Making the Right Choice for Incontinence: There Is a Science Behind It

Choosing the right incontinence product is one of the most important decisions a case manager can make, yet too often it is based on familiarity rather than clinical need.

At SurfMed, we frequently hear from case managers who meet new members that insist on receiving the same products they have been using for years. In many cases, however, those products were simply purchased by a family member at a local pharmacy without any professional evaluation. While members may be comfortable with what they know, that does not necessarily mean they are using the product that best meets their needs.

The result is often a cycle of common problems including poor fit, leakage, wasted products, frustration, and a loss of confidence. For many members, these issues can even lead to reduced social interaction and a lower quality of life. Ultimately, everyone is affected, including the member, the health plan, and the case manager who must resolve ongoing concerns.

Recognizing this challenge, SurfMed developed the Incontinence Selection Tool seven years ago at the request of a Long Term Care director. Built using hundreds of thousands of data points, carefully designed algorithms, and Human Centered Design principles, the tool helps remove the guesswork from product selection.

Available at no cost through the SurfMed Portal, the tool takes just two minutes to complete. By answering five simple questions, case managers receive an evidence based recommendation for the appropriate product type, size, absorbency, billing code, modifier, and quantity based on the member's specific needs. When combined with SurfMed's complimentary sample program, members can confidently confirm the recommended product before ongoing deliveries begin.

The result is greater member satisfaction, fewer product changes, more accurate orders, and a more efficient experience for everyone involved.

While the tool is available free of charge, it can also be customized to align with the coding requirements and benefit structure of individual health plans. If your organization is interested in implementing the SurfMed Incontinence Selection Tool, our team would be happy to discuss how it can be tailored to meet your needs.

It is time to move beyond guesswork and give every member the product that is right for them from the very beginning.

Learn more and access the tool at https://portal.surfmed.com/patients.