For many DMEs, automation is becoming a necessity in a climate of high demand for service and a challenging hiring market.
Even so, we’ve identified 5 common DME automation myths we encounter as we converse with prospective customers. These myths are not the only we face but are certainly some of the most prominent.
- DME automation will eliminate jobs
- DME automation is only for large DME companies
- DME automation = 100% clean claims
- DME automation = less personal patient care
- DME automation is too expensive to implement
If any of these resonate with YOU, read on!
You may find the answers you are looking for - or at least begin to understand how these concerns, real as they may seem, are mere myths.
Dive in.
DME Automation Will Eliminate Jobs
The goal of DME automation is to reduce repetitive manual tasks, not replace your team. A well-implemented automation program will actually benefit your current team in several ways.
- Freedom to pursue higher-level tasks (e.g. upper management no longer having to step in when team members are away and completing rote, time-consuming tasks)
- Reduced tension among team members (fewer mistakes = less annoyance among teams at repeated manual errors)
DME Automation Is Only for Large DME Companies
Could large DME companies benefit from automation? Of course.
However, many small and mid-sized DMEs poised to grow also benefit greatly from automation - if not more so than their larger counterparts.
How? (Good question.)
Well, for one, automation is designed to reduce administrative burden and increase efficiency. This means DMEs can scale without increasing headcount, saving the time and energy necessary to scale without.
DME Automation = 100% Clean Claims
Yes, automation is effective.
No, automation is not magic (though it is perhaps as close as we’ll get).
Denials can still occur, even with the best DME automation software. However, automation - properly implemented above an existing DME workflow - will greatly reduce denial rates, compared to manual processes.
Automation = Less Personal Patient Care
This is a very real concern for DMEs passionate about excellent patient care. If this defines YOUR DME, you may be an excellent candidate for automation.
Rather than resulting in less personal patient care, reducing administrative burden with automation actually allows staff to spend more time with patients.
Plus, automation itself can enhance the patient experience by streamlining communication, scheduling, and order tracking.
Automation Is Too Expensive to Implement
The best things in life do not come free - and automation is no different. Yes, automation has a price tag (as does everything), but the investment pays off… and then some.
The goal of automation is to allow DMEs to do more with their SAME team - no additional hiring required - and create more efficient workflows, allowing for smart, sustainable scaling.
Where Could DME Flow Fit?
At DME Flow, our team consistently chats with DMEs to identify where automation could make the biggest splash in their workflows - and we’ve got some awesome results.
If you’re ready for a conversation, get in touch today! If you’re simply looking to explore further, check out our service pages or additional blogs.
Thanks for reading!
