The HME industry is undergoing a major shift, and healthcare leaders agree it’s time to rethink how we engage patients, adopt digital tools, and deliver care. At this year’s HME News Business Summit, panelists challenged the industry to evolve in three essential ways:
- Embrace digital innovation
- Engage patients in new and meaningful ways
- Rethink how demand is created and sustained
Patients are ready for a digital-first HME experience
Synapse Health President, Mandira Singh, emphasized that patients are more tech-ready than the industry gives them credit for.
“Don’t underestimate patients. I see them texting; I see them setting up their health care portals. They are engaged — or their loved ones are.” — Mandira Singh, Synapse Health.
From patient portals to mobile scheduling, today’s healthcare consumers expect convenience, transparency, and communication that matches every other part of their digital lives. The message was clear: meeting patients where they are means meeting them on the devices they already use.
Why digital transformation matters for HME and DME providers
Panel experts highlighted that the future of HME will require modernizing outdated systems and investing in digital tools that:
- Streamline workflows and reduce administrative burden
- Improve access and speed to supplies
- Empower patients to take a more active role in their care
- Support scalable, efficient operations for providers
- Leverage AI and automation to surface what matters most
With rising patient expectations and increasing pressure for efficiency, digital isn’t optional anymore. It’s foundational.
HME industry opportunities
Summit panelists called on providers, partners, and payors to stop waiting for change and start leading it. The industry has a powerful opportunity to:
- Close gaps in care
- Improve visibility and communication
- Modernize the patient experience
- Build stronger, more sustainable demand
- Become a proactive, digitally connected part of the healthcare system
Synapse Health’s vision: Build a better DME experience for all
At Synapse Health, we believe the HME and DME experience can and must be better. We’re committed to:
- Removing barriers in the ordering and delivery process
- Improving accountability through smarter workflows and technology
- Streamlining DME end-to-end for patients, providers, and partners
- Innovating continuously to support the future of DME
To explore the full discussion and insights from industry leaders, read the complete HME News article here: https://www.hmenews.com/article/is-it-time-to-rethink-hme.