From Hospital to Home Without the Headaches: How Technology Can Smooth the Transition

Each year, more than 8 million patients in the U.S. are discharged from hospitals with a critical need for durable medical equipment (DME) — devices like oxygen concentrators, ventilators and mobility aids that are not just conveniences, but lifelines. Hospital discharge should mark the start of recovery, but instead the transition to home is often filled with hurdles that can threaten patients’ health and safety.

Discharging physicians are required to complete extensive paperwork to justify medical necessity and insurance coverage for DME. To ensure well-coordinated care after discharge, physicians and case managers also must communicate detailed information about the patient’s condition, equipment needs and follow-up care to the disparate parties who will support that patient after disc