How We Help You with Insurance Requirements for Medical Supplies

How We Help You with Insurance Requirements for Medical Supplies

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So, you just received a prescription for medical supplies, and it’s time to file the insurance claim. You might be wondering what comes next—and what all the requirements mean.

Terms like doctor’s orders or extra paperwork from your doctor, such as a Certificate of Medical Necessity’s (CMNs)or Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN), can feel overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with them. That’s where Home Care Delivered comes in. We’ll help you understand what’s needed and guide you through the process.

Trying to figure it out alone can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, making sense of insurance paperwork is something we do every day. And we’re happy to help make it easier for you.

Why Does My Insurance Ask for Paperwork?

In most cases, insurance companies ask for paperwork that shows a medical need for the product. Every plan is different, but what matters most is making sure those requirements are met so your claim can be processed and reimbursed.

That’s where our team comes in. We’re experts when it comes to understanding these requirements, and we make sure they’re properly met.

How We Make It Easier:

The first step is understanding what your insurance plan requires. Our team is made up of experts who know the ins and outs of commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid — which can vary depending on your state.

We verify your information quickly and accurately, so we can start preparing your order right away.

We also work closely with your doctor’s office to make things easier for them — and faster for you. Our team provides clear guidance on what paperwork is needed, so your doctor knows exactly what to send. That means fewer delays and less time spent tracking down missing forms.

Why It All Matters to You:

Understanding insurance requirements helps us serve you better. Because we know what each plan needs, we can start working on your order right away.

That means less stress for you—and faster delivery. In fact, most orders ship within 48 hours.

Our attention to detail has earned us perfect scores from the Community Health Accreditation Partner, a rare achievement in our industry. But what matters most is the difference it makes for you.

There’s no question that accuracy and attention to detail take extra effort, but it’s certainly worth the reward. The commitment provides our customers and referrers with a much better experience, and we’re proud of the positive difference it makes.

variety of medical supply categories diabetes incontinence ostomy wound

Living with a chronic condition that requires medical supplies?

Let us help you get the products you need — delivered discreetly to your door.

Many people manage ongoing health conditions, and the right medical supplies can make all the difference. The team at HCD works with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to support a wide range of needs, including urological, ostomy, diabetes, and wound care. We’ll help ensure you get the supplies you need to manage your condition with confidence.

Call 866-938-3906 to see if you qualify or reach out through our Contact Us form by selecting “An individual looking to see if I or a loved one qualifies for medical supplies.”

A Guide to Bedsores – What They Are and How To Treat Them

A Guide to Bedsores – What They Are and How To Treat Them

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Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, are a common injury suffered by individuals whose mobility prevents them from being able to change their body position for extended periods of time. The resulting pressure damages the skin, causing painful sores to develop.

According to the CDC and NPIAP, 23% of people in long-term care facilities will experience pressure injuries or bedsores at some point during their care. These injuries affect more than 2.5 million people annually.

Aside from the discomfort and pain they cause, bedsores also are fairly susceptible to infections, which is why it’s important to know how to both identify and prevent them. The first step is simply to understand what they are how and they form.

What are Bedsores?

Bedsores occur when pressure is put on the skin for a prolonged period of time. They often develop in places where the body makes contact with some kind of surface, such as a bed or chair. Some common injury sites include the heels, hips, buttocks, shoulders, elbow, and the back of the head.
There are four stages of bedsores:

  • Stage 1 – The skin is red and painful, but not open. The area around the sore often feels warmer and a little swollen.
  • Stage 2 – The skin is open, usually red or pink, forming a shallow ulcer or a wound. The wound may also blister. The Bedsore penetrates deeper than the surface, affecting more layers of the skin.
  • Stage 3 – The ulcer or wound area expands even further, and affects the tissue beneath the skin.
  • Stage 4 – The ulcer depth reaches the bone and muscle. These Bedsores are highly susceptible to more severe infections and medical complications.

Most bedsores that people experience are either stage 1 or 2, but more severe can develop if left untreated. The absolute best way to treat an existing bedsore is to contact a healthcare provider immediately. Healthcare professionals will assess the wound and determine the best course of action for recovery.

Preventing Bedsores

The good news about bedsores is that there is a lot that can be done to help prevent them. A few simple practices can help keep them from ever becoming a problem, so try to integrate these as part of your normal care routine.

  • Change Position – Bedsores occur as a result of too much pressure in a single spot, so relieving that pressure is key. The easiest way to do it is simply by changing positions. Move the body so that pressure does not build in a single place for too long, and give the body plenty of time to recover before moving back to a previous position. For the best protection, shift position multiple times per day.
  • Use Soft Barriers – Changing position sometimes may be difficult (for example, when sleeping), so a great alternative is to use very soft barriers as a way to absorb some of the pressure. Pillows are an excellent choice. Use pillows to prop up areas where pressure may build, such as the head, the heels, and back.
  • Keep the Skin Dry – Moisture plays a big role in skin irritation and breakdown, so keeping it nice and dry will go a long way to preventing bedsores. Make sure that sweat and other liquids are gently wiped away from the body.
  • Stay Moving – Motion can help keep bedsores from developing, so, if possible, perform little movements throughout the day. They don’t need to be strenuous; just try to reach a full range of motion so that pressure is relieved.

Remember that the best approach to dealing with bedsores is to catch them early and take action quickly. Prevention is the first line of defense, but if you do notice something that could be a bedsore, you should contact a doctor immediately. Staying ahead of the issue will lead to much healthier and happier quality of life. If you struggle with incontinence, you may be at a higher risk of developing bedsores or other skin conditions. Learn more about incontinence-related skin conditions and how to prevent them.

Supplies needed to treat bedsores, and other wound supplies, could be covered by Medicaid. Call us at (866) 938-3906 to find out more.

image collage of different wound care medical supplies

Living with a chronic condition that requires medical supplies?

Let us help you get the products you need — delivered discreetly to your door.

Many people manage ongoing health conditions, and the right medical supplies can make all the difference. The team at HCD works with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to support a wide range of needs, including urological, ostomy, diabetes, and wound care. We’ll help ensure you get the supplies you need to manage your condition with confidence.

Call 866-938-3906 to see if you qualify or reach out through our Contact Us form by selecting “An individual looking to see if I or a loved one qualifies for medical supplies.”

Ostomy Skin Care: How to Help Prevent Irritation

Ostomy Skin Care: How to Help Prevent Irritation

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Skin irritation is a common issue that concerns people with ostomy systems. Pouching systems and output both can cause itching and burning of the skin, but the good news is that preventing these issues is fairly simple. The key thing to remember about ostomy skin care is simply to treat the skin delicately. Be gentle with the pouching system and take the time to attach and remove it properly. It’s also important to understand how the skin should be cleaned.

Here are some helpful tips that will help reduce the chances of skin damage and irritation:

Protecting Skin with the Right Ostomy Supplies

Great ostomy skin care begins with a well-fitted and comfortable pouching system. The right fit and proper attachment will prevent most skin issues. A healthcare provider or ostomy nurse can help determine what model will work best, so be sure to ask. Once that’s determined, follow these tips to prevent future skin issues:

  • Try to avoid wrinkles in the skin barrier. Wrinkles may lead to leakage, which could also cause irritation. A good way to prevent this is to keep the skin smooth and taut when applying the skin barrier.
  • Do not wait until the pouch is completely full to empty it. The additional weight can pull on the skin barrier and disrupt the seal, causing leakage and irritation. Instead, empty the pouch when it is 1/3 to ½ full.
  • Check the skin for irritation and breakdown every time you change the pouching system. You can use mirror to check the skin under the stoma. If there are any signs of breakdown or irritation, then report them to a healthcare professional.
  • If you do notice leakage, change the pouching system immediately. Do not try to patch it with tape or paste.
  • If itching or burning occurs under the skin barrier, remove the pouching system and examine the skin for leakage or skin breakdown. Speak to a healthcare provider about possible solutions.

Ostomy Skin Care while Removing the Pouch:

Sometimes, skin irritation can occur when removing both the pouch and skin barrier. The best way to avoid this is to simply be patient and careful. The skin barrier is attached using a fairly strong adhesive, so rushing the process of removal can damage the skin beneath it.

  • First, gently loosen and lift the edge of the pouching system with one hand while pushing down on the skin near the skin barrier with the other hand.
  • Once the edge is loosened, slowly peel the skin barrier away from the skin, starting at the top. This will allow any trapped drainage to collect into the pouch.
  • Work slowly. Do not “rip off” the skin barrier, as this can damage the skin and cause irritation.
  • Some people find it helpful to use an adhesive remover when removing the pouching system. This is perfectly fine to do; however, it’s very important that all of the adhesive remover is washed away with soap and water, and the skin is patted dry before another skin barrier is reattached.

How to Clean Skin Around Your Stoma Safely

Another important part of ostomy skin care is proper cleaning the skin around the stoma. In most cases, only warm water and either a washcloth or soft paper towel are necessary to adequately clean the area. Some may prefer to use other materials and soaps, and for those individuals, it’s important to be aware of a few important tips:

  • If soap is used to clean the skin around the stoma, then make sure it’s a soap that is mild and does not contain a lot of oil or other moisturizers. These can prevent the skin barrier from staying on the skin.
  • Thoroughly rinse all of the soap from the skin before reattaching the pouching system; soap can interfere with the way the pouch connects to the body.
  • Do not use alcohol or other strong chemicals to clean the skin or stoma. These can dry out the skin and lead to irritation.
  • Always dry the skin very well before attaching a new pouching system. A clean, absorbent towel or a hair dryer set to a cool temperature are excellent options for making sure that all water is removed.
  • Do not use moistened towelettes, baby wipes, or anything that contains lanolin or other oils. These will keep the skin barrier from staying on the skin.
  • Unless recommended by a healthcare provider, refrain from applying powders or creams to the skin around the stoma. Powders and creams can interfere with the skin barrier’s ability to adhere to the body.
  • Above all else, makes sure that a healthcare physician or an Ostomy nurse is updated on any irritation that may occur.

Ostomy skin care is unique to each individual, so it’s important to seek advice with someone who is familiar with the situation. Did you know your ostomy supplies could be covered by Medicaid? Call us to find out more! And check out our Ostomy Fact Sheets. We’re happy to help!

variety of medical supply categories diabetes incontinence ostomy wound

Living with a chronic condition that requires medical supplies?

Let us help you get the products you need — delivered discreetly to your door.

Many people manage ongoing health conditions, and the right medical supplies can make all the difference. The team at HCD works with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to support a wide range of needs, including urological, ostomy, diabetes, and wound care. We’ll help ensure you get the supplies you need to manage your condition with confidence.

Call 866-938-3906 to see if you qualify or reach out through our Contact Us form by selecting “An individual looking to see if I or a loved one qualifies for medical supplies.”

New Caregiver Tips: How To Provide The Best Care For Your Loved Ones

New Caregiver Tips: How To Provide The Best Care For Your Loved Ones

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The first thing that you need to know about becoming a caregiver is this: You’re doing a wonderful thing. Giving part of your life so that another can live theirs is an amazing gift. Yes, the responsibility is huge, and it involves a lot of change, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience.

As you begin you caregiver journey, it’s important to be aware of some crucial tips that will help you provide the best care you can. Here are some caregiver tips that can help as you prepare to take on your new role.

Be Empathetic:

One of the best things you can give to the person you’re caring for is empathy. Understanding their feelings, the new challenges they face, and the limitations their needs put on their lives will go a long way, helping them to maintain their dignity through the adjustment.

Encouragement and enthusiasm are good ways to do this. Demonstrate your support by listening to them and acknowledging their feelings. Be genuine when you communicate. A big part of being a caregiver is not just helping with day-to-day tasks, but also helping the individual feel dignified and confident.

Be Patient:

For many people, the need for a caregiver is a not an easy adjustment. It’s difficult to acknowledge that loss of independence, and some take longer than others to get there. Until they do, you may experience some resistance to your help.

When this happens, try to be patient. Remember that they are going through a major life change, and it may take a while to accept. Your assistance will not always be met with appreciation, but don’t let that dishearten you. The care you provide is still an amazing and important gift, even if it goes unrecognized.

Be Firm:

One of the tough balancing acts you’ll have to manage as a caregiver is between patience and firmness. While it’s very important to be patient, there will be times when a little assertiveness is going to be necessary in order to provide the help that’s needed. The person you care for may not like it but remember that you are there to do what is best for them.

The best strategy for being firm is to first demonstrate how much you care. People respond better to confrontation when they know it comes from sincerity. If they believe that your actions will genuinely serve their well-being, there’s a much better chance that they’ll accept your help.

Acknowledge Your Limitations:

It may be tough to do, but acknowledging your own limitations is an important part to being a good caregiver. Overreaching is a common problem that caregivers face, and those who do tend to become too exhausted to continue providing the best care possible. It’s better for both you and the person you care for to recognize your own restraints before they cause future problems.

Start by identifying the areas that you may think you need help with. If time is an issue, then find someone who can help fill in when you need it. If there are care needs you’re not sure how to perform, talk with a healthcare professional about possible solutions. It’s never wrong to admit you can’t’ do it alone; the reality is that nobody can, so get support when you need it.

Make a Schedule:

Becoming a caregiver means new responsibilities that demand more of your time. For people who have busy lives, finding that time can be extremely difficult. That’s why making a schedule is so important; it will help remove some of that stress and allow you to follow a daily routine with confidence that you can accomplish what you need to do.

Schedules are also important because they help set expectations between you and the person you care for. You both will have an understanding of the routine, which will eliminate unnecessary anxiety and worry. Just make sure that you discuss a schedule together so that it works for both of your needs.

Find Great Resources:

As a new caregiver, you’re going to have a lot of questions. Finding great resources that answer these questions will help keep you from feeling overwhelmed. A good first step is to talk with a healthcare provider, who may have some good suggestions about where to look. Websites and online journals offer plenty of information about what to expect as a caregiver. Joining a network of other caregivers will allow you to learn directly from the experiences of others who are going through a similar situation.

As you find these resources, make sure you keep track of them for later. More questions are going to arise as you continue to provide care, so having a network you can turn to for answers will be very important for your future needs.

Take Care of Yourself:

Lastly, and most importantly, make sure that while you care for another, you also care for yourself. Being a caregiver is an amazing sacrifice, but don’t let that keep you from staying healthy. If you’re not at your best, then both you and the person you care for will be affected.

Make sure that you still get plenty of rest and maintain a healthy diet. If you have an exercise routine, continue to follow it. It’s also a great idea to find stress-relieving activities that you like and make time to enjoy them. Going out with friends or socializing will also help reduce stress and keep you centered.

Above all else, remember this one important fact: You are making a huge difference in someone’s life. Caregiving truly is a gift of your time, energy, and love. Never forget the result of that effort, and take pride in the fact that because you, someone else’s life is that much better.

Living with a chronic condition that requires medical supplies?

Let us help you get the products you need — delivered discreetly to your door.

Many people manage ongoing health conditions, and the right medical supplies can make all the difference. The team at HCD works with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to support a wide range of needs, including urological, ostomy, diabetes, and wound care. We’ll help ensure you get the supplies you need to manage your condition with confidence.

Call 866-938-3906 to see if you qualify or reach out through our Contact Us form by selecting “An individual looking to see if I or a loved one qualifies for medical supplies.”

How Our Customer Service Calls Help Ensure Your Medical Supplies Meet Your Needs

How Our Customer Service Calls Help Ensure Your Medical Supplies Meet Your Needs

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At Home Care Delivered, we know that getting your medical supplies on time is only part of the equation — making sure they are the right products for your needs is just as important. That’s why we make routine customer service calls a key part of our service.

Monthly Order Approval

All insurance plans require that we confirm your approval before shipping your next order of medical supplies each month. This ensures that you want your next shipment, as well as that you are getting the right supplies, in the right quantity.

Order confirmations can be completed in the way that’s most convenient for you: online through your secure HCD customer account, via our automated phone system, during a live call with one of our team members, or through our Text-to-Reorder program.

Routine Check-Ins to Ensure Satisfaction

We like to speak with our customers every month to every few months to ensure their supplies are working well and performing as expected. In fact, regular check-ins are a proven way to increase satisfaction and confidence — helping customers feel supported and ensuring that their medical supplies continue to meet their needs.

We Listen to You

During these conversations, we take the time to understand your experience. Are your products comfortable? Are you receiving the right quantity? Do you have questions about usage or accessories? Your feedback helps us adjust your orders, recommend alternative solutions if needed, and ensure we are truly meeting your needs.

Of course, with any supply change, we will work with your physician to confirm medical necessity, and get appropriate documentation and physician signature.

At HCD, our goal is to make managing your medical supplies simple, reliable, and supportive — and our customer service calls are an important part of keeping your care on track.

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To ensure you never miss a call from our team at Home Care Delivered, you can:
• Save our information as a contact in your mobile device, so you can see we are calling. Just add our name and phone number, 804-200-7300 as a contact on your phone.
• Note our phone number when we call your landline, so you know we are reaching out.

variety of medical supply categories diabetes incontinence ostomy wound
5 Reasons Why People are Choosing Medical Supply Delivery

5 Reasons Why People are Choosing Medical Supply Delivery

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The results have been tallied and the verdict is in: people love medical supply delivery.

Since 2005, the industry has nearly doubled in size, with more people choosing supply deliver over traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. The growth is expected to continue, with supply delivery overtaking retailers as the primary method of getting medical supplies.

Five reasons why people are going for medical supply delivery
Why are so many people choosing medical supply delivery? It’s simple: the advantages ver brick-and-mortar retailers are just too great to ignore. Here are the top 5 reasons why people are choosing to make the switch:

1. Enhanced Privacy

here’s no other industry that protects privacy more than healthcare. HIPAA and other regulatory practices regulate businesses serving healthcare needs, and that’s where the differences between retailers and medical suppliers begin.

Medical suppliers strictly follow HIPAA and other privacy regulations. Every transaction is confidential. Customers can find and order products anonymously, avoiding potential embarrassment of shopping in public spaces.

high tech computer with security image on computer

2. Better Service

Customer support is a major hurdle for brick-and-mortar retailers. Most stores don’t have product experts on-staff to answer questions. That leaves customers depending on packaging descriptions to make the right choice. Because their questions might be related to sensitive medical issues, some people don’t even feel comfortable discussing them face-to-face.

There’s very little room for error when it comes to answers about medical supplies, so people are moving to medical supply delivery. With no retail spaces to upkeep, there’s greater opportunity to invest in teams dedicated to educating patients. The extra product support results in a better experience, and people like that.

african american man on phone with headset sitting at computer smiling

3. Insurance Could Pay For It

Customer support is a major hurdle for brick-and-mortar retailers. Most stores don’t have product experts on-staff to answer questions. That leaves customers depending on packaging descriptions to make the right choice. Because their questions might be related to sensitive medical issues, some people don’t even feel comfortable discussing them face-to-face.

Not many people know this, but health insurance plans may actually cover the cost of medical supplies. The problem, however, is that most brick-and-mortar establishments can’t make this happen. They aren’t set up to process insurance claims, so products that might be covered must instead be purchased at the patient’s expense. For people with eligible benefits, this is a missed opportunity.

Medical supply delivery is different. With a proper diagnosis and the right paperwork, it’s possible to process insurance claims and use them to receive supplies. That means reduced personal costs and more disposable income to use for other necessities.

Insurance card and Medical paperwork on desk

4. More Convenience

If there’s one thing that the pace of modern life has taught, it’s that time is precious. It’s a lesson that people are showing they’ve learned through their shopping habits. In the past few years, consumers have reduced the amount of time they actually shop, opting for online services that are much faster. Speed and convenience are now top-ranking concerns for most consumers, and this is especially true for patients.

It should be no surprise, then, that medical supply delivery is becoming the preferred option for patients. Rather than making frequent trips to the store to restock, we check in with patients each month before fulfilling their recurring order. Assuming there are no changes, the whole process requires only a few minutes every 30 days. That’s a lot of extra time that can be dedicated things other than worrying about when you have to make another supply run.

Senior woman talking on mobile while checking documents on her lap

5. Fast and Reliable Delivery

Medical supplies are not items that people can go without, and this is where brick-and-mortar stores struggle Retailers confined to a physical location are limited by the space they have to display products. This means they must be more discerning, choosing to only offer items that are the most popular or bring in the most revenue.

This is not the case for patients who use medical supply delivery. Orders ship directly from distribution warehouses, so availability is rarely an issue. Because there are no restrictions with retail space, medical supply companies can offer a far better range of products. For patients, this means fewer situations in which a patient cannot get what is needed. And that’s very good news to someone who relies on them for their well-being.

Two Cardboard Boxes delivered on doorstep on welcome mat
variety of medical supply categories diabetes incontinence ostomy wound

Living with a chronic condition that requires medical supplies?

Let us help you get the products you need — delivered discreetly to your door.

Many people manage ongoing health conditions, and the right medical supplies can make all the difference. The team at HCD works with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to support a wide range of needs, including urological, ostomy, diabetes, and wound care. We’ll help ensure you get the supplies you need to manage your condition with confidence.

Call 866-938-3906 to see if you qualify or reach out through our Contact Us form by selecting “An individual looking to see if I or a loved one qualifies for medical supplies.”

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