When a patient undergoes Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation, they receive their initial care while in the hospital, from the hospital staff. Once the patient is released or discharged from the hospital, they require ongoing maintenance to ensure a successful transition to outpatient care. This is where the ODI team steps in to provide specialized care that complements the efforts of the VAD clinic team, where the patient was implanted. ODI is both a DME (Durable Medical Equipment) and IDTF (Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility), which allows us to help LVAD patients with Driveline Management, as well as remote INR/monitoring. In this article, we will discuss ODI’s role in bridging the gap between inpatient and outpatient care for LVAD patients.

ODI’S Services:

1. Driveline Management and Supplies:

ODI houses over 100 customizable Driveline Kits in its on-site warehouse. Together with over 400 insurance pricing agreements and dedicated account management, ODI’s network has become an extension of the patient’s LVAD clinic and has aided in more than 6,500 patients getting the supplies they need, when they need them.

2. INR Remote Monitoring:

ODI provides remote monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR) for LVAD patients. This monitoring helps to ensure that the patient’s blood is clotting correctly, with the results of these tests being relayed to the patient’s VAD Clinic, physician, or pharmacist.

3. At-Home PM’s:

ODI provides LVAD patients, and their overseeing hospitals, with at-home PM’s (Preventative Maintenance). The clinical will visit the patient’s home, to provide the hospital with a glimpse into the patient’s environment, ensure all connections are functional, batteries are up-to-date, and remove expired equipment. This service is done to inform the patient’s VAD team with information about their out-patient conditions, any changes or updates with the patient’s progress and treatment plan.

The Importance of Monitoring Care:

Remote Patient Management and Monitoring may assist in reducing the risk of hospital readmissions and infection. These LVAD patients require close monitoring to ensure that their condition remains stable, and that the appropriate treatment is received. ODI’s INRTrac helps to ensure that patient’s receive the necessary care at home, while reducing the need for frequent clinic visits.

Insurance:

Being the only independent DME and IDTF in the Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Industry, ODI has pricing agreements with over 400 insurance companies. In addition to these pricing agreements, ODI also has preferred vendor status with Aetna, Anthem (BCBS), Cigna, Humana, and Optum (United Healthcare).

Personalized Care:

With ODI’s dedicated account management, the patient and the hospital have a consistent contact catering to their personalized care. Building strong relationships with their patients is key, as ODI is always readily available to answer any questions pertaining to the patient’s care of their LVAD equipment. With a 95 percent customer approval rating, ODI’s patient-first philosophy sets them apart from their competition. Since they year 2000, they have never dropped a patient, and work hard to make the patient’s transition from in-patient to out-patient, as seamless and comfortable as possible.

ODI plays a crucial role in LVAD patients going home. Their remote monitoring services, preventive maintenance, and communication with the VAD clinic team ensure that LVAD patients receive the necessary care and equipment at home. By emphasizing personalized care and building strong relationships with their patients, ODI stands out from the competition.