Selling Supplies in the Office

[webtek]

Just out of curiosity, what is the rule about selling supplies or supplements in your office. Those that do not require a prescription. I know about the Stark law and DME, but what about nutrition supplements or other supplies such as ace wraps or those one time use ice packs.

As a practitioner in a MSK setting, would you find that having ACE wraps or over the counter orthotics in your office be helpful or not? Would patients appreciate the one-stop-shop, or would you rather have them go to the pharmacy for over-the-counter things to avoid problems?

Thanks.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[PMR 4 MSK]

To bill insurance and especially CMS, you need a DME license.

To have people buying OTC, you just need a state license to collect sales tax as appropriate. Make sure you involve your accountant in this and they need to help you pay the government the tax you collect, if appropriate.

However, keep in mind that selling people the supplements you recommend is often seen as somewhat dirty to other docs. You should have a good scientific basis to recommend what you sell, not just data put together by the people you buy it from.

 

[lobelsteve]

I think any doc selling product out of their office is unprofessional. It's just not what we ought to be doing.

That being said- I'm going to start selling T-shirts at my website. As long as they are non-medical and have nothing to do with patient care, referrals, visits.

I'd do it to poke fun at the schmo's out there.

 

[shantster]

I think any doc selling product out of their office is unprofessional. It's just not what we ought to be doing.

Totally agree. I once had a gyne that sent me a letter about all the new anti-aging creams and other cosmetic things she was now selling in the office. Promptly found a new doctor since I would not be able to trust whether her recommendations for any product was out of best care or out of best monetary gain.

 

[webtek]

I appreciate the feedback. I totally agree that some of the products that physicians are peddling are a little wacky. My original question was more for things like neoprene sleeves for ankle and knees, or ace wraps. Things of that nature that any person can buy over the counter in any pharmacy.

Maybe just to simplify things for the patient and make your office a one stop for all their needs. It wouldn’t make sense to give these away in your office, as you will take a big hit once you do that.

Just my two cents. Thanks.

 

[RUOkie]

I appreciate the feedback. I totally agree that some of the products that physicians are peddling are a little wacky. My original question was more for things like neoprene sleeves for ankle and knees, or ace wraps. Things of that nature that any person can buy over the counter in any pharmacy.

Maybe just to simplify things for the patient and make your office a one stop for all their needs. It wouldn’t make sense to give these away in your office, as you will take a big hit once you do that.

Just my two cents. Thanks.

two things.
1) ace wraps are so cheap that I give them away. Unless I am really splinting a joint in which case there is a CPT code for that with the cost of supplies built in.
2) I investigated CTS splints/slings/simple braces like you mentioned. There is so much volume discounts from suppliers that I could not come near WalMart's prices. I keep a few splints in the office for my work comp patients, but that is all.

 

[MedicineMan99]

What if I want to sell supplements, vitamins, and DME supplies for patient convenience? Do I essentially have to sell them at-cost? Could I make any profit for the convenience factor?

Is this unethical and/or illegal?

 

[bedrock]

What if I want to sell supplements, vitamins, and DME supplies for patient convenience? Do I essentially have to sell them at-cost? Could I make any profit for the convenience factor?

Is this unethical and/or illegal?

You look like a shyster by doing so. You should be particularly sensitive to this as a DO, because it makes you look more like a chiropractor than a physician, and some patients already think a DO is some kind of chiropractor.

Besides, if it's too inconvenient for a patient to go to their local mall/walgreens to buy vitamins or an ace wrap, they're just going to die from obesity anyway.