PHOENIX – Medtrade has always been one of the best places to take the pulse of DME operations and get a solid sense of where the overall industry is heading. One theme stood out clearly: automation and AI are moving from curiosity and mere interest to a full-on and focused operational priority.
For a few years, conversations around AI in DME have focused mostly on intake. While intake automation remains important, the conversation at Medtrade 2026 has expanded significantly beyond just the beginning of the order process. Providers are now intently focusing on automation across their entire operational workflow.
Order review, pre-dispense checks, and the pain of having to still review and click to confirm orders: all part of the discussion. DMEs more readily recognize that efficiency does not need to stop at the front end of the referral. Grinding operational pressures are requiring improvements across the entire process. Labor costs remain very high. Reimbursement struggles continue.
Regulatory changes are hitting across the industry. Under these chaotic conditions, DMEs are searching for ways to scale operations without having to continuously add staff. Automation and AI are becoming a bedrock part of that strategy.
Another noticeable trend at Medtrade was the growth in the number of AI vendors entering the healthcare and DME space. The exhibition floor included many companies offering a wide variety of automation platforms, tools, and artificial intelligence solutions. Many technologies promise efficiency improvements but are not designed around a deep understanding of DME operations. One-size does not fit all.
Providers evaluating automation improvements should seek vendors who understand the complex realities of the DME industry and the myriad of DME-specific pitfalls to avoid. They should look for solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing systems and support real on-the-ground operational improvement. AI and automation are evolving quickly, but successful adoption and long-term use can hinge on choosing the right partners.
Medtrade 2026 made a single thing crystal clear: technology is becoming a core part of how DME providers can thrive under intense operational pressure and strengthen their business for growth.
Tim Freidel is CEO and founder of Medtrade exhibitor DME Flow.
