Over three years ago, Kimberly Mairs introduced Wal-Mart to the concept of establishing Home Medical Equipment (HME) providers inside the vestibules of their Supercenter stores. In October 2003, Wal-Mart authorized CHS to open six HME locations. After a successful six-month evaluation, Wal-Mart granted CHS the opportunity to continue with the HME program. CHS currently has over 80 HME locations in 30 states, with a goal in the next three to five years of opening 500 additional HME stores within Wal-Mart.

CHS is the liaison between HME providers and Wal-Mart, but its commitment to the HME providers does not end after the lease negotiation. CHS is in the process of establishing lasting relationships, creating a nationwide group of providers and manufacturers who participate in these retail locations. Currently, Wal-Mart has approved the following categories of durable medical goods:  ambulation products, scooters, wheel chairs and accessories, lifts, bathing products, aids to daily living, beds and accessories, therapeutic shoes, respiratory products including oxygen, orthopedic supplies, sleep apnea devices, enteral feeding supplies among others. This list will continue to expand as CHS continues to monitor the market and industry. To facilitate the ongoing success in these locations, CHS is currently building a network of strategic partners and services, such as Home Health agencies for nursing services, respiratory companies to provide oxygen, and infusion therapy services to name a few. These strategic partners will then be able to collaborate with the HME providers in their locations to assist the customers with every aspect of health care if they are not full line.

In conclusion, Companion Health Services’ quest to create a nationwide network inside the nation’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart, will give HME providers and manufacturers access to their sought after target market.