Reviews and News on Medical Equipment

Medtronic is a medical equipment manufacturer that never stops innovating. That’s why it’s no surprise the company was chosen as one of fifty most innovative companies by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review. This is the first year that the Technology Review has issued a list of companies known for their superior ability to invent new technology that transforms their business, along with the way we live.

This influential list, known as TR50, includes companies in the computing, energy, Web, materials and biomedicine. Each company that made the list has proven successful at not only the invention of technology, but its strategic business model for the deployment of this technology.

Medtronic has made many breakthroughs in the field of medical equipment technology. Early in its history, company co-founder Earl Bakken wanted to make “human benefit” the company’s primary goal, and the company has continued to be guided by this mission it its global efforts to change the face of chronic disease.

They apply their expertise in biomedical engineering to benefit the medical community through research, design, creation and sale of medical equipment and instruments to relieve pain, extend life and restore the overall health of millions. Through their key businesses, they partner with countless medical professionals to develop technology that improves the way people with chronic disease are treated. In all of their operations, Medtronic strives to provide the greatest possible quality and reliability in all of their products.

Given the history and accomplishments of Medtronic technology within the medical equipment industry, it is no surprise that the company was recognized so favorably by the MIT Technology Review.

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

In reviewing current Medicare legislation, it looks like seniors will have a much harder time getting home health care products, particularly durable medical equipment like power chairs. Part of the reason for this is because this is an area that was abused by some equipment providers, who made promises of full Medicare payment for senior citizens who purchased their equipment.

As a result of several cases of Medicare fraud a much more stringent application process is now in place, but the downside of this is that some Medicare beneficiaries who truly qualify for power wheelchairs may experience delays in getting the medical equipment they need. While most of the reform in Medicare legislation is aimed at making it more difficult for providers to submit false claims, it also has the potential to adversely affect senior citizens and other beneficiaries.

Because of some new rules affecting the coverage of power wheelchairs, some providers are worried they might go out of business. This is because Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for a power wheelchair will no longer be able to purchase a power wheelchair during the first month after it is prescribed. They will continue to have the option of renting the chair for up to 13 months, but without the option to purchase during the first month, medical equipment suppliers expect this to adversely affect their cash flow.

In their efforts to pay for an overhaul of the health care system, most providers would be willing to accept a lower reimbursement rate for their equipment as long as they are able to continue offering a first month purchase option. However, in their rush to pay for health care reform, many lawmakers fail to recognize the impact their decisions will have on the medical equipment industry.

While competitive bidding is expected to save millions, the new process was put together rather quickly and without much thought about how it would affect the chronically ill and disabled. The medical equipment industry is eager to work with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to correct the most pressing problems endemic to the programs, but they want to do so in a way that allows patients to get the critical care that they need without delay.

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

So you’ve decided to purchase a new or new-to-you piece of medical equipment, and you have it installed. Your next hurdle is getting your staff trained in using the medical equipment.

There are three primary ways for staff to learn how to work new equipment or instrumentation: through the vendor, through training by experienced personnel, or through self-tutorial. Which choice is best for you is as much a factor of the instrument or medical equipment itself as the nature of your practice.

To determine which of these ways will be optimal for your particular situation, find out if training is addressed in the warranty for your equipment or instrumentation. If it is, and chances are it will be for new equipment, training decisions have already been made for you; your job is now to follow those directives to the letter. Oddly enough, this type of training can be the least expensive, because the training, including the expenses for travel to the corporate headquarters of the manufacturer for that training, is typically included in the purchase price of your new equipment.

If you have a machine that has no warranty, or you have a machine that is very simple to operate, already experienced staff can train other staff in proper use of the equipment. The key difference here is that in this kind of knowledge exchange, you may obtain perfectly fine operational skills, but you will not receive any kind of certification. If a manufacturer trains you to use their equipment, you usually receive a statement of certification from the manufacturer. Your question here is then whether or not certification is required by law or another rule making body. Does your profession require certification? If so, what kind, or how much? The answer to these questions will vary depending on the nature of your practice and the equipment being used.

The last category is self-tutorial. In this instance your staff will study all available documentation and manuals for the equipment in question. Manuals and documentation are generally available through the manufacturer, often at no cost through the manufacturer’s website. Self-tutorial is an effective educational and training option only for simple medical equipment and experienced staff.

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Technorati Tags: Medical Equipment

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