Before making a purchase, it’s vital to know the type of equipment that will be required for your medical situation. You’ll want to determine if you’re better off with a commercial-grade machine or something more compact and portable. Medical equipment is expensive. But it’s not just the cost that makes a purchase decision difficult – it’s also how to know if you’re making the right choice. If you’re unsure about which one to buy, consult with your doctor who can tell you the specifications needed for your treatment plan.
Read Reviews
One of the most important things to do while comparison shopping is to read up on consumer feedback. This will tell you if the equipment has been durable and easy to use over time, while still operating correctly and providing accurate results according to your doctor’s orders. Relevant product testing helps solve this problem by providing unbiased information about medical equipment, so consumers can make an informed decision before they buy.
Medical device manufacturers pay for testing because it gives them valuable feedback from people who will actually use their products in real-world situations, which makes for better design and more satisfied customers in the long run. In return, all participants get access to objective information about different types of devices and what doctors say to make them work best for specific treatments/conditions.
Be Sure You Know What You Need
Many doctors recommend a specific make and model for their patients, but this doesn’t always guarantee that the equipment will fit your needs. If you’re not clear on what kind of medical equipment you need or how to go about buying it, talk with your doctor and devise a plan together. They’ll be able to tell you if they think a commercial-grade machine is necessary for your treatment plan and why. Or, they might recommend something simpler that could be used in your home to help you stay on track with reaching your health goals, such as a pedometer or activity monitor.
Most Used Pieces of Medical Equipment
In an emergency, life-saving equipment is what medical professionals use to resuscitate a person and get their heart pumping again. In the event of a serious injury or illness, however, doctors may recommend other pieces of medical equipment that will help you maintain your health while either in the hospital or at home. Common types of medical equipment include:
- Wheelchairs and scooters: For patients who need assistance with mobility or just can’t be on their feet for long periods of time. Depending on the patient’s needs and diagnosis, they might need to use these devices indefinitely or just until they’ve recovered enough to go without them.
- Oxygen tanks: Portable tanks for carrying around oxygen supplies when a person can’t breathe well on their own.
- Hospital beds: For people who are too ill or injured to sleep in regular beds, these devices provide adjustable support that is safer and easier to use than other alternatives. Hospital bed accessories available include: Bed rails and other safety equipment CPAP machines (continuous positive airway pressure) Overhead lighting Pillows and other comfort items oxygen tubing wireless remote controls.
- A feeding tube: If a patient isn’t able to eat or swallow properly, this medical equipment provides nutrition as prescribed by the doctor. Pumps, tubes, and other types of attached devices make it possible for people with eating disorders such as anorexia or PTSD to get the nutrition they need to stay well. If you or a loved one struggles with choking, consider asking your doctor about having a feeding tube installed.
- Home medical equipment: From walkers and canes for recovering patients to oxygen tanks for people who live in remote areas far from hospitals, home-based devices allow patients to maintain their health even when away from physicians’ offices.
Compare Different Suppliers
Finally, because medical equipment varies so much in price and quality, you should always compare different suppliers to find the best deal. And if possible, look for a used piece of equipment rather than buying a brand new one. Used medical devices are often in like-new condition and can be purchased at significantly reduced costs when compared with their retail price. Just make sure that you send all necessary repairs/parts before making your purchase, which will ensure that your machine is fully functional when it arrives on your doorstep.
If you’re unsure about where to start or even what kind of equipment is needed for your treatment plan, talk to your doctor about recommendations they might have based on how you plan on using the product (if at all). They’ll know exactly what sort of medical equipment is necessary, which brands to buy, and why. This will help you in the long run by ensuring that you’re making the right investment when it comes to purchasing life-saving medical devices.