In this special episode of WOCTalk, Kate Lawrence addresses the complex logistics of ensuring patients have the right ostomy products, from the ideal timing of supply discussions to the essential information patients must retain upon discharge. Kate provides critical guidance on navigating insurance, understanding the bundled supply system in home health, and utilizing community resources for the uninsured. Finally, she issues a call-to-action regarding the policy threat of competitive bidding on ostomy and urological supplies.
This podcast is part of the Ostomy Observations Series, a 6-part series included in the “Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow” Program. Both the Ostomy Observations podcast series and the Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow Program are commercially supported through an educational grant from Hollister Incorporated. For more information, visit wocn.org/exceptionaloutcomes. The WOCN® Society does not endorse or support products or services.
Resources:
Ostomy & Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights
Kindred Box
Ostomy 211
Pouches of Love
Friends of Ostomates Worldwide – USA
UOAA Support Group Finder
WOCN® Society Public Policy & Advocacy information
WOCN Society Chapters
WOCTalk Podcast Ep 137: Policy Changes That Could Impact Your WOC Practice
About the Speaker:
Kathleen Lawrence, MSN, RN, CWOCN, WOCNF, has had a wonderful career path in nursing. Her journey has included acute care, medical surgical nursing, home care, hospice and over 30 years as a wound ostomy and continence nurse practicing the full WOC scope of practice. Her work in WOC nursing has included acute care in-patient, and the development of a comprehensive wound ostomy and continence service for inpatient, outpatient, and contract entities in a rural Vermont setting. Contracts included subacute care, long-term care, pediatric clinics for special needs, home care and hospice. Currently Kate is the Program Director of wound, ostomy and continence services at the VNA and Hospice of the Southwest Region in Vermont. Her role includes delivery of education, clinical care and consultation in home care, hospice, outpatient, long term care and community care facilities.
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.