Saturday, August 30, 2008

Medical Data on a Bracelet

This little gadget is a simple memory-stick that plugs into a PC's USB port and automatically connects to it's easy to use software program. The software provides editable forms for all your record keeping. Enter as little or as much medical information as you want. Make changes, add new information, keep your physician's name & contact info, any history you wish to enter.

When I first saw the Care Memory Band Medical Alert Bracelet I thought it was a great idea, and I immediately envisioned a bed-ridden patient in a nursing home wearing the bracelet. Staff would have the software installed on a PC and the staff would maintain resident information on the bracelets.

On my second review of the product I realized that this is not just for sick people or nursing homes, it's great for anyone with any kind of medical history. Wear it when taking a trip, going out shopping for the day, taking a long drive, or any occasion where you feel more comfortable having it with you should anything happen.

PC must have a CD drive and USB port.

See it here: Care Memory Band Bracelet

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Shrinking Online Discounts


Almost all goods sold in the U.S. travel by truck. And with drivers shelling out a full Grand (that's $1000) for a fill-up, shipping and delivery charges are rising at a proportional rate. In some cases our actual shipping charges have seen a 60% increase. The increase is particularly noticeable for oversize shipments.

Hospital Beds and Adjustable Beds, Lift Chairs and Power Wheelchairs, all examples of oversize products (Freight Deliveries), have risen a full 60% and this is reflected in our White Glove In-Home Setup charges.

These high fuel cost must be affecting all aspects of commerce, not just e-commerce. Websites and Internet Merchants that are not keeping on top of manufactures (vendor) price increases and ignoring the increase in shipping cost are setting themselves up for failure. That's not entirely a bad thing, and is part of the otherwise natural process that occurs over time in which we separate the good, the bad, the ugly, and the missing. They won't be around long without making a profit.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Living with Arthritis

According to the CDC forty-six million Americans report that a doctor told them they have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults. Arthritis comprises over 100 different diseases and conditions.

People with Arthritis of the Hip of Knee will see immediate benefit from a Lift Chair. Many Arthritis patients don't know these functional chairs exist. These Chairs are Recliners, just like a Lazy-Boy, but with electric motors to control all functions. The motors are controlled with a hand-pendant and at the push of a button the user can be lifted into the standing position. Likewise, the Lift Chairs sit the patient down from the standing position. The user simply leans into the chair (in it's standing position) while pressing the down button on the hand control. The whole process of getting up and down is now effortless. Reclining is also achieved with electric motors. No levers to pull as on a standard recliner.

Medicare patients with severe Arthritis of the Hip or Knee may qualify for Medicare partial coverage of a Lift Chair. I say "partial" because total back from Medicare is about $280 and maybe another $50-$60 back from any secondary insurance. Find more information on Filing a Medicare Claim for Lift Chair in our Medicare FAQ. We file Medicare Claims for our customers purchasing Lift Chairs as long as they have a prescription from their doctor and meet the Arthritis requirements.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Medicare Assignment Billing


PHC-Online offers Medicare assigned billing for Power Wheelchairs and Scooters in selected areas of the United States. These are locations where we have a representative available to deliver, setup and train the recipient on the operation of their new Scooter or Power Wheelchair. This service requires little to no out-of-pocket money from the applicant depending on whether the patient has secondary insurance.

Visit our Medicare Power Wheelchair and Scooter page for specific patient requirements and which areas we serve.

Need to ask questions? Call our Medicare department 866-553-5319 x14 or email medicare@phc-online.com

Folding Walker


New Lumex Foldaway Walker

Finally, there is a folding Walker that really folds up! The new Lumex Foldaway Walker folds like a regular walker and then the legs come out of their tubes and fold making the walker half the size of a standard walker. If you are on Medicare and qualify, we'll file your Medicare claim for you, all you need is a doctor's prescription for a walker. The Walkabout Walker works for patients 5'4" - 6'2" tall. Order it today and get free shipping.

The Walkabout Walker cannot be used with wheels since the legs are attached (with bungie cords) for folding. Adding wheels to a walker means removing the bottom portion of the leg and replacing it with a leg with wheel attached.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Why a Prescription is Required for Nebulizer

It takes all kinds!

Several calls this morning: Why do I need a doctor's prescription for a nebulizer?

Almost everyone looking to purchase a nebulizer asks this question. The answer is simple: because it's the law. Nebulizers are regulated by the FDA just like the prescription medication you use in it. Sometimes it's hard to be opened minded about why things are the way they are.

Why all the fuss?
  1. The clinical answer is because we wouldn't want you to do damage to your lungs with improper usage.
  2. The real-world answer is because drug addicts find the nebulizer as a sure-fire way to get their illicit drugs down deep into their lungs.
With the use of a Nebulizer, the abuser's drug of choice, whether it be cocaine, amphetamines (meth), barbiturates or speed is turned into a fine mist spray and forced deep down into the lungs for their ultimate high.

Can you say STUPID!

Nebulizers for Children with Asthma

Childhood Asthma

I'm surprised at the alarming number of customers purchasing nebulizer systems for their children. So many that nebulizer manufacturers have introduced models designed specifically for children. Penguins, farm animals, race cars, and more disguise these medication delivery systems.

Asthma is caused by inflammation in the airways. When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles surrounding the airways become tight and the lining of the air passages swell. This reduces the amount of air that can pass by, and can lead to wheezing sounds.

Most people with asthma have wheezing attacks separated by symptom-free periods. Some patients have long-term shortness of breath with episodes of increased shortness of breath. Still, in others, a cough may be the main symptom. Asthma attacks can last minutes to days and can become dangerous if the airflow becomes severely restricted.

African-American and Puerto Rican children are six times as likely as white children to die of asthma.

Inner-city children are exposed to more indoor and outdoor allergens, triggers for breathing problems, in their home.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, African-American and Puerto Rican children are six times as likely as white children to die of asthma. In minority children, “the prevalence of asthma is about 40 percent higher, but the difference in the adverse outcomes is three times, four times higher for hospitalizations,” said Dr. Lara Akinbami, a researcher at the center who tracks childhood asthma. “Given that we have the tools to prevent those things, that does reach the level of a public health crisis.”

Children in poor inner-city communities are disproportionately exposed to both indoor and outdoor allergens — cockroaches, mice, mold, dust, cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust, soot — that can trigger breathing problems.

Common asthma triggers include:
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Exercise
  • Viral infections, such as the common cold
  • Animals (hair or dander)
  • Chemicals in the air or in food
  • Mold
  • Changes in weather (most often cold weather)
  • Strong emotions
  • Aspirin and other medications
Children's airways are narrower than those of adults.
This means that triggers that may cause only a slight problem in an adult can create more serious problems in children. In children, an asthma attack can appear suddenly with severe symptoms. For this reason, it is important that asthma be diagnosed and treated correctly. Some children may need to take medicine every day, even when they do not have symptoms.

Find Respiratoty Supplies and Equipment such as Nebulizers on our website: phc-online.com