perspective, these consolidated relationships are reshaping referral patterns and creating barriers to entry for independent providers,” wrote one respondent. “The result is a gradual reduction in competition that may limit innovation and patient choice in certain geographic areas, especially rural areas.” 

Most recently, Apria Healthcare and Byram Healthcare, both part of the Owens & Minor family, announced they have entered into a new national provider agreement with Optum Health; and Quipt Home Medical finalized its acquisition of Hart Home Medical, in a joint venture agreement with Henry Ford Health, McLaren Health Care and Blanchard Valley Health System. 

Seventy-three percent of poll respondents report they don’t have any such arrangements, largely because they don’t have the opportunity or the resources. 

“These large companies dominate contracts and pricing, leaving little room for smaller businesses that once offered quality, personal service,” wrote one respondent. “The HME business is being destroyed and without changes to protect small providers, this consolidation will only get worse.”  

Respondents report already feeling squeezed on all sides, and they expect it to get worse. 

“Although competitive bidding isn’t active now, its return would further cut reimbursements and eliminate what’s left of independent providers,” wrote one respondent. “The result is an industry that prioritizes patients over profits.”