A Major, Accredited, Durable Medical Equipment Supplier: Gaboro Medical Supply

Medical supply companies play an important part in the healthcare system, serving as a vital link between manufacturers and healthcare providers. From surgical instruments and diagnostic devices to personal protective equipment and pharmaceuticals, they make sure that hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities have a steady and dependable supply of vital medical equipment and supplies. This availability is critical for the effective diagnosis, treatment, and management of patient health. By efficiently managing supply chains, these companies contribute to reducing costs and increasing the accessibility of healthcare. Furthermore, medical supply companies are crucial in rapidly responding to emergency situations, such as pandemics or natural disasters, by quickly providing necessary supplies to affected areas. They contribute significantly to innovation as well, frequently working with producers to create and market the newest medical innovations. Overall, medical supply companies are necessary to ensure the smooth operation of healthcare services and facilitate advancements in medical care.

Globally there are various companies providing outstanding services in the medical supply segment, but Gaboro Medical Supply stands out from the rest. Gaboro provides high-quality products in an efficient and consumer-friendly manner. The company has been relentless in incorporating easy-to-use tech solutions that benefit the prescribers as well as the end users of the products. Among these are e-prescribing for the providers and electronic reordering for their consumers. Gaboro has recently expanded into text messaging for reordering and is overwhelmed by its popularity, especially among seniors.

In conversation with Bob Flannelly, Founding Partner of Gaboro Medical Supply

Q. What was the motivation behind starting Gaboro Medical Supply?

In Northeastern Pennsylvania, a notable void existed in the supply of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) services. My colleague, Robbie Robinson, and I had recently concluded our tenure with a DME supplier located in the Southeastern region of the state. Gabe, our third partner, had vacant warehouse space in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, at the same time. Seeing this as an opportunity, we made the decision to seize it and launch a new business to close the DME care gap in the region.

Q. How do your solutions affect the healthcare costs?

We are exceptionally proud of our efforts in the Continuous Glucose Monitoring market. We marvel at the decrease in A1C levels our customers are experiencing. The implied and intuitive benefits are fewer Emergency Department visits, fewer hospitalizations, and fewer bouts of either hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. We are trying to find ways to document and prove these anecdotal findings and confirm cost savings for the health plan overall. This has been an ongoing challenge for innovators across the board. The health system operates in silos, and each silo is unconcerned with the costs absorbed or deflected by the other silos until they affect their silo.

Q. What are the challenges addressed by Gaboro Medical Supply?

Our overriding focus is on the customer. We do everything we can to accommodate their wishes, but we can’t always do so. The greatest challenge is helping people understand that just because their doctor prescribed a product, or a quantity of a product, this does not mean the insurer will pay for it. We are constantly updating and educating our customer service representatives to make sure they can covey what is often viewed as bad news in an understandable and humane way.

Q. What are the challenges addressed by Gaboro Medical Supply?

First and foremost, we want to provide outstanding customer service. At the core of our values is a steadfast commitment to accommodating the needs and preferences of our clientele to the fullest extent possible. But it’s important to recognize that not all requests can be fulfilled due to specific limitations. A notable challenge we face lies in effectively communicating the nuances of insurance coverage to our customers. Specifically, there is often a discrepancy between the medical products or quantities prescribed by healthcare professionals and what is subsequently covered by insurance plans. Our contribution to closing this gap is vital.

To address this, we are deeply invested in the continuous development and education of our customer service team. This ensures that our representatives are not only well-informed but also adept at delivering sensitive information in a manner that is both clear and compassionate. It is our belief that by enhancing our communication strategies, we can provide our customers with a more comprehensive understanding of their insurance coverage, while maintaining the dignity and respect they deserve.

Q. How does your solution align with the existing medical practice?

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, we recognize that innovation and technological advancements occur at a remarkably rapid pace, akin to lightning. In contrast, changes in policy and payment structures tend to evolve over time, reminiscent of molasses in January. Our commitment lies in striking a judicious balance between these two contrasting velocities. In the durable medical equipment (DME) industry, change is often met with opposition. This inertia is a significant challenge, yet we firmly position ourselves as catalysts for transformation. Our approach often places us in a position that is not entirely aligned with the established norms, but we embrace this role with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

Our guiding principle is to act in a manner that is not only right but also sensible. We are dedicated to advocating for changes that align with the evolving needs of healthcare and the advancements in medical technology. By doing so, we aim to pave the way for a more efficient, effective, and responsive healthcare system that serves the best interests of all stakeholders involved.

Q. There are other players in this vertical. How do you distinguish yourself from the rest? 

We try to be the people who say yes. It is not always possible to say yes, but we try to emphasize alternatives. We always tell our people not to dwell on what we can’t do but to be prepared to offer alternatives. Emphasize the things we CAN do.

Q. Many healthcare entities are focused on the financial aspect of health care and not quality outcomes. How do you maintain the affordability of your products?

At Gaboro, we have been meticulously analyzing the emerging trends within the domain of Value Based Care. Our comprehensive research indicates that, currently, there is a lack of a universally accepted and definitive interpretation of this concept. Given this landscape of evolving definitions and frameworks, our strategic focus is to ensure an active and influential presence in the ongoing discourse surrounding Value Based Care. Central to our approach is the prioritization of our participation in key discussions and decision-making forums related to this paradigm shift in healthcare. Having a seat at the table is not merely a passive engagement for us; it is an opportunity to actively shape and influence the narrative. Moreover, we place a significant emphasis on the utilization and presentation of our clinical data.

We believe that robust, empirical evidence is a critical component in these discussions, serving to inform and guide the conversation towards more effective and efficient healthcare models. Our commitment at Gaboro is to remain at the forefront of this transformative movement, leveraging our expertise and data to contribute meaningfully to the shaping of Value Based Care.

Q. Do you have any new services ready to be launched?

Continuous process improvement is what keeps us fresh. We are always evaluating and beta-testing new software, new add-ons, and new procedures. Some of these work and others we scrap, but we are always willing to take the steps to make any process better.

Q. What does the future hold for your company and its customers? Are exciting things on the way?

Healthcare is undergoing an exciting transformation. At the forefront of this evolution is the integration of Artificial Intelligence, revolutionizing the field in unprecedented ways. With the most comprehensive and cutting-edge healthcare system in the world, the United States is at the center of this change. This cutting-edge system reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. However, this journey is not without its challenges. Despite our advancements, we are uniquely positioned to address a paradox – the coexistence of unparalleled healthcare capabilities with significant access and payment challenges. The disparity has not gone unnoticed. In particular, it has shone a light on the substantial segments of our population that remain underserved, highlighting the pressing need for equitable healthcare access.

In response to this, we are more committed than ever to be the catalyst for positive change. Our mission is clear: to bridge these gaps and ensure that our state-of-the-art healthcare system benefits everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. We are dedicated to transforming challenges into opportunities – ensuring that the marvels of modern medicine are not just a privilege for the few, but a right accessible to all. By embracing innovation, addressing inequalities, and focusing on holistic solutions, we strive to redefine healthcare not just as a service, but as a fundamental pillar of a thriving, inclusive society.

“Our guiding principle is to act in a manner that is not only right but also sensible. We are dedicated to advocating for changes that align with the evolving needs of healthcare and the advancements in medical technology.“