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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
Monday, January 21, 2008
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
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
Friday, January 18, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Contact Pro-Tech Medical's Offices In Columbia, Shelbyville
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Contact
Toll Free 800-722-7313
Columbia 931-388-3766
Shelbyville 931-685-9982
Thursday, January 10, 2008
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..
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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Some suggestions might be:
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A. Contact your electric company and inform them you are a home patient on electrically
powered medical equipment.
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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.
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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
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!
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.!
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.!
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