Symbius Medical serves home medical customer. The Symbius Medical team includes professional, experienced Respiratory Therapists, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses & Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Monday 16 December 2013
Tips For Using a Cane
When a cane becomes integrated into daily activities, users typically find a regained sense of independence, confidence, comfort and ease. As with any assistive device, it’s imperative to be well informed about what to look for in a cane.
At Symbius Medical, we believe the right thing for you is the right thing for us. Contact us today to learn more about our services and resources.
http://goo.gl/EAiIQw
Friday 6 December 2013
Dieting and Type 2 Diabetes
Tom Hanks recently announced that, after years of borderline blood sugar levels, he was confirmed to have type 2 diabetes. Did yo-yo dieting contribute to the actor developing the disease?
Whether type 1 or type 2 diabetes, Symbius Medical can assist you with all your diabetic supply needs and have them shipped directly to your door.
http://goo.gl/DjsZAY
Friday 8 November 2013
Helping You Choose Aids for Everyday Living
At Symbius Medical, our company slogan states that what’s right for you is what’s right for us, which means that we’re there when you need us. Our goal is to ensure you receive not only the right product, but also the information and education you need.
The Symbius Medical customer service department is available to answer your questions and we will even take care of processing your insurance claim with your primary or secondary insurance provider. Visit us online at http://www.symbiusmedical.com, or contact our friendly customer service representatives at 800-948-1868.
http://bit.ly/1b8r97F
Tuesday 29 October 2013
Moist vs Dry Wound Healing
Though it may seem contrary to our deeply-held beliefs, moist healing actually allows for increased functioning in the cells of a wound with less pain than dry wounds. Consult your physician to determine whether you should use dry or moist healing techniques.
Symbius Medical stocks the necessary supplies to help promote faster healing of your acute wound and promote overall well being. We offer Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) treatment programs and stock the necessary supplies to help promote faster healing of your acute wounds.
http://bit.ly/15rgXqD
Wednesday 18 September 2013
Symbius Medical Has Sleep Therapy Services
The effects of sleep loss are numerous, from simply feeling foggy and less focused, to more serious concerns like increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. At Symbius, we make it easy not only to find the right tools that fit your needs and lifestyle, we also set you up for long-term success and well-being. Learn More
http://bit.ly/17yik7m
Saturday 7 September 2013
Bathroom Safety Aids For Everyday Living
Of the falls that occur within the home, approximately one-half of these occur in the bathroom. To ensure our customers’ safety, we provide a host of products available to increase safety in this room.
Symbius Medical offers a variety of products from many leading manufacturers to help you achieve that goal. From safety items for your bathroom to canes or crutches for mobility, we stock the items you need and use every day.
http://bit.ly/1d2GgVB
Friday 30 August 2013
Traveling with Supplemental Oxygen
For those with breathing- and lung-related considerations, travel by air requires some extra planning and preparation.
TSA Cares to better assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. To most easily expedite the pre-flight screening process at the airport, TSA recommends passengers call 72 hours ahead of their intended departure time for information about what to expect.
Symbius Medical provides a wide variety of respiratory products and services to our customers from oxygen concentrators and related supplies throughout Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah.
Learn More http://bit.ly/1bTNVBl
Friday 16 August 2013
Serving You Better By Partnering with Insurance Providers
Insurance can be a confusing element of home healthcare needs. Fortunately, Symbius Medical customer service department can help you make sense of the process.
Our customer service department will gladly verify your insurance, obtain any necessary authorizations and we will even take care of processing your insurance claim with your primary or secondary insurance provider.
Read more
Friday 31 May 2013
How to Assess Wheelchair Skills
Underdeveloped wheelchair skills can lead to unforeseen secondary conditions or isolation due to not being able to negotiate the environment, it is imperative to periodically assess skill set, and continually work toward maintaining a high level of competency.
Read more: http://bit.ly/10W1EiW
Wednesday 15 May 2013
Assessing Wheelchair Skills
Rising healthcare costs can lead to limitations on services, including shorter hospital and rehabilitation stays. Unfortunately, the allotted length of an individual’s stay in a healthcare facility may not allow enough time to learn important wheelchair skills. In addition, as we age or our equipment changes, we may need to refresh our skills, or even learn new ones to remain independent. And because lacking wheelchair skills can lead to unforeseen secondary conditions or isolation because we cannot negotiate the environment, it is imperative to maintain a high level of competency.
Symbius Medical, in partnership with Banner Wheelchair Suns Basketball, Banner Health Arizona, and AZ Spinal Cord Injury Association, recently presented a series of workshops designed to help those in wheelchairs hone existing, or develop new wheelchair skills. It’s important to periodically assess your own level of skill in the following areas, and improve as necessary:
Transferring from chair to furniture or bed, from chair to floor or from floor to chair, and bathroom transfers. Transfers require strength and foresight, as well as attention to detail. Making a transfer when you’re tired, in a steamy bathroom or in an unfamiliar place, for example, all have the potential for mishaps. Take stock of your surroundings before you find yourself in a dicey situation!
Managing Your Environment comes in the form of opening and closing doors, operating elevators, performing wheelies, and negotiating curbs, ramps, and other types of terrain. It’s easy to navigate our own homes and work environments, but how do you manage going somewhere new? Take your time in a new environment and, when possible, ask questions prior to arriving on site to mitigate possible frustration.
Traveling with your chair requires thinking about the logistics not only of transfers, but also of your experience in the terminal and on the plane, as well as other aspects of travel. Once again, learn as much as possible in advance to avoid potential delays and frustration.
The mechanics of your chair may not be something you think about regularly, but making adjustments to and general maintenance of your wheelchair will help you be more comfortable, and make your chair last longer. For basic maintenance and adjustments, refer to the user’s guide or owner’s manual. Additionally, check in with your Symbius rep if you have questions not covered in those materials.
At Symbius Medical, we believe the right thing for you is the right thing for us. Contact us today to learn more about our services and resources.
Source: http://www.symbiusmedical.com/assessing-wheelchair-skills/
Friday 15 March 2013
Latex Free Medical Devices and Products
At Symbius, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best products on the market. Cost and convenience are important factors; however, the continued health and safety of our customers is paramount. For catheter users with a known allergy or sensitivity to Latex, we offer Cure Catheters and Cure Catheter Closed Systems, which are always latex free.
Read more: http://bit.ly/Z78oNY
Thursday 14 March 2013
Regional and National Medical Supplies
Symbius Medical provides medical supplies both nationally, and regionally, with branch locations in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah. We strive to meet the growing needs of our home health care customers not only by providing top-of-the-line products and fast delivery options, we also pride ourselves on our top-notch customer service.
Read More: http://bit.ly/VnZ5rF
Saturday 9 March 2013
Symbius Works with Insurance Providers
When managing illness or disability, dealing with insurance guidelines and filling out paperwork can be an ongoing challenge. At Symbius Medical we work with many insurance providers, and our customer service department will gladly verify your insurance, obtain any necessary authorizations and we will even take care of processing your insurance claim with your primary or secondary insurance provider.
Read more: http://bit.ly/YkyvPo
Wednesday 27 February 2013
Latex in Medical Devices and Products
At Symbius, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best products on the market. Cost and convenience are important factors; however, the continued health and safety of our customers is paramount – from product design to how they’re manufactured and what materials they contain.
Many medical products and devices necessitate sealing against the body, which can raise concerns for those with sensitive skin or who experience an allergic reaction to certain materials. Latex sensitivity is becoming more common, and how severely a person reacts can worsen with repeated exposure.
Latex is the raw material from which rubber is made. Those with this allergy may experience a reaction after being in contact with, for example, the latex in rubber gloves or by inhaling airborne latex particles. It is an irritant to many individuals and for some, even the slightest exposure to latex (such as from elastic in clothing and rubber bands), can cause an immediate, life-threatening allergic reaction. According to the Mayo Clinic, mild latex allergy symptoms include:
- Itching
- Skin redness
- Hives or rash
While more severe symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Cough
Medical devices and associated products, such as catheters and ostomy bags, come into direct and repeated contact with the body in areas where the skin can be extra sensitive. Skin in these areas should be kept clean and routinely monitored for signs of irritation. Because latex sensitivity can develop after repeated exposure, this is imperative even for those who do not initially display the symptoms of allergic reaction or sensitivity.
For catheter users with a known allergy or sensitivity to Latex, Symbius Medical offers Cure Catheters and Cure Catheter Closed Systems, which are always latex free. We also offer latex-free gloves (e.g. sterile catheter kits). For more information about this or other products, talk with a knowledgeable customer service representatives today, or visit us online at http://www.symbiusmedical.com.
Source: http://www.symbiusmedical.com/latex-in-medical-devices-and-products/
Friday 15 February 2013
Getting the Right Ostomy Products
Becoming accustomed to life with an ostomy can be difficult and it takes time to find the supplies that are appropriate to the individual’s needs. At Symbius Medical, we can supply you with the ostomy products you need to improve the quality of your life.
Read more: http://bit.ly/UGQHpt
Tuesday 12 February 2013
Symbius’ Continued Involvement in the Communities We Serve
Symbius Medical is your national home medical supplier and regional home medical equipment provider dedicated to improving the quality of life for our customers by providing exceptional service, comprehensive education, and compassionate care for the communities we serve. As a company we support many local and national organizations through charitable contributions and donations. Each year many of our employees donate their time and money to support local agencies including; food banks and school drives, cancer and ALS walks, Adopt a Family, the American Red Cross, Support Our Troops and much, much more.
Colorado Association for Medical Equipment Services – CAMES is an organization made up of medical equipment companies including oxygen delivery services & supplies, medical supplies, orthotics and prosthetics, wheelchairs, hospital beds, rehabilitation equipment, and many other specialty medical items. CAMES follows healthcare trends and provides medical equipment information to the community.
The National MS Society - The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now. The Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.
Spina Bifida Association - The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) serves adults and children who live with the challenges of Spina Bifida. Since 1973, SBA has been the only national voluntary health agency solely dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with Spina Bifida and those whose lives are touched by this challenging birth defect. Included in its focus are education, advocacy, research, and service.
ALS Association – The ALS Association symbolizes the hopes of people everywhere that Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis will one day be a disease of the past. Until that day comes, The ALS Association relentlessly pursues its mission to help people living with ALS and to leave no stone unturned in search for the cure of the progressive neurodegenerative disease that took the life and name of Baseball Legend Lou Gehrig.
AZ Spinal Cord Association – The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries. The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association also offers support and education to family members, professionals, and community members.
Medicare Region DDAC Committee – The Medicare Region D DMERC Advisory Committee (DAC) is a nonprofit volunteer organization comprised of home medical equipment (HME) providers, state and national associations, manufacturer supporters and industry consultants. The primary function of the DAC is to serve as a communications vehicle between the HME industry and CIGNA HealthCare Medicare Administration (CIGNA Medicare), and the Region D DMERC.
Medicare Region D DMERC Advisory – The Region D DMERC Advisory Committee (DAC) is a nonprofit volunteer organization comprised of home medical equipment (HME) providers, state and national associations, manufacturer supporters and industry consultants. The primary function of the DAC is to serve as a communications vehicle between the HME industry, Noridian Administrative Services, the Jurisdiction D DME MAC, and CEDI the Common Electronic Data System.
American Association for Respiratory Care – Since 1947, the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) has been committed to enhancing the professionalism of respiratory care practitioners, improving performance on the job, and helping broaden the scope of knowledge essential to success. With more than 47,000 members nationwide, the AARC is the only professional society for respiratory therapists in hospitals and with home care companies, managers of respiratory and cardiopulmonary services, and educators who provide respiratory care training.
Source: http://www.symbiusmedical.com/symbius-continued-involvement-in-the-communities-we-serve/
Thursday 7 February 2013
Finding the Right Ostomy Products
The initial phase of becoming accustomed to life with ostomy can be difficult for many patients, and it takes time to find the supplies that are appropriate to the individual’s needs. Working with trained professionals, and knowing your options when it comes to the different supplies available can make all the difference in the world.
An ostomy refers to a surgically created opening in the body designed to discharge the body’s waste. A stoma is the actual end of the ureter or small or large intestine that has been rerouted through the abdominal wall and protrudes from the skin. There are numerous medical reasons a patient may need an ostomy, including the removal of cancerous tissue, or mitigating diseased organ mass. The areas of the body most commonly affected are:
- Colon: a colostomy is surgically created opening of the colon or large intestine which results in a stoma. A colostomy is created when a portion of the colon is removed and the remaining colon is rerouted through the abdominal wall to allow waste to exit the body.
- Small intestine: An ileostomy is a surgically created opening in the small intestine, usually at the end portion of the organ, known as the ileum. The small intestine is rerouted through the abdominal wall to form a stoma and allow waste to exit the body.
- Urinary system: a urostomy is a surgically created artificial opening or stoma for the urinary system to allow urine to exit the body
At Symbius Medical, we can supply you with the ostomy products you need to improve the quality of your life. We offer many types of pouching systems and styles from major manufacturers including one-piece or two-piece systems, and we can ship your supplies directly to your home nationwide.
Your physician can help you determine what particular type of system will best fit your lifestyle and our customer service department is available to help answer your questions or concerns. We will even take care of processing your insurance claim with your primary or secondary insurance provider. We make it easy to reorder your ostomy supplies too. Contact our customer service department and learn more about our Monthly Supply Order Management Program.
Source: http://www.symbiusmedical.com/finding-the-right-ostomy-products/
Friday 1 February 2013
What is Competitive Bidding?
In some parts of the country, a new program called Competitive Bidding will require you to obtain certain medical equipment from specific, Medicare-contracted suppliers in order for Medicare to pay. The new program currently applies to people with original Medicare, which is a fee-for-service coverage under which the government pays your health care providers directly for your Part A and/or Part B benefits. The competitive bidding program affects those who live in (or travel to) these 9 areas.
Areas participating in the competitive bid program: ·
- Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord (North Carolina and South Carolina)
- Cincinnati-Middletown (Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana)
- Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor (Ohio)
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (Texas)
- Kansas City (Missouri and Kansas)
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach (Florida)
- Orlando-Kissimmee (Florida)
- Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania)
- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario (California)
If you are located in a city where the program is in effect, you will need to obtain the following products from a contracted supplier:
- Oxygen, oxygen equipment, and supplies
- Standard power wheelchairs, scooters, and related accessories
- Walkers and related Accessories
- Complex rehabilitative power wheelchairs and related accessories (Group 2 only)
- Mail-order diabetic supplies
- Enteral nutrition, equipment, and supplies
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices and Respiratory Assist Devices (RADs), and related supplies and accessories
- Hospital beds and related accessories
- Walkers and related accessories
- Support surfaces (Group 2 mattresses and overlays in Miami only)
To find out if your zip code is affected by Medicare’s Competitive Bidding program, or if an item you use is included in the program, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-4227). You may also visit http://www.Medicare.gov and look up suppliers in your area by zip code (a notice will appear if your area is subject to Competitive Bidding). If medical equipment is marked with an orange star, it will need to be provided by a contracted supplier.
Source: http://www.symbiusmedical.com/what-is-competitive-bidding/
Friday 25 January 2013
Sleep Apnea: The Basics
Sleep apnea, an interruption of breathing while asleep, is a sneaky disorder. It is estimated that a full 90% of people who experience these episodes are unaware they are happening. During these episodes, choking or gasping is common, as the body struggles for air. An individual may experience hundreds these episodes each night, though they may be completely in the dark that they’re struggling for breath. Not surprisingly, it is often the bed partner who first notices their mate is struggling to breathe. If left untreated, this common disorder can be life-threatening.
The mechanics behind sleep apnea are easy to understand: when you stop breathing during sleep due to sleep apnea, carbon dioxide builds up in the blood, and essential oxygen stores are depleted. This imbalance stimulates the brain to restart the breathing process. The brain signals you to wake up so that the muscles of the tongue and throat can increase the size of the airway. Then, carbon dioxide can escape, and oxygen can enter the airway. These waking episodes are necessary to restart breathing (and to save your life), and you may not remember them, but they do disrupt your sleep and cause daytime exhaustion.
Sleep apnea is categorized into different types, but the warning signs and symptoms for both are similar:
- Frequent silences during sleep due to breaks in breathing (apnea) ·
- Choking or gasping during sleep to get air into the lungs
- Loud snoring
- Sudden awakenings to restart breathing or waking up in a sweat
- Daytime sleepiness and feeling un-refreshed by a night’s sleep, including falling asleep at inappropriate times
The most common way to diagnose sleep apnea is by analyzing a patient’s medical and family histories, a physical exam, and sleep study results. After these factors are considered, your doctor will decide if seeing a sleep specialist is right for you. If you are referred to a sleep center, a specialist will monitor you while you sleep, assessing your sleep patterns, brain waves, heart rate, rapid eye movements using monitoring devices attached to your body. Based on your results, a treatment program may be prescribed.
At Symbius, we can provide you with equipment to monitor both your wakeful and sleeping activities at home, and the knowledge technicians to get it up and running. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.
Source: http://www.symbiusmedical.com/sleep-apnea-the-basics/
Friday 18 January 2013
Bariatric Patients Require Special Products
In 1946, the American population jumped 22% from the previous year, marking the beginning of the baby boomer generation. Now, as this generation enters into retirement, we are faced with how to care for this large aging population, and the need to consider their unique needs.
Obesity appears to be an issue of primary concern for this generation. Studies show that more than 35% of this demographic (Americans between the ages 55 and 64) are obese, with 62% suffering from obesity-related diseases (diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease). So, as these millions of baby boomers enter old age, the demand for a variety of bariatric home medical equipment has risen. Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity and associated diseases.
The needs are many for an obese individual. To ease the daily lives and facilitate easier mobility, they may need a cane or a walker to help support their weight and ease stress on joints. In the home, a specially-designed bariatric bed, or special bathroom home medical equipment, like custom-made bath tubs, shower benches and chairs, may be needed. Power chairs and power lifts may also prove helpful to allow the individual to move more freely about their home.
Our Patient Services Technicians can deliver and set up your home medical equipment and provide you or a caregiver as needed. Once you’ve started using our bariatric products, we can help answer any questions. Our team will even take care of processing your insurance claim with your primary or secondary insurance provider.
Symbius Medical’s products and training can provide the different mobility product options to support the weight of bariatric patients and help them have a better daily lifestyle. Contact us today toll free: 800-948-1868 or at visit us online.
Source: http://www.symbiusmedical.com/bariatric-patients-require-special-products/
Friday 11 January 2013
Updating the Home for Handicap Accessibility
Whether it’s to allow seniors to age comfortably at home, or making your home accessible after an unexpected change in circumstances, retrofitting the home for handicap accessibility is a task to be undertaken thoroughly and with great care. While some aspects of retrofitting may seem obvious, you may not immediately think of others. Here is a brief overview of what to consider when updating your home.
Getting in and out of the home:
- Driveway: in areas that experience inclement weather, ensure that the driveway is a safe route to enter the home. For instance, if it snows in winter, is it possible to shovel a clear route to the door?
- Gates and doorframes are recommended to be at least 36 inches wide, and door thresholds should be no more than one-half inch in height.
- Ramps are also recommended to span 36 inches, with as shallow a grade possible. Where applicable, ensure the ramp can be completely cleared of snow, and has enough traction in rainy weather.
Going up and down within the home:
- If the handicap individual will have access to only one level, the home should have a clear exit, full kitchen and bath, plus living area, and bedroom on that level.
- If that individual will have multi-level access, consider installing a chair lift or elevator for easy transport up and down stairs.
In the kitchen:
- Cabinets and countertops: Standard-height countertops are often too tall for those in wheelchairs, so lower them, if possible. Other options are to keep regularly-used items within reaching distance, or to keep a reacher tool on hand.
- Sink: To allow better access, remove cabinet doors below the sink so the individual can get as close as possible. Also consider updating the faucet to a model with a hand-held or elongated spout, and with paddle-type lever handles.
In the bathroom:
- Toilet: Standard models may be too low for handicapped individuals. Consider replacing the existing toilet with a tall-height toilet, or installing a toilet seat riser.
- Shower: A hand-held showerhead, and a bench located inside the shower are 2 great ways to add comfort and safety.
- Grab bars: Slips, trips and falls are always a concern for those with limited mobility, but especially in a area like the bathroom, where conditions are often wet and slippery. Installing grab bars in the shower and near the toilet adds a good measure of safety.
There are myriad ways to make your home safe and accessible to a handicapped individual. This list is far from comprehensive, but should get you thinking about areas in the home that will require updating. Medical supply companies offer products for accessibility, from the wheelchairs and walkers themselves to grab bars, shower benches, and lift chairs.
More information is available from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which outlines federal regulations for public buildings and accessible housing (Fair Housing Act). Professional organizations and consultants who are knowledgeable about the ADA also offer services to help assess your home’s individual needs. While updating the home for handicap accessibility can seem an overwhelming task, helping a loved one to live comfortably in the home is invaluable. Taking the time to do the research, or enlisting the help of professionals for a thorough update is a gift beyond measure, one that will endure for years to come.
Source: http://www.symbiusmedical.com/updating-the-home-for-handicap-accessibility/
Wednesday 2 January 2013
Symbius Medical Corporate Philosophy
With all the medical supply companies in the world, it’s hard to choose which is best for your needs. Unless you’re been referred to a specific company by a medical professional or a loved one, deciding which company to go with can be a bit like bobbing for apples. Researching online can complicate matters, with many medical supplies companies’ websites flashing images and sale prices across the screen. We believe it’s time for responsible, accountable medical equipment companies to take the lead in the healthcare industry; we’re leading by example.
We’re selling clinical expertise with every product, to every customer. In addition to exceptional customer service, every medical supply and product we offer is backed by the clinical expertise of our people. Medical supply home delivery is about much more than bringing the equipment to our customers. All Symbius employees undergo continuous training and education, so when your equipment or supplies arrives, our trained employee can answer your questions, and we encourage customers to call with any question they may have. We have been serving our customers nationwide for over 17 years, and we offer a 24-hour on-call service. Call our helpful customer service line today, to learn how we can help you.
Source: http://www.symbiusmedical.com/symbius-medical-corporate-philosophy/