Advances in home medical equipment

HEALTH MATTERS

By: Lorraine Seabrook
   Although you may not realize it until you, or someone close to you, require some kind of home health care product, the home medical equipment field has grown tremendously over the last decade, thanks to technological advances and thoughtful planning. It is no overstatement to say that these products offer a tremendous boost to the quality of life of the many patients who require them.
   Available items such as power wheelchairs and scooters, personal oxygen systems, nebulizers, deluxe walkers, reclining armchairs, braces, fashion canes and more, bear just passing resemblance to their earlier counterparts. Charles Eppelsheimer, general manager of Princeton Medical Equipment, The Medical Center at Princeton’s home medical equipment company, recently gave me a first-hand look at some of the items available.

"The oxygen system is really worth getting excited about. For the first time, patients can carry a single device that is lightweight and lasts a full eight to 10 hours without needing a refill."

Charles Eppelsheimer


General Manager,

Princeton Medical Equipment

The Medical Center at Princeton

   At his invitation, I toured the facilities at PME, and found myself aboard both a power scooter and power wheelchair. With the power switch turned to high, I gave each product a whirl around the store room and even headed outside down a long cement ramp.
   While there, I was able to see and marvel at the number of products available. The reclining armchair raises its seat almost to standing level to help the patient stand; the power wheelchair reverses and turns 360 degrees at the push of a hand control; the scooter is easy to steer and provides both a comfortable seat and storage capabilities, and the deluxe walker has all the features that make it easy for a patient to take a worry-free trip to a mall or park.
   While admiring these products, I asked Mr. Eppelsheimer a few important questions:
   What is the process by which people find themselves in need of home medical equipment?
   Mr. Eppelsheimer: The vast majority of customers are patients, or their family members, who arrive with a doctor’s script in hand. This script will include a medical code and a diagnostic code. Once we read this, we talk with the patients about what products are available and explain how we can customize them to fit their needs. My staff also works with the patients’ physicians to make sure that we are offering our patients the correct product for their unique situations.
   For example, a person recovering from an operation may require the use of a walker for a month. This person differs greatly from someone who requires a walker indefinitely. For the first patient, a standard aluminum walker may be fine. For the latter patient, there are walkers available that have front wheels, hand brakes, a basket and a built-in seat. For this patient, these types of walkers will make any excursion out of the house much more practical and enjoyable, resulting in a more active lifestyle.
   All of the equipment is available to purchase and many products are available to rent.
   What are some of the newest pieces of equipment available?
   Mr. Eppelsheimer: Three products come to mind — personal oxygen systems, portable nebulizers and an improved Continuous Positive Airway Pressure System for sleep apnea patients.
   The oxygen system is really worth getting excited about. For the first time, patients can carry a single device that is lightweight (weighing just 3.6 pounds when full) and lasts a full eight to 10 hours without needing a refill. This system, which can be worn as a fanny pack or back pack, allows patients to enjoy many activities that were previously off-limits, including day trips.
   Each morning, the patient fills the portable unit from a home reservoir and within 40 seconds, the oxygen supply and the patient are good to go for the whole day. The device operates in any position, requires no batteries and looks great.
   Compare this to the standard oxygen tanks that weight 20-30 pounds and last for only two to three hours.
   The portable nebulizer, which is a product used to treat asthma and other related illnesses, uses ultrasonic waves to nebulize the patient’s medication into particle size. The product offers infants, children and adults a quiet and quick treatment option, weighing just one pound (including the battery). The nebulizer is so much more convenient that patients are not likely to miss a treatment while at a soccer game or dance recital or in an airplane. There is even an optional DC auto adapter available.
   For patients with sleep apnea, CPAP, a device which provides positive pressure to keep the airway open, is becoming quieter, more portable and more comfortable. An integrated heated humidifier and several new types of masks are available to make therapy easily customized for each patient.
   Are any of these products covered by medical insurance?
   Mr. Eppelsheimer: Yes, the majority of products are covered, which is why it is so important for patients, the home medical equipment staff and the physicians to work together to ensure that patients’ needs are being fulfilled.
   Do you have any advice to offer patients or their family members?
   Mr. Eppelsheimer: My advice to patients is to ask questions of their physicians and their home medical equipment suppliers because the products are available and can truly upgrade their quality of life.
Lorraine Seabrook is staff writer with The Medical Center of Princeton.