Medical device’ refers to any instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, appliance, implant, reagent for in vitro use, software, material, or other similar or related article, intended by the manufacturer to be used, alone or in combination, for human beings, for one or more of the specific medical purpose(s) of:
- diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment, or alleviation of disease,
- diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, alleviation of or compensation for an injury,
- investigation, replacement, modification, or support of the anatomy or of a physiological process,
- supporting or sustaining life,
- control of conception,
- disinfection of medical devices
- providing information by means of in vitro examination of specimens derived from the human body;
and does not achieve its primary intended action by pharmacological, immunological or metabolic means, in or on the human body, but which may be assisted in its intended function by such means.
The types of such equipment include:
o Diagnostic equipment like resonance imaging and x-ray machines, such as PACS systems that allow multiple images.
o Therapeutic equipment like lasers.
o Life support equipment including ventilators.
o Medical monitors for ECG and blood pressure.
Technology plays a very important role in enhancing the world of equipment thus helping to develop the lifestyle of the patients. These types of equipment make prior identification of the diseases and prevent serious ones.
Home medical equipment help provide medical care to the patients at home, by any non-professional caregiver. Some of the home medical equipment include air purifiers, cannula, Toshiba PVT-375BT, prostheses, walkers, and wheel-chair.
Patients must keep prescriptions from the doctor for home medical equipment. This equipments should be taken from the stores within the immediate area.
The important supply companies of such equipments include very large organizations such as Walgreen’s and Invacare and smaller companies including medical device companies in China and Internet retailers also play important role in supplying equipments. But all necessary supplies and transactions are based on the laws of the government.
- Some basic functions while supplying equipments at home are:
- Proper set up of the equipment at home.
- Make the home environment suitable for the patient as well as for the better usage of the machine.
- Training the caregiver to use the equipment properly.
- 24-hour contact with the suppliers to deal emergencies.
- Helping in periodic maintenance.
All suppliers must comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect patients’ confidentiality and records. HIPAA regulates the availability and breadth of group health plans and certain individual health insurance policies. It helps in amending many acts in favor of sick persons.
The tools and equipments at hospitals are termed as medical equipments. Many companies are involved in the hospital equipment business. Examples of commonly used hospital equipments include malecot catheters, stomach tubes, rubber sheets, rubber infant syringes, surgical rubber bulbs, Ryles tubes, Lavine tubes, endotracheal tubes, douche tubes, pipette bulb, etc.
Mediclaim policies generally pay for the medical equipment used in the home to aid in a better quality of living. It is a benefit included in most insurance. It is almost similar to the home equipments with almost similar uses. Durable medical equipment (DME) is equipment that is usually used by seniors or those that have a medical condition, disability, or physical limitation, is used daily, and is appropriate for use in the home. As a company selling home medical equipment, assisting those with difficulties to be independent is our goal. Magnifiers, electric scooters, and rollers are some forms of durable equipments. Durable and quality rehabilitation home medical equipment is important for safety and independence.
