Rollators Have Upgrade Cost

Rollators are basically a rolling walker w/seat and sometimes other options such as a basket or brakes.

For insurance coverage, a prescription is required. The prescription must have: Rolling Walker W/Seat as the product and diagnosis as appropriate.

Typically, if a customer has both a primary and a secondary insurance, they will have approximately $30 out of pocket. A rollator is seen as an upgraded rolling walker.

For more information, call us today! 1-800-722-7313

Pro-Tech Medical
www.ProTechMedical.blogspot.com

Medicare Provider For Home Medical Equipment, TN

Pro-Tech Medical is a Medicare provider for home medical equipment in Middle Tennessee. We handle all the paperwork to make things easier on you.

Contact us today or visit our website, www.protechmedical.blogspot.com to learn more.

Pro-Tech Medical 1-800-722-7313

Home Oxygen Provider, Nashville, TN

Are you looking for a home oxygen provider in Nashville, TN? Are you moving to this area and looking for a home medical equipment provider?

If the answer is "yes" to either of these questions, you should consider Pro-Tech Medical. Pro-Tech Medical has been a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider in Middle Tennessee for over 23 years. Pro-Tech Medical also is accreditated by CHAP thus ensure the highest quality of service.

The delivery staff at Pro-Tech Medical can easily assist you with your monthly needs including supplies, tanks, and machine maintenance.

Call today for an easy transition!

Pro-Tech Medical - 1-800-722-7313

Pro-Tech Medical, Your CPAP Provider

CPAP Machines



Pro-Tech Medical is your local provider for CPAP technology. Let our Respiratory Therapist help educate you about your new CPAP machine.



In this picture, you see a RESMED CPAP machine with a heated water chamber on the front. The machine comes with a memory card for your physician to monitor your compliance and the
machine's performance.



We also provide all your gear including mask, tubing, filter, and headstrap. We provide all your supplies after the initial set up as well. It is recommended that you frequently change out your machine's filter for optimum performance much like you would your filter for your HVAC unit at home. New tubing helps to reduce bacteria build up. A new mask will ensure a proper seal on your face. Over time, the seal can break down due to facial oils.

If you need a CPAP or supplies, call Pro-Tech Medical today - 1-800-722-7313.

Hospital Beds

HOSPITAL BEDS

Hospital beds are a necessary item for those persons needing frequent repositioning not attainable with an ordinary bed.

Common Diagnosis: Arthritis, CHF, Stroke, Fractured Hip, Chronic COPD,

(these are just a small portion, please call our billing department for a detailed summary - 1-800-722-7313)

Insurance Coverage: Yes - Prescription w/diagnosis required for insurance coverage

In-Home Delivery: Yes

Common Items Also Requested With This Item: Gel Overlay, Wound Care Mattress, Bedside Commode, Trapeze Bar, Hoyer Lift, Wheelchair, Over-the-bed Table

Call Pro-Tech Medical for delivery in Middle Tennessee - 1-800-722-7313

Specialty Mattress

SPECIALTY MATTRESS, WOUND CARE MATTRESS

Specialty mattresses are used for those persons needing prevention or relief from pressure sores.

These mattresses are also referred to as Gel Overlays, LAL (Low Air Loss), APM (Alternating Pressure Mattress), APP (Alternating Pressure Pad), Wound Care Mattress.

Common Diagnosis: Decubitis Ulcer, Wound - Stage 1-4 on trunk area, Poor Nutrition

Insurance Coverage: Yes. Prescription w/diagnosis required. Type of mattress will depend on plan of care assigned by prescribing physician.

In-Home Delivery: Yes

Common Items Also Requested With This Item: Hospital Bed, Wheelchair Cushion, Wheelchair

Call Pro-Tech Medical for delivery in Middle Tennessee - 1-800-722-7313

Scooters, Power Chairs, Electric Wheelchairs

Scooters, Power Chairs, Electric Wheelchairs

Scooters are often a "catch-all" term for any powered wheelchair. But, a scooter is specifically defined as having a tiller system for steering. Controls are located at the top of the tiller. A person needing a scooter will need trunk control and hand dexterity to operate.

Common Diagnosis: COPD, Severe Arthritis

Insurance Coverage: Yes. Requires a prescription w/diagnosis, face-to-face examination by physician, supporting medical documentation, and in-home assessment by ATS from providing home medical company.

In-Home Delivery: Yes. Complimentary assessments available.

Common Items Also Requested With This Item: Home Oxygen Therapy, Nebulizer, Hospital Bed, Gel Overlay, Car Lift or Hauler

Call Pro-Tech Medical for delivery in Middle Tennessee - 1-800-722-7313

Tens Units

T.E.N.S Units

T.E.N.S unit is an acronym for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. A tens unit is a small box powered by a battery supplying an electrical charge through leads attached to the body. The control of the charge of electricity can be manually set by several dials on the control interface. The units are used to stimulate and relax muscles.

Common Diagnosis: Headaches, Visceral Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain, TMJ, Lower Back Pain

Insurance Coverage: Yes. Requires prescription w/diagnosis

In-Home Delivery: Mail order delivery available or store pick up.

Common Items Also Requested With This Item: Bed Wedge, Lumbar Roll, Cushions, Electrodes, Lead Wires

Call Pro-Tech Medical for mail-order delivery in Middle Tennessee -

1-800-722-7313

Pro-Tech Medical Retail Store In Shelbyville, Tn

Located in Shelbyville just across from Legend's Restaurant

Pro-Tech Medical has been at their current location in Shelbyville for two years. Pro-Tech Medical initially opened their Shelbyville location in 2001. The store began selling medical uniforms but quickly transitioned into the leading home medical equipment provider for Bedford County.

Pro-Tech Medical's Shelbyville, Tn location stocks a wide variety of home medical inventory. Items include home oxygen, wheelchairs, nebulizers, hospital beds, CPAP machines, and other various selections.

Located in the North Main Business Center, customers have convenient access to other healthcare providers including physicians, clinics, and oncology.

Stop by and visit Pro-Tech Medical, Shelbyville.

1608 North Main, Suite A, Shelbyville, Tn 37160

Phone: 931-685-9982 or toll free 1-800-722-7313

Walking Aids

Walking Aids, Crutches, Walkers

Maybe the most common home medical product, the walker. A walker is basically a secure platform with or without wheels used to steady a person needing to ambulate safely. Walkers are made to collapse for easy transport and storage.

Crutches are usually an emergency need. Pro-Tech Medical stocks several sizes for different height requirements.

Common Diagnosis: Arthritis, Knee Replacement, Hip Replacement, Broken Leg, Broken Ankle

Insurance Coverage: Yes. Prescription w/diagnosis required

In-Home Delivery: Yes. In-home delivery available in Maury, Bedford county for these items.

Common Items Also Requested With This Item: Wheelchairs, Bedside Commodes, Reaching Aids, Orthopaedic Braces

Call Pro-Tech Medical for delivery in Middle Tennessee - 1-800-722-7313

Transport Chairs

Transport Chairs/Folding Wheelchairs

A transport chair is for one specific purpose - to transport. If you look closely, the rear wheels are not appropriate for self-propelling. This chair is for a caregiver's benefit only.

Several advantages for a transport chair include - easy to fold/store in vehicle, lighweight enough to lift.

The only disadvantage is that a transport chair is not covered by insurance. It's available as a cash purchase only. However, if you frequently load a wheelchair for someone who can not self-propel anyway, the benefits outweigh any out-of-pocket expense.

Price varies according to style, size, and accessories.

Call Pro-Tech Medical for more details! 1-800-722-7313

Nebulizers, Nebulizer Medications

Nebulizers/Nebulizer Medications

Nebulizers are a popular item during the Fall and Winter months. A nebulizer machine turns a liquid medication into a vapor inhaled by the recipient. Nebulizers are used to deliver medications deep into the lungs.

Common medications used with a nebulizer include: Duoneb, Xopenex, Pulmicort, Mucomyst, Foradil - generic names include Albuterol, Ipatropium, Budesonide, Levalbuterol, Acetylcysteine, Budesonide, Fomoterol

Common Diagnosis: RSV, Bronchiolitis, Emphysema, COPD, Asthma, RAD, Pneumonia

Insurance Coverage: Yes. Must have prescription with diagnosis

In-Home Delivery: Yes.

Common Items Also Requested With This Item: Nebulizer masks, kits, respiratory medications, home oxygen

Pro-Tech Medical provides respiratory medications

Call Pro-Tech Medical for delivery in Middle Tennessee - 1-800-722-7313

Wheelchairs, Wheelchair Accessories

Wheelchairs

If you've ever used a wheelchair, you know how important it is to find the right one. Wheelchairs are used for persons who cannot ambulate. A wheelchair is typically self-propelled using the rails attached to the large wheels to both sides.

Wheelchairs options vary depending on need. Some of the options include:

Lightweight, Bariatric, Elevating Leg Rests, One-Arm Propel, Standard Leg Rests,

Anti-Tippers, Desk Length Arms, Removable Arms, Brake Extensions, Custom Seating

Pro-Tech Medical provides a large inventory of wheelchairs to choose from. Pro-Tech Medical also has a full-time ATS available for special seating requirements.

Common Diagnosis: Arthritis, COPD, Emphysema, Broken Leg, Broken Ankle or Foot, Paralysis, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Bifida

Insurance Coverage: Yes. Prescription w/diagnosis required.

In-Home Delivery: Yes.

Common Items Also Requested With This Item: Cushions, Hospital Beds, Specialty Mattress, Trapeze Bar, Bedside Commodes

For custom seating needs, call Rodney McCarthy, ATS - 931-388-3766

Call Pro-Tech Medical for delivery in Middle Tennessee - 1-800-722-7313

Lift Chairs

Lift Chairs

Lift chairs are a convenient item for those persons needing assistance in standing from a seated position. A lift chair uses an electical motor to raise and recline the chair and frame.

Lift chairs come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, fabrics, and options. It is best to visit one of Pro-Tech Medical's retail stores in Columbia or Shelbyville to make your selection.

Options include: Three-Way Recline, Two-Way Recline, Massage/Heat, Various Fabrics, Battery Back-Up

Common Diagnosis: Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, General Weakness

Insurance Coverage: Yes- partial. Only the motor is covered by insurance. Pro-Tech Medical collects full payment for a lift chair at time of order. When payment from insurance is received, a refund is issued to the customer.

In-Home Delivery: Yes. A $45 charge is applied for delivery outside of Maury and Bedford Counties.

Common Items Also Requested With This Item: Walkers, Canes, Reachers, Wheelchairs, Compression Hosiery

Canes

Canes

Canes are a helpful item for persons needing assitance in balancing. Canes come in different sizes, prongs, and styles.

The most common cane is a straight cane. Other bases include small and large four-prong. Many canes are adjustable according to height. Some also come with hand loops.

Common Diagnosis: Arthritis, Unsteady Gait, General Weakness

Insurance Coverage: Yes. Prescription w/diagnosis required.

In-Home Delivery: No. Available for store pick-up only.

Common Items Also Requested With This Item: Walker, Lift Chair, Hospital Bed

Visit Pro-Tech Medical store locations in Columbia and Shelbyville for store pick-up.

Bedside Commodes

Bedside Commodes

Bedside commodes are a necessary item for persons not able to move or limited in their ability to ambulate. Bedside commodes offer convenient proximity to the customers.

A bedside commode comes with an adjustable-height frame, bucket, seat, and lid.

Common Diagnosis: Arthritis, Cancer, Surgery

Insurance Coverage: Yes. Prescription w/diagnosis required.

In-Home Delivery: Yes.

Common Items Also Requested With This Item: Wheelchair, Hospital Bed, Trapeze Bar, Hoyer Lift, Cushion, Specialty Mattress

Call Pro-Tech Medical for delivery in Middle Tennessee - 1-800-722-7313

Bathroom Safety Products

Rollators

Rollators

Rollators have become a common upgrade for a regular walker w/wheels. Many people prefer a rollator for its use of a seat, handbrakes, and basket attachment. Rollators are also convenient because they fold for convenient transport.

Rollators come in several sizes, colors, and options. Stop by one of Pro-Tech Medical's retail locations in Columbia or Shelbyville to pick which one is right for you.

Common Diagnosis: Arthritis, Unsteady Gait, General Weakness, COPD, Emphysema

Insurance Coverage: Yes. Prescription w/diagnosis required.

In-Home Delivery: Yes.

Common Items Also Requested With This Item: Lift Chair, Reachers, Daily Living Aids, Basket

Call Pro-Tech Medical for delivery in Middle Tennessee - 1-800-722-7313

Who Is Pro-Tech Medical?

Pro-Tech Medical is a DME (durable medical equipment) provider located in Middle Tennessee. Pro-Tech Medical provides medical equipment including home oxygen, hospital beds, wheelchairs, power chairs, CPAP machines, nebulizers, walkers, lift chairs, braces, crutches, bathroom safety, diabetic supply, and various retail items.

Begun in 1983, Pro-Tech Medical has become known as one of the oldest and most trusted brands in DME. Pro-Tech Medical originally sold surgical instruments as its main product line. As the company gained popularity in Middle Tennessee, Pro-Tech Medical recognized a need to provide home medical equipment. A change in product line eventually led the way to DME becoming its main source of business.

Currently, Pro-Tech Medical has two retail locations. The retail locations include Shelbyville and Columbia. The Columbia store was the original store and still exists as its most recognizable location, 1100 Hatcher Lane, Columbia.

The store serves a large patient base in Middle Tennessee. The core of Pro-Tech Medical's business remains respiratory equipment. Although, over the past five years, Pro-Tech Medical has been a leader in the powered mobility field as well.

Pro-Tech Medical currently is one of only a handful of DME's in Middle Tennessee to attain accreditation status. Pro-Tech Medical is accreditated by CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Program). This status reflects Pro-Tech Medical's desire to lead the industry in Middle Tennessee.

Pro-Tech employs a strong group of medical professionals including RT's (respiratory therapists), ATS (Assistive Technology Supplier), service technicians, customer service representatives, billing managers, and corporate management.

A large portion of Pro-Tech Medical's business involves insurance transactions. Pro-Tech Medical currently accepts insurances such as Medicare, BC/BS, HealthSpring, United Healthcare, and many other popular types.

To inquire about service, contact Pro-Tech Medical by a toll free number - 1-800-722-7313.

Pro-Tech Medical Offers Home Delivery of Medical Equipment

PRO-TECH MEDICAL OFFERS HOME DELIVERY TO THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES

Maury
Bedford
Coffee
Davidson
Giles
Hickman
Lawrence
Lewis
Lincoln
Marshall
Moore
Perry
Rutherford
Sumner
Wayne
Williamson
Wilson

Pro-Tech Medical Is An In-Network Provider For These Insurances

INSURANCES WE CAN FILE ON YOUR BEHALF AS AN IN-NETWORK PROVIDER

When you choose Pro-Tech Medical for you home medical needs, we submit your claim to insurance for you.

We are in-network providers for:

Medicare
Americhoice
Amerigroup
BC/BS
HealthSpring
Sterling Option
United Healthcare
Saturn/GM - Northwood
TN-SELECT

We also can provide service for the following on a case-by-case:

Aetna
Humana
Tricare

We are unable to provide in-network service for the following:

Cigna
Polaris

Is Your Spouse complaining About Your Snoring? Let Pro-Tech Medical Help

SLEEP APNEA

Excessive snoring may be a sign of a serious condition called sleep apnea. Early recognition and treatment of sleep apnea is important because it may be associated with irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. In some cases, the effect of sleep apnea can be death.

During an apneic event, the person is unable to breathe in oxygen and to exhale carbon dioxide, resulting in low levels of oxygen and increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. The reduction in oxygen and increase in carbon dioxide alert the brain to resume breathing and cause an arousal. With each arousal, a signal is sent from the brain to the upper airway muscles to open the airway; breathing is resumed, often with a loud snort or gasp. Frequent arousals, although necessary for breathing to restart, prevent the patient from getting enough restorative, deep sleep.

For many sleep apnea patients, their spouses are the first ones to suspect that something is wrong, usually from their heavy snoring and apparent struggle to breathe. Coworkers and friends may notice the individual falling asleep during the day at inappropriate times. The patient often does not know he or she has a problem and may not believe it when told. It is important that the person see a doctor for evaluation of the sleep problem.

Diagnostic tests usually are performed in a sleep center.

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common effective treatment for sleep apnea. In this procedure, the patient wears a mask over the nose during sleep, and pressure from an air blower forces air through the nasal passages. The air pressure is adjusted so that it is just enough to prevent the throat from collapsing during sleep. The pressure is constant and continuous.

Other forms of treatment may include behavioural therapy, surgery, and dental appliances. To find out if a sleep study might be appropriate for you, start a dialogue with your physician describing your symptoms. Treatment of sleep apnea is covered by most insurances. It could be a new start to a healthier you and possibly save your life.

Let us help you recommend the next step. Contact Pro-Tech Medical, 931-388-3766, and ask for our Respiratory Therapist.

Pro-Tech Medical Billing Policy

BILLING FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT

Pro-Tech Medical bills on a regular basis. You will receive a statement that is produced at month's end showing a total balance due for all transactions outstanding. You are expected to pay all personal pay invoices upon receipt.

We are happy to work with you if a more appropriate billing and payment schedule is needed. If you have questions about your bill or cost of services, call us during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

Pro-Tech Medical will not knowingly continue to charge or bill patients who have discontinued services or whose needs cannot be met by our services and products.

It is very important that you notify us when you stop using the equipment being rented from our company or if you move or plan to move the equipment.

This will allow us to arrange for timely pickup of the equipment and stop billing you or your insurance for equipment no longer being used.

Medicare Reimbursement Policies

WHAT MEDICARE PAYS

After your annual deductible is met Medicare pays 80% of thier allowable charge for covered services; this leaves the customer with a 20% co-payment. If you do not have a Medicare supplementary policy or Medicaid that covers the 20% co-payment we are required by Medicare to bill you for the 20% co-payment. If your Per Year Medicare Part B Deductible is taken from our payment we are required to bill you for the amount deducted from our payment.

Charges Explained By Pro-Tech Medical

CHARGES

Although the responsibility for payment of bills rests with the patient, Pro-Tech Medical will accept the complicated responsibility of determining insurance eligibility, gathering medical documents and submitting claims. This means Pro-Tech Medical will work on your behalf to file claims and accept assignment of benefits, as appropriate. Pro-Tech Medical will work with your insurance providers and furnish the necessary information in order to get your claim paid.

Pro-Tech Medical Explains Benefit Waiver

NOT ALL CLAIMS ARE ACCEPTED

Medicare, Tenncare, insurance, etc., will only pay for services they determine to be medically necessary. If a particular service is not deemed medically necessary, or a covered item under the guidelines of your plan, your claim may be denied. If Pro-Tech Medical believes, based on our experience or prior authorization, that the products or services may be denied by your payor, we will notify you of this. This means that you may be financially responsible for payment of the product and/or services. If this is the case, you will be notified of all charges.

Medical Information Release

YOUR PRIVACY MATTERS

In order to assure the quality and continued coordination of care provided to you, all of your health care providers must have communication regarding the status of your care. Because your medical record and any information pertaining to your treatment or service is held in the strictest of confindence, we must have your permission prior to releasing your medical information to anyone. In order for us to communicate to your doctor, nursing agency, pharmacy, insurance company, state/federal accrediting and quality organizations and other agencies involved in your medical care, we require your written permission.

Assignment of Insurance Benefits

WE BILL YOUR INSURANCE FOR YOU

As a courtesy to you, we will bill your insurance for products and/or services provided to you in your home. However, as part of this courtesy, we require that you authorize direct payment to Pro-Tech of any insurance (Medicare, Tenncare, or any other payor) benefits otherwise payable to you for services and/or products provided. This also allows us to release any information necessary in order to properly bill and collect your claim for you and allows your insurance company to provide us with necessary information regarding your claim.

Consent For Medical Treatment

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE

In order for Pro-Tech Medical to deliver quality products and services to you for the purpose of providing medical treatment in the home, we must first have your consent to do so. Without such consent, we are unable to provide treatment. It is important for you to understand that you also have the right to refuse services or products at any time. It is your responsibility to remain under the supervision fo your physician. In addition, you should review your care plan and agree with your physician's plan of treatment. Pro-Tech Medical cannot be held liable for any act or omission when following the instructions of your physician.

New Year is the Right Time to Check Your Deductible

INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLES

As the new year begins, so does your benefit program with your insurance. Time to review your deductible.

If you are prescribed an item to be billed for Durable Medical Equipment services, you will most likely be charged the full amount up to your deductible. Make sure to check your requirements for payment and be prepared for a possible out of pocket expense.

"When I help customers in our retail store, I always try to verify their benefits and check their deductibles, " said Sheila Quirk, Customer Service Representative.

Pro-Tech Medical strives to provide each customer with accurate information before a charge is made to their insurance. But, beware. You should always set aside a time to verify you insurance benefits at the beginning of each year. This will help you better navigate the healthcare system.

Contact Pro-Tech Medical's Offices In Columbia, Shelbyville

Contact

Toll Free 800-722-7313

Columbia 931-388-3766

Shelbyville 931-685-9982

Pro-Tech Medical Equipment/Supplies Return Policy

Pro-Tech Medical
931-388-3766

RETURN POLICY

Rental equipment may be returned at any time, for any reason, upon physician's discharge order or patient's decision not to utilize the equipment any longer. If the patient has decided on his/her own that the equipment is not necessary and wishes to return it without a doctors order or recommendation; the patient must sign a waiver of liability releasing Pro-Tech Medical of any financial or health related liability due to any accident, injury or harm caused by the discontinuance of such equipment.

Disposable supplies used for patient care, once in the home, cannot be returned to Pro-Tech Medical since the continued integrity of the item cannot be assured. Such supplies include tubing, cannulas, masks, dressings, syringes, etc..

Travel Assistance For Pro-Tech Medical Customers

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE FOR PRO-TECH MEDICAL HOME OXYGEN CUSTOMERS

It is important to Pro-Tech Medical to assure the continuity of your care. For this reason we offer travel assistance for you if you will be traveling away from home. As part of our travel assistance program, we can help find medical equipment and service providers for the area that you will be traveling or moving to. Please give us 2-4 weeks advance notice so that we can arrange the best service possible. However, please understand that although we provide this service as a courtesy to you, we cannot accept any liability or guarantee the quality of services that will be provided by another company

To arrange travel assistance, call Pro-Tech Medical at 1-800-722-7313

Origins of Pressure Ulcers

Rodney McCarthy, ATS

Pro-Tech Medical

931-388-3766

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ORIGINS OF PRESSURE ULCERS

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There are many factors that contribute to the development of pressure ulcers. External forces applied to a localized area are considered to be the primary cause. With application of external pressure, the normal flow of blood and oxygen to tissue in that area is reduced. If this situation is sustained, changes occur in the tissue cells, and these changes eventually lead to the death of the cells. Individuals who have limited movement and lie in bed or sit in a wheelchair for prolonged periods generate compression forces that reduce the blood supply to the tissues and make the individuals prone to pressure ulcers.

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The areas that most commonly develop pressure ulcers are the tissues over weight-bearing bony prominences. The reason for the high incidence of pressure ulcers over bony prominences relates back to the principle discussed earlier that states that any force applied over a small area generates more pressure than the same force applied over a larger area. The amount of external pressure sufficient to restrict the blood flow enough to cause tissue damage has been a point of discussion over the years.

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Individuals who are bedridden or in a wheelchair and have limited ability to reposition themselves are at risk of developing pressure ulcers. It is estimated that more than 50% of individuals with spinal cord injury will encounter some type of tissue breakdown during their lifetime.

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If there is a risk for a pressure ulcer, a proper pressure managemet plan should be put into place. This plan should include a wheelchair and seating prescription for pressure distribution, postural alignment, and stability - a pressure relief program - dietary instruction and adequate nutrition - instruction in proper transferring and lifting techniques - maintenance of good personal hygiene and skin care.

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Information provided by - Assistive Technologies, Principles and Practice, Second Edition, Authors Cook & Hussey, Published by Mosby - available on amazon.com

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If you or a family member is at risk for a pressure ulcer, call us today. We can perform a risk assessment free of charge. Pro-Tech Medical - 931-388-3766

If You Are On Home Oxygen, Use These Severe Weather Recommendations

SEVERE WEATHER RECOMMENDATIONS

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Rodney McCarthy, ATS

Pro-Tech Medical

931-388-3766

Severe weather presents residents of Tennessee with special challenges. Whether a thunderstorm in April, or an ice storm in December, electrical power is often interrupted as a result of severe weather. If you have an oxygen concentrator, or any other type of electically powered respiratory equipment, it is important that you read this post.

-

Your oxygen provider can only maintain a small reserve of oxygen cylinders for emergencies. You and your family must develop your own plans for widespread power outages.

-

Major power outages seem to last from several hours to a week or longer, and it is impossible for your provider to maintain enough oxygen cylinders for these conditions. Remember, a small "E" cylinder may only last five hours, if used continuously at 2 liters per minute. Always try to have one full cylinder for emergency portability. Use the E cylinder to evacuate your residence in the event of a power failure or other emergency. Try to have several places in mind that may have electrical power if yours fails.

-

Some suggestions might be:

-

A. Contact your electric company and inform them you are a home patient on electrically

powered medical equipment.

-

B. Place your concentrator in your car and go someplace where there is electricity. Some

examples of places to go are; neighbors, friends, relatives, churches, motels, or anyplace

else that will have electricity.

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C. If you cannot drive or lift your concentrator, ask neighbors, friends, relatives, firemen, or

police to assist. If you call a taxi, make sure the driver can lift a concentrator when you

call them.

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D. If all else fails you might call an ambulance and have them transport you and your

concentrator to a place of your choosing that has electricity. Remember, this is a very

expensive alternative, an in times of a disaster there may be a considerable delay.

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E. Hospitals will also be extremely busy during these times and are not a good choice for

patients requiring only electricity for their well-being.

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F. If you choose to stay at home, you may wish to purchase a gasoline generator for

emergency use. An oxygen concentrator will require a concenctrator with a power output

of 2000 watts to start. Attempting to use a generator with less than a 2000 watt range

will damage the concentrator, and it will not operate.

-

For questions, call your provider today. For oxygen patients wishing to receive 24 hour emergency service, contact Pro-Tech Medical about service requirements. 931--388-3766

Patient Testimonials for Pro-Tech Medical Service

Rodney McCarthy, ATS

What some of our customers have said,

"I received good help and care from a nice gentleman. Thank you for caring and sharing your help with people like me. Thank "God" for people like you."

"This helps me get out of the house and visit friends."

"I have been helped in so many ways. I don't have to be helped to the bathroom and that helps alot. I have very little strength in my legs. Thank you to Pro-Tech Medical for my transportation."

"This has allowed me more freedom to get around on my own without constant assistance."

Saturn/GM Employees Beware, Know Your Insurance Coverage

KNOW YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDERS

Do you work for the Saturn/GM manufacturing plant? Are you a family member of someone who does? Are you a retiree? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," there's a high probability your DME benefits are administered by a company called Northwood. The front of your card may say BC/BS or United Healthcare but your DME benefits are determined by a totally different company.

Why does this matter to you? Northwood has a select group of networked providers. Your recommending physician or healthcare provider will not always know this. They often unwittingly recommend a company that is not in your network and as a result, leave you paying an unnecessary bill.

If you want to find out your network providers, call Northwood 1-800-932-9314.

If you live in Middle Tennessee, you can call us directly to help determine your actual benefits. Pro-Tech Medical - 931-388-3766

Check "No Cost To You" Claims Before Buying

DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE ON TELEVISION


You see it everytime you turn on the tv. It's a commercial for a national power chair or scooter company claiming they can provide a chair "no cost to you." This can be very misleading. It often gives a false impression that it's your fault if you have to pay. To understand what they mean by "no cost to you," you need to understand you insurance benefits.

Medicare pays 80% of your DME benefits while you are responsible for the remaining 20%. If you are lucky enough to have a secondary insurance, the secondary usually pays the remaining 20%. However, some plans only pay a portion of the secondary benefit so it is wise to consult your insurance directly. When someone had Medicare primary and a secondary insurance that pays the complete 20%, this is what they mean by "no cost to you."

Another point to consider will be your deductible. If you have not met your Medicare deductible or your secondary deductible, you still might have out of pocket expenses. It's always wise to consult the billing department of the DME provider you are using to let them advise you on expected costs.

Hope this helps!

Pro-Tech Medical Leads Way Into Online Marketing

Pro-Tech Medical
Rodney McCarthy, ATS
931-388-3766

It's official! Pro-Tech Medical is now online.

Our goal with this site is to provide information, opinion, and directions for products in the home medical industry. We want to start a conversation with you, the consumer.

Bookmark our site as we will update it regularly with product info. Also, leave us some feedback. Tell us what you think. Give us a review on the topic posted.

Look forward to talking with you soon.!