» Archive for December 2009

Mammography Clinics Deal with New Guidelines for Mammograms

New guidelines introduced last month recommend that women have fewer mammograms, or at least wait until they are over 40 years of age to start getting regular screenings. The news has caused many mammography clinics to worry about how this will affect their business. Some breast cancer screening clinics have experienced a steady decline in profitability in recent years, mainly due to lower insurance reimbursements and the rising cost of new mammography machines.

The most advanced mammography machines cost several hundred thousand dollars. That fact, paired with growing concern over malpractice lawsuits when radiologists miss a cancer diagnosis, has slowly endangered the future of free-standing radiology units who perform mammograms. In many ways, providing this service has become a loss leader for hospitals, which hope to attract patients for other services, but now that health insurers may cut back on coverage some clinics may need to close their doors.

Even though most health insurers are unlikely to change their coverage limits right away, the new guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force are expected to limit annual mammograms to women aged 50 to 74, with those under 50 only able to get one every other year. Not only do most doctors disagree with this recommendation, women’s health advocates have also taken a strong stand against them.

Some insurers are expected to continue with their current recommendations of more frequent screenings, and will base their coverage on research that comes from various groups, including the American Cancer Society. Coverage will most likely remain available for patients with a family history of breast cancer, where early detection is critical. Only time will tell how many insurance companies will radically change their policies concerning the use of mammography machines, but any change could have a serious impact on clinics.

As a result of this news, some facilities offering mammograms may need to cut back on staff and reduce operating costs in the coming years. One option that may make sense is to look for less expensive, used mammography machines that have been reconditioned. Used medical equipment like these often will last several years and can cost considerably less than a brand new machine.

Technorati Tags: Defibrillators, EKG Machines, mammography machines, Medical Equipment, Ultrasound Machines, Used Medical Equipment, used medical supplies

Looking for Patient Monitors? Consider a Reputable Used Medical Equipment Dealer

Purchasing a pre-owned vital-signs monitor from a reputable dealer is a great way to realize substantial savings, compared to buying a brand new piece of equipment. While most reputable used medical equipment dealers offer a full range of patient monitoring equipment across all price ranges, it makes sense to consider the most up-to-date patient monitors. This is because patient monitoring equipment is frequently updated, and needs to remain compatible with other programs and equipment.

A few great “finds” in the world of used patient monitors:

* The GE Datex Ohmeda Cardiocap 5 is a compact anesthesia monitor that is designed to be used in mobile areas like operating rooms, ambulatory surgery areas and ER induction rooms. It offers a full menu of vital signs monitoring functions, from advanced analysis of airway gas and patient spirometry, to ventilation measurement and oxygenation monitoring.
* The PhysioControl Lifepak 15 patient monitors and defibrillators have become the newest standard in clinical procedures. By offering innovative monitoring parameters, the Lifepak 15 can detect conditions that are normally difficult to diagnose, and its Masimo Rainbow Technology improves the quality of patient care. It is also the first patient monitor to integrate noninvasive carbon monoxide monitoring with Sp02 and metheglobin.

Patient monitoring plays a vital role in operating rooms, intensive care and critical care units, as well as the ER and ambulatory surgery units. It is an invaluable part of respiratory therapy, outpatient care, home care, sleep screening and many other areas of medicine.

Because proper patient monitoring can significantly reduce the risk of complications and provide comfort for patients, it is important to use the most up-to-date and functional monitors. Purchasing used medical equipment like the GE Datex Ohmeda Cardiocap 5 and the PhysioControl Lifepak 15 is a great way to access the best technology at competitive prices.

Technorati Tags: Defibrillators, EKG Machines, Medical Equipment, Ultrasound Machines, Used Medical Equipment, used medical supplies

A Highly Recommended Used Fetal Monitor

Brand new fetal monitors can carry a very high price tag, which often keeps obstetrics units from buying the latest equipment. However, buying a pre-owned fetal monitor online, from a well-respected and reputable used medical equipment company can deliver substantial savings. Used fetal monitors are available in every price range.

Look for this popular model online.

A good example of a popular fetal monitor is the Corometrics 171 Series, which is designed to help physicians monitor patients at the doctor’s office. It features an easy-to-read LED display, allowing for quick confirmation of the fetal heart rate and activity. Using 9-Crystal Pulsed Doppler technology, which provides a wider profile for detecting the fetal heart rate, this monitor is available in both single (171) and twin (172) models.

For physicians looking to purchase a gently used fetal monitor, the Corometrics line is usually available at decent prices, and can often be sold with an extended manufacturers’ warranty.

Additional Features of the Corometrics Fetal Monitors

The 171 and 172 models offer an optional interface with the Model 146 Fetal Acoustic Stimulator, and include standard z-fold paper.

The twins monitor offers a few distinct features, such as an offset that separates heart rates to be sure the same fetus is not being monitored twice and independent volume controls.

Additional features include fetal high/low threshold alarms, a fetal movement direction option, two standard interfaces for CIS and NIBP, and a 1-year warranty from GE Medical (when bought new).
The 170 Series Monitors are the newest edition to the Corometrics family. These sleek, lightweight and compact machines maintain the same high level of reliability and quality that has been the hallmark of the fetal monitor. These easy maintenance models use intuitively designed transducers that keep patients comfortable during monitoring.

Technorati Tags: Defibrillators, EKG Machines, Fetal Monitor, Medical Equipment, Ultrasound Machines, Used Medical Equipment, used medical supplies