A Walk Down the Memory Lane of Medical Supplies

Remember playing doctor? The Fisher Price doctor’s kit of plastic medical supplies? My favorite was easily the little stethoscope, although I also enjoyed—and still do—the feeling of pressure on my arm when the nurse (well, back then it was my sister, pretending to be a nurse) wrapped the Velcro band tight and pumped it up to take my blood pressure.

Of all medical supplies, the stethoscope is the classic doctor’s accessory. Is it any wonder that its origins are French? It was invented in 1816 by René Laennec at the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris. It consisted of a wooden tube and was monaural. It was quite similar to the common ear trumpet of the time.

Medical supplies have come a long way—since 1816, certainly, and since my childhood doctor-playing days—and the stethoscope has evolved to include not only acoustic, but electronic, recording and fetal monitoring possibilities. But the stethoscope, cool and heavy against the chest, remains the symbol of the profession.

Get Dialysis Supplies for Less at United Med

Dialysis is a very delicate process that requires the best in medical supplies to get the job done efficiently and safely. According to USA Today, the fastest-growing group of people requiring dialysis is the 75 years and older category, many of whom already have other major health problems. Furthermore, many of these older patients are in nursing homes, many of which aren’t equipped to handle this serious medical procedure. That’s why it’s imperative that if you run a dialysis center and are treating these fragile older patients, you are fully stocked on the medical supplies you need to get the job done efficiently for the patient. 

If you run a long term care facility and are looking for quality dialysis supplies in addition to your regular order of nursing home supplies, you should look no further than United Med. In addition to our impressive stock of everything from Band-aids to blood pressure monitors, we have top notch dialysis products available from Dialycare. Dialycare has a comprehensive supply of anything and everything you need to treat a patient needing this life-saving renal therapy.

Get Up-to-Date Medical Supplies

If you run a private clinic or medical facility, you should know firsthand that the medical supplies and equipment you use should be top-notch. These days, it’s expected for facilities in the U.S. to have the latest and greatest medical supplies and equipment. If you’re concerned with the costs of regularly updating your medical supplies, you should put yourself in the patient’s shoes. It’s a truly scary thing to relinquish control over your life and put it in the hands of a total stranger.

In addition, as a patient, you are paying tons of money to get, what you anticipate to be, the best treatment available. This is especially true if one of your patients is going to be paying for their treatment out of pocket. Often times, nursing homes and long-term care facilities get away with not having decent medical supplies. This is outrageous. Elderly individuals are often ailing, and if your facilities doesn’t have the proper nursing home supplies to ease their pain and treat their ailment, you’re basically telling them that they’re lives aren’t worth the money you’d spend on new medical supplies.

So get up to date on the latest medical supplies. Do it for yourself, your patients, and your practice.

Medical Supplies News: FDA Expands Defibrilator Recall

Last November the Food and Drug Administration issued a recall on some models of external defibrillators, a staple in many facilities nursing home supply. The original recall included defibrillators manufactured by Cardiac Science Corporation and now included GE’ s Responder, and two Nihon Kohden model’s also made by Cardiac Science. This brings the total defibrillator recall count to nearly 300,000.

"The FDA is issuing this notice so that users can take the proper steps necessary to assure they have access to safe and effective defibrillators," Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a statement.

In addition to nursing home supply, external defibrillators can be found in airports, hospitals, homes, and other public places and are integral in reviving someone struck with sudden cardiac arrest. According to the FDA, the devices were recalled because they suffer from a malfunction of the relay component and have faulty resistors.

Because of these defects, the recalled devices may not be able to administer the life-saving shocks needed to revive someone in an emergency. In addition, the FDA stated that the defects may not be able to properly recognize electrode placement.

The recall affects defibrillators manufactured between August 2003 and August 2009. Models affected are:
Powerheart-9300A, 9300C, 9300D, 9300E, 9300P, 9390A and 9390E
CardioVive- 92531, 92532, 92533
Nihon Kohden-9200G and 9231
GE Responder-2019198, 2023440

How a Medical Supplier Helps the Doctor Patient Relationship

A recent article in the New York Times described the effects of a hospital’s conversion to an EMR system, or electronic medical records system. In many cases, the patient doctor relationship suffered due to the doctor’s manipulation of records through a third party – the computer.

Even tech savvy docs still have trouble keeping the patient involved, because understanding the records can mean turning one’s back on the patient in order to read the patient’s history on a screen. Some doctors have trouble interacting with patients to begin with, and for them, using EMRs makes the situation even worse.

Fortunately, when ordering medical supplies or nursing home supplies, United Med Supply doesn’t sacrifice the supplier- suppliee relationship. Using computers almost always increases the ability for the hospital or nursing home to easily get what they need, without having to undergo much difficulty. Part of the reason for this is the lack of face to face interaction, and thus the need for computers to supplement a history without messy paperwork. Facilitating the use of medical supplies should make it easier on the patient eventually, because when the supplier does everything they can for the doctor, the doctor is happy. And a happy doctor means a happy patient.

OnSiteRX Machine May Change RX Game

Dealing with pharmacies can be difficult. Prescription changes and health insurance bureaucracy leads to general inefficiency. Ultimately, this can greatly increase the trouble in moving medicine into the hands of the patient. Especially when ordering prescriptions for clients on a large scale, the amount of time involved can be devastating. Back and forth phone calls, prescription faxing, and inconsistency can lead to a nightmare of paperwork and delay.

Recently, however, a new on- site prescription delivering machine has allowed for greater ease in distribution, helping a nursing home save $10,000 dollars over a trial six week period. With nursing home supplies being distributed on a larger scale it seems natural that pharmaceuticals become more easily dispensed. This machine, and others like it, could lead to a revolution in the dispensation of pills, saving time and money for all of those involved.

The Texas based company that makes this machine, OnSiteRX, is promoting its dispensers to facilitate the nursing home supply industry’s usage of prescription pills. In the meantime, the socialization of health care may lead to even more bureaucracy and paperwork. Whether it’s greater ease in distributing medical supplies or nursing home supplies, here’s hoping for the future!

Medical Supplies the Easy Way

A nursing home supply company holds all of the essential medical supplies for any nursing home supply needs. These consist of many items that facilitate comfort for the needy. Comfort includes, but is not limited to, patient room supplies, ostomy, diabetic supplies, food services, and wound care.

Medical supplies are increasingly in demand in the health care field today. Rather than use a nursing home supply company that simply deals in nursing home supplies, why not deal with a company that you can trust? United Medical Supply Company is a premier global health care company that works with you to decide how to manage costs and to determine what products best meet your needs.

We have supply item lists to help you organize what medical supplies you need. We deal with manufacturers such as ConvaTec, Everest & Jennings, Dynarex, BD, Gojo, Cardinal Health, Smiths Medical, San Jamar, First Quality, Tyco, Novartis, Lumex, Kimberly-Clark, Hollister and Nestle.

When you buy from United Medical Supply, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best prices and the best service on all your medical supplies. If you’re a new customer, fill out a credit application and credit card authorization form to start shopping confidentially today.

The Personal Side of Medical Supplies

Medical supplies are important for all facets of the health industry. Whether your company is a hospital, clinic, private practice, surgery center, or provider of long term care, it is important to have the best quality medical supplies.

Medical supplies have never been more accessible than in the 21st century. Whereas in the past order forms were sloppy and tedious, today an online order form simplifies the entire process. Plus, United Med Supply works with you to offer you the best prices when you buy in bulk. You can also save money by reusing certain items like washable bed pads.

One of our cost management programs is called PPD. It works with long term care providers to give discounts on nursing home supplies through budgeting and tracking the cost of orders. With reduced Medicare reimbursements, it is increasingly difficult to save money on overhead. We’re here to help.

Overall, there are many challenges in the health care industry, but here at United Med Supply, we’re here to work with you to help you save money on nursing home supplies and medical supplies. Our sales team is available to provide you with answers if you have any questions or concerns.

Medical Supplies News: Problems with PVC in IV Bags and Tubing

The low production cost and physical make-up of PVC has made it the go to plastic for medical supplies. However, in recent years, PVC has been known to pose as a problem for the health of the environment and patients who are subject to medical supplies made with PVC. Many hospitals in Europe have banned PVC medical products all-together.

PVC is carbon intensive to produce and creates harmful pollutant when disposed of, which is a problem many environmentalists are grappling to combat.

In terms of health, it also exposes patients to DEHP, the substance used to soften the plastic, which has been found to have adverse side effects, particularly to the male reproductive tract.

According to animal testing conducted by Shanna Swan of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, a well-known DEHP research facility, observed side effects have been:
•    Hypospadia, a deformity of the penis
•    Undescended testicles, which indicates
      increased risk of testicular cancer later in life
•    Reduced sperm count and fertility
•    Indications of feminisation

Fortunately, there are many alternatives to using this potentially detrimental product in medical supplies. There are PVC-free bags made of EVA. These are cost-effective and technically competitive with PVC bags. Tubing alternatives are made from silicone or polyurethane are on the market for most medical applications as well. There are also disposable gloves made from nitrile that are also readily available for use.

News in Medical Supplies: Hand-held Device Can Help Treat Migraines

There is a new technology in the works for those who suffer from migraines and don’t want to be treated with prescription drugs.

In a study published last week in The Lancet Neurology, a team of researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that 40 percent of patients were pain-free two hours after using a hand-held transcranial magnetic stimulation device.

According to lead researcher, Richard Lipton, “It's a long-standing, well-established technique, which has already received FDA approval for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes."
Lipton said the goal of this research was to gain FDA approval for the sTMS treatment of migraines. Currently, the FDA only has it approved for depression treatment, brain mapping and measuring brain excitability.

The technology works by penetrating the skull and treating brain tissue with a magnetic field. Lipton chose to try this treatment on migraine sufferers with auras or those who see spots, a gray haze or zig-zag lines when the migraine ensues. Aura suffers represent about 25 percent of all migraine sufferers. Disruption of the aura, which precedes a migraine, would prevent the headache from coming on.

We will most definitely keep our eye on this and other budding advances in medical supplies.
Remember that if you’d like to streamline the process of ordering medical supplies, you can always order online at UnitedMedSupply.com.

Tips to Cut Overhead Costs for Your Medical Facility

If you run a surgery center, nursing home, or private practice, you probably are always looking for effective ways to cut overhead costs. We’ve compiled a brief list of simple ways to cut overhead costs without affecting staff and payroll, by saving on medical supplies.

1) All disposable medical supplies should be ordered in bulk.
Gloves, diapers, bed pads, dressing supplies, all of the things that get frequent use, should be ordered in one large order. By doing this you are saving money and time.

2) Order products online.
Online medical supply retailers are notorious for offering the same products as traditional retailers, at much lower prices. This is primarily because they have low overhead by not to maintain a retail store.

3) Plan ahead.
If you see you’re running low on medical supplies, you should make it a point to order well before your supplies are completely depleted.

4) Try to Conserve Disposables.
There are many reusable products on the market today that have in many cases, proven to better, equally safe, and less costly. Things like exam gloves are a necessity and shouldn’t be a place to cut corners. Things like soft, washable bed pads can be a great way to cut costs in nursing home supplies, while making sure your patients are safe and comfortable.

Spend More Time With Patients By Ordering Medical Supplies Online

As a pediatrician, it’s my primary concern to spend the most amount of time working with patients and their parents.

Little patients need extra attention, so all my focus goes on them. In order to do this, it’s imperative for me that I spent less time doing general office duties like taking inventory and ordering stock. But you can’t run a successful practice without adequate medical supplies.

I knew that in order for me to spend the most amount of time with my patients, and the least amount of time ordering medical supplies, I had to change my way of ordering and take it to the internet. I found United Med Supply and was blown away by not only the selection, but the amazing prices and even better customer service.

Ordering medical supplies online from United Med Supply really freed up a lot of time for me and gave me peace of mind knowing that I was getting exactly what I needed at a low price.

Dealing with vendors and complicated order sheets is now a thing of the past and I can spend more time doing the essential functions of my job and treating my patients.

For more information on how you can order medical supplies for clinics, nursing homes, or even surgery centers, visit UnitedMedSupply.com.

Medical Supplies Are Important to Resident Care

I’m the head of a nursing home and as part of my job I’m in charge of getting the best nursing home supplies. I remember how back in the day we had to fill out tons and tons of forms each and every month, ordering and re ordering stock and supplies, making sure that we got it all covered. But you know that once you need that latex glove, well, you always end up short.

Now it's amazing how these days you can buy anything online and I mean anything. Not just electronics or whatnots, but also real medical supplies. Thanks to online suppliers like UnitedMed.com I dont have to fill out these forms anymore - it all happens automatically!

Now when I do my shopping for medical supplies and nursing home supplies, I look at quality first, then price. With United Medical Supplies, I can save huge money and still buy the best quality medical supplies for my residents. Some of my sicker residents need more specific care, and can’t even get out of bed. For them, I need to really make sure that they are comfortable and happy. Medical supplies and nursing home supplies are key to this, and that’s why I use United Medical.

Private Practice or Clinic, United Med Supply Delivers

I have a private osteopathic practice, and along with malpractice insurance and insurance reimbursement cuts, times have been getting tougher. So where I buy my medical supplies has become even more important as of late.

When I deal with United Medical Supply, I feel confident that they will deliver my order punctually and without any problems. Moreover, their prices are highly competitive, especially on the smaller orders that private practices like mine continually place. But small orders are not the only area where they excel.

A few years ago, a couple of colleagues and I decided to invest in some new technology that would allow us to begin a clinic, and attract more national attention from the medical community. We decided to lease some of the medical supplies from United. Today, because times have been increasingly difficult, we have been struggling to pay for the maintenance of our clinic. The fact is, however, that the leasing deal we have with United Medical Supply has allowed us to pay with our salary and not to have to reach into our pockets or go into debt. As the economy begins to improve, we have agreed that the lease remains the best means by which to retain our medical supplies in our clinic. For reasons like the above, United Medical Supply remains my personal choice for medical supplies.

Update Your Nursing Home Supplies for Sleep Apnea at United Med

If you run a nursing home and feel it is time to update your medical supplies and equipment, United Med has a great selection of respiratory products for Sale or Lease, including some specifically used for treating Sleep Apnea.

Good nursing home supplies are essential to the health and safety of your patients. Patients with respiratory issues like Sleep Apnea are especially sensitive and require the highest standards in equipment safety and quality.

United Med has the knowledge and expertise that go far beyond selling you the product. Today’s regulatory compliance demands more of caregivers than ever before. After all, they are putting their lives in your hands, so you should make sure you’re giving the proper treatment with updated modern equipment.

United Med’s experienced and knowledgeable sales staff makes finding the right products easier; leaving you with one less thing you have to worry about.

As a health-care provider, you should be giving your patients top-notch care, but that doesn’t mean you have to go bankrupt in the process. If you aren’t able to purchase the Sleep apnea equipment, or other respiratory products you need up-front, a leasing option may be more feasible.

Visit UnitedMedSupply.com for the best selection and prices of nursing home supplies and respiratory products.

Get all your ASC supplies, medical supplies and surgical supplies at United Med

Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC’s) are for really any kind of surgery – whether a simple blood transfusion or dental surgery, or a more complicated procedure like the removal of malignant tumors or plastic surgery, outpatient care is a viable alternative to the overnight hospital stay.
After surgery, many patients feel spry enough to go directly back to their rooms to be with their loved ones, without having to go to the recovery rooms. In most cases, recovery times last from one to four hours, and rarely patients are admitted into overnight hospitals.

It’s important to have friends and family by your side after surgery. To have the love and dedication of a close one after a tumultuous time is important, and will help to speed your recovery. Outpatient care is never thought of as being so easy, but in fact, it really is.

ASC’s are a great way to reduce medical costs for yourself and your family by limiting the amount of time spent in recovery. The average savings range from twenty to fifty percent when compared with the cost of the same procedure at a local hospital. For less invasive procedures, ASC’s are the more practical choice.

For all ASC supplies including medical supplies and surgical supplies, visit our site www.UnitedMedSupply.com

What Nursing Home Supplies are a must in your facility or clinic?

First of all, when it comes to nursing home supplies a variety of masks are available to guard against airborne diseases. Masks not only protect staff, residents and visitors from becoming ill but also prevent them from spreading an illness they may have. It is a common practice to provide masks for visitors who presently have a condition that can be passed on to others at the facility. The H1N1 strain of influenza is a great example of the importance of practicing good hygiene and sanitation techniques. The best and easiest way to prevent the spread of the flu virus is still washing your hands frequently with a quality sanitizer.

Ostomy care is a common concern for staff in these facilities. Routine duties for those caring for a resident with an Ostomy include timely changing of the collection pouch and checking the surrounding skin for signs of irritation. There are many products available for the treatment of an ostomy procedure that helps to prevent infection and the incurring of further illness. In addition, many are aimed at bringing comfort to the patient. Deodorants, topical skin ointments and special bandages are just a few examples of what is currently available.

Today, many of the diagnostic tools used by doctors and hospitals are available in a home or even portable version. Blood pressure monitors, improved diabetic test kits, advanced breathing aids, heart monitors and many more are available to patients for private use with their doctor. This is providing nursing home and assisted living residents with more independence, confidence and safety. With new medical developments being made available seemingly everyday it is important to learn what advancements have been made. In all aspects of health care, keeping equipment and supplies up to date is of utmost importance.

Preventive Measures For Diseases And Infections

Any medical care facility should provide its staff with the best tools available to ensure complete and satisfactory treatment of patients and residents. Diagnostic and surgical equipment must be professionally maintained and calibrated. Medical supplies need to be carefully stored, handled and inventoried. It is equally important that all staff work together to maintain the highest level of sanitation in and around the entire facility. The typical nursing home environment presents additional challenges that must be accounted for to safeguard residents from further medical and quality of life issues.

Having the appropriate nursing home supplies at their disposal, coupled with proper training and dedication, helps to provide the best possible care and treatment options. Businesses specializing in nursing home supply offer the greatest range of equipment and tools, as well as knowledge of the latest industry advancements and concerns. Maintaining a sanitary environment in a nursing home facility is paramount to quality care and treatment. Basic janitorial tasks require specialized surfactants and cleaning solutions. Instruments and equipment that is to be reused must be sanitized and stored properly.

If you need to stock-up on essentials such as gloves, face masks and sanitizers, visit www.unitedmedsupply.com, the leading medical supplies and nursing home supplies distributor.

A word about Blood Pressure Monitors and Nursing Home Supplies for Home Use

There are many senior citizens in the United States that live alone and have what might, at one time, been considered strictly hospital or nursing home supplies inside their homes. Due to the natural aging process, as well as any external factors that could be unhealthy for people of any age, many of these senior citizens find themselves in need of at home medical supplies that may have been considered strictly hospital or nursing home supplies not so very long ago. Medical supplies not typically found in the homes of these senior citizens when they were in their younger years can include a blood pressure monitor.

Blood pressure monitors for use at home have evolved into a technologically advanced and extremely user friendly health care device that most seniors find simple to use. Consistently monitoring blood pressure can alert a patient and their doctor to any detrimental changes in blood pressure, which can alert the doctor to any potential health problems. Many insurance companies cover the cost of a blood pressure monitor that will assist the doctor in further diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure.

Keeping an accurate record of blood pressure readings at home can actually decrease your overall healthcare costs by decreasing the amount of required doctor office visits and any care related to complications that might have been avoided with daily blood pressure monitoring. Nursing Home Supply merchants will often sell to the general public in addition to their existing health care institution account base. Most offer both mail order and online purchases options and have a knowledgeable customer service staff. The customer service representatives can assist the consumer in determining which brand and type of blood pressure monitor would be best for the current circumstances.