Digital health technology company Somnoware announces a new CPAP dispensing feature that allows sleep labs and physicians to independently dispense CPAP devices and supplies, such as machines, filters, tubing, and masks.

Using this feature, physicians can quickly place durable medical equipment [DME] orders, and sleep labs can dispense the devices. Device registration for daily usage data is automated, and a DME order is created for each patient that has been set up via Somnoware.

After dispensing a device, the lab can create reports of CPAP supplies, equipment, and devices provided to patients for insurance reimbursement for quicker payment. This solution is primarily for self-pay patients or those covered by commercial health insurance.

With this new feature, patients are automatically on-boarded to the respective cloud-based care management platform, such as Philips EncoreAnywhere and ResMed AirView, and physicians can view daily PAP usage data in Somnoware. Lab staff only need to scan each item’s barcode instead of manually entering data into an inventory management system, such as the specific DME device manufacturer or mask type, since this solution uses a scanner to recognize each item. Lab managers can also generate a monthly report of all inventory dispensed by the sleep lab to track their total inventory.

The Somnoware platform provides proof of billing, as well as a record of each DME device and supply item being dispensed, for tracking purposes.

Patient benefits including providing patients with the convenience of one-stop shopping for their sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment—creating a continuum of care from diagnosis to therapy. Using a scanner, lab staff can quickly enroll DME devices and supplies with manufacturer systems to receive patient PAP device usage data.

“We are very excited about our new DME dispensing feature,” says Subath Kamalasan, CEO of Somnoware, in a release. “It enables sleep labs to manage large populations of patients using one unified system. This capability also allows labs to generate additional revenue beyond diagnosis. We follow the IHI Triple Aim framework by creating solutions to enhance the experience and outcomes for patient populations, as well as reduce the per capita cost of care for the benefit of communities.”