Dr. Novikov Wellness and Skincare has added more convenience and cost savings for its patients by offering wound care supplies. Medicare approved the practice for a durable medical equipment license. Patients will have appropriate supplies available at the time of their appointments to care for their wounds at home.
The service now ensures that patients have access to dressing supplies without a wait.
“They are able to bring the supplies home and start the wound care treatment on the same day as their appointment, which greatly improves the quality of care,” said Dr. Mikhail Novikov.
Previously, patients were required to obtain wound care supplies at a medical supply store, or a mail order was placed with a Medicare partner resulting in a wait of 3-5 days to receive the shipment. Both scenarios had roadblocks and added extra burdens for some patients.
Elderly patients, many who are on fixed incomes, had to incur a large out-of-pocket expense.
“The pricing of dressings can run very high,” said Novikov. “It can be a financial burden for patients.”
The wound care supplies will now be most likely partially or fully covered by Medicare.
In addition, these patients may have difficulty getting to a supply store right away or finding one close to their home.
Patients now can receive ample dressing supplies needed for the anticipated healing process before leaving the office.
Other benefits
There is also a big benefit in providing supplies at the office setting and ensuring the patient receives the product prescribed by the provider.
“A substitute or generic product can delay wound healing, which does not produce the outcomes expected,” said Novikov. “It’s one less step for the patient to deal with in the healing process; it’s definitely a good resource to offer.”
He said providers have already seen patients healing sooner in comparison to what it used to be. The patients now have their wound care supplies along with thorough instructions as they leave the office. As always, if the patients are unable to do the dressing changes themselves, their loved ones are educated.
Another investment in preventative care is the availability of compression stockings and garments for patients who have low extremity swelling and may have circulation issues.