Several factors influence the choices that are made when it comes to the purchase of medical equipment and technology. With an abundance of choices of medical equipment and information technology (IT), there are both economic and ethical challenges for health care facilities to consider. First and foremost, the health industry is currently fragmented primarily because it is regulated by reimbursement and coverage policies that are largely dictated by private insurance companies and the CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). Therefore, the decisions of insurance companies and CMS frequently influence what technologies hospitals adopt.

In addition, medical equipment and technology purchases can also be swayed by physician preferences, patient demand, and by local competition of neighboring hospitals. One of the major setbacks of this method is the tendency to make isolated and impulsive decisions without considering the long-term impact of these decisions. To prevent this from happening, a nonprofit organization known as Health Tech was established in 2000 to research the potential impact of new medical technology in healthcare. Since the development of Health Tech, several for-profit organizations have emerged that are marketing similar forecasting information for the medical industry.

All medical establishments should have clearly identified purchasing goals. Hospitals and medical facility treatment centers that implement proper assessment, planning, and collaboration can wisely invest in innovative medical technology that will enhance the quality of medical care dramatically in upcoming years.

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In the early stages of wireless technology, cell phones were the primary concern of interference with specific types of medical equipment. Initially, cellular phones were operated on an analog system which used extensive radio frequency outputs. This system caused certain types of medical equipment, such as cardiac pacemakers, anesthesia equipment, and electric wheelchairs to be extremely vulnerable to interference. When wireless technology was relatively new and not commonly used in medical equipment, this particular issue was easily resolved by asking visitors and staff to refrain from cell phone use while they were in the hospital.

However, today, with the widespread use of portable medical equipment devices that are being used to treat patients, it is more difficult to avoid some type of interference. Consequently, technology is continuously evolving to design standards for medical equipment that incorporate more advanced systems that will ultimately provide intense protection from electromagnetic fields. A common solution to the problem is to shield certain devices in plastic or metal boxes and paint them with a protective coating. In addition to shielding, other typical RF immunization strategies include the grounding and filtering of devices.

The American Medical Association (AMA) strongly recommends that medical treatment facilities replace older medical equipment with newer medical equipment since the older devices were constructed with a type of shielding that operates inadequately when exposed to EMI. Fortunately, these techniques are both beneficial and cost effective when they are incorporated into the initial manufacturing of the medical equipment.

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New medical equipment typically comes with a hefty price tag. Medical establishments with larger budgets are accustomed to these costs and incur few problems making them fit into their budgets. However, in small clinics and other facilities where budgets are squeezed tighter, purchasing used medical equipment is a wonderful alternative since it can be purchased for a fraction of what new equipment costs.

Used medical equipment is safe to buy from a reputable online dealer. Their professional representatives will gladly answer any questions or concerns you may have about your purchase and will provide you with warranty guarantee information and any maintenance records or testing results that are available for the merchandise that you are purchasing. Occasionally, buyers will be able to purchase new equipment that was simply overstocked for the same discounted price as used equipment. Buyers should always research products and compare prices to find the best deals. Used medical equipment can sell for as low as 50% off new equipment costs. Item prices can fluctuate, so buyers should check the website frequently to ensure that they are getting the most accurate information.

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What is a Lift Chair and How Does It Operate?

A lift chair allows persons who have mobility challenges to easily shift from a seated position to an upright position. A lift chair, which resembles a typical reclining chair, has an electronic mechanism device that is located in the base portion of the chair that raises or lowers the chair. The chair’s up and down movement is easily navigated with a simple button-controlled hand device.

Types of Lift Chairs

There are many options for those people who are interested in purchasing a lift chair. First, lift chairs come in a variety of models. The three basic models are:

· The Two- Position Lift Chair – Two-position lift chairs are the cheapest of the three models. This model can only recline at a 45 degree angle and therefore it is not conducive for sleeping.

· The 3-Position Lift Chair – 3- Position liftchairs are the most common models. When the chair is fully reclined, the chair is in a horizontal position that is comfortable for sleeping.

· The Infinite-Position Lift Chair – This model is different because it allows for more individualized customer customization. The backrest and the footrest can be adjusted separately in addition to the chair’s standard three movements.

Consumer Options

There are many options available for those people who are interested in purchasing a lift chair. First, lift chairs come in a variety of sizes, colors, and models and are equipped with different features depending on your personal needs. It is important to shop for a chair that fits your body measurements to maximize effectiveness. Because there is a wide selection available, prices can vary. For seniors who are interested in reducing out-of-pocket-costs, there are online medical supply companies that sell quality used medical equipment at discounted prices. It is always recommended that you check your health insurance plan to see if you are eligible for any type of coverage or reimbursement.

Walking is one of the many challenges we face as we get older. Mobility scooters are increasingly replacing traditional wheelchairs. With their smaller and sleeker compact design, these motorized scooters are more aesthetically pleasing, and carry fewer stigmas than wheelchairs. They are an excellent choice for those who want to maintain their independence. The key is to choose the right scooter that fits your specific needs.

Depending on the particular model and features, new mobility scooters can range anywhere from $1.000 to $3000.00. This can be a costly investment for many families. Insurance companies may or may not cover the cost of the equipment depending on your plan coverage and your determined need. Fortunately, gently used mobility scooters are available at reasonable cost. Used medical equipment sales are a new trend that is growing in popularity in response to rising costs of consumer goods and services. Consumers can save as much as 60% purchasing a second-hand motor scooter online from a reputable medical supply company.

While shoppers may be tempted to explore the popular online auction websites, this is not a recommended alternative. These websites are not obligated to comply with certain laws and regulations pertaining to the safety and sales of used medical equipment. In truth, with these sites, one cannot be certain what they are purchasing. The best option is to establish a relationship with an online medical supply company who can accommodate all of your medical supply needs while offering superior quality assistance and service.

With many smaller hospitals and medical facilities filing for bankruptcy protection, liquidating medical equipment and supplies is quickly becoming an unfortunate but, common routine practice. Medical facilities that used to merge and grow their practices are now down-sizing rather than expanding. This is increasingly leading to an over-surplus of used medical equipment that is in good condition and is currently available to be sold to interested and qualified buyers at a desirable cost. While the circumstances of facilities closing are regrettable, it is also an advantageous financial opportunity for medical facilities that need to stay current and want to save money.

Those who are interested in purchasing used medical equipment can rest assured that it can be a simple and safe alternative to control purchasing costs; however it is important to have access to a trustworthy source to assist with the process that is well educated with the products and the process.

Buying used medical equipment from a reputable online source is a two-fold savings opportunity. It enables one to save costs and save the environment by recycling equipment and parts rather than creating more waste in an already unacceptably wasteful society.

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Medical research proves that these medical devices save lives of heart patients and positively impact the daily activities of patients undergoing long-term treatment. Patients with ICD’s often demonstrate progressive health changes. The reassurance that the ICD will enable that their heart to work properly, helps put patients at ease. However, defibrillator medical equipment can cause some side effects and pose certain limitations on patients, so it is important to discuss these issues with a medical doctor.

Less than five percent of patients who have had an ICD implant have reported major complications such as, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, and infections at the incision site. Some patients have to limit the amount of physical stress that they put on their bodies. When an ICD corrects a “serious cardiac arrhythmia”, a patient could experience dizziness, become light-headed, and could faint. For this reason, some doctors may restrict a patient from certain activities such as intense cardiovascular exercise or operating a motor vehicle. Intense physical strain on the body can cause damage to the medical equipment and cause it to malfunction.

Surgical procedures typically pose risks to patients. Primarily, cardiac medical equipment devices enhance the lives of patients that are diagnosed with heart problems. However, every patient case is a unique situation and therefore it is in the best interest of the patient to let a doctor determine the best treatment plan.

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A chronic disease, like diabetes requires monitoring of a patient’s blood glucose levels throughout the day.  A diabetic with low blood sugar can experience dizziness, confusion, clumsiness, and various other side effects that are dangerous in driving situations. Those symptoms can effectively be treated by a portable medical glucose device or by the patient consuming glucose-rich beverages or foods.Medtronic currently produces a medical glucose device that monitors a diabetic patient’s blood sugar levels by utilizing small sensors which are attached to the patient’s torso. These sensors continually transmit information to the insulin pump, which then is able to dispense the prescribed dosage of insulin. Ford’s in-car Synch system uses a Microsoft-based technology that enables drivers or passengers who wear Bluetooth Medtronic glucose medical equipment to receive audio alerts and on-dash visual displays if their glucose levels become too low.

Brian Henry, a spokesman for Medtronic, confirmed that his company and Ford have been contemplating in-car glucose technology for years. He admitted that the product is still in its early stages and no release date has been set for consumer purchase. Henry said, that in the near future, one of Medtronic’s goals is to develop and insulin pump that is able to automatically adjust when the glucose reading is low.

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Purchasing a fully equipped medical helicopter can cost hospitals in the range of $600,000 dollars. In addition to purchasing the helicopter, the hospital will need to have or acquire a landing pad along with a fueling facility, purchase radio equipment, and provide wages for pilots, trained in-flight medics, and qualified mechanics to service the aircraft medical equipment. Another issue that must be considered is liability insurance to protect the hospital from any misconduct or negligence on behalf of the helicopter service.

Standard medical equipment for a medical evacuation helicopter typically includes, the same emergency monitoring units that are used in an ambulance, and equipment that can help to maintain emergency transplant, cardiac, and burn patients. Medical equipment that is needed aboard the helicopter includes:

o Blood pressure monitors

o IV infusion pumps

o Ventilation equipment

o Defibrillators and cardiac monitors

o Intra-aortic balloon pump

Some aircraft used in medical emergency transportation are equipped with navigation systems that allow them to be flown in dire weather conditions. A typical medical aircraft can carry a maximum of two patients, four medical flight personnel, and one pilot. Regulations require that there be at least one physician and one nurse on all flights.

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AED’s were specifically designed to be used by non-professional medical persons who are under extreme pressure when operating the equipment. For this reason, AED medical equipment has several different models that incorporate easy to use technology such as single-button operation.

The American Heart Association offers AED training courses, however training requirements are determined by individual state requirements. In 2000, laws were passed to legally protect businesses against liability. Business owners and executives find that an AED program increases employee morale while decreasing the liability of the company. AED units are a minimal expense, since they cost no more than a high-quality laptop computer. AED medical equipment is a compassionate investment and the cost is minimal when compared to litigation fees.

Once a company has decided to implement an AED program, there are several points to consider:

·         Determine the specific needs of the company, such as number of employees to determine how many units are needed and where they will be located so they may be accessed easily and quickly

·         Compare various models and features and compare prices

·         Check the training requirements of the state since some states require physician supervision and other quality assurance programs AED medical equipment units are sold with extended life batteries and warranties. The monitors used in corporate situations are user friendly and come equipped with interchangeable electrodes and a continuous monitor streaming capability.