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Within the healthcare space when it comes to possibly partnering with or acquiring another business, requiring financial documents and reports to determine a variety of numbers and projections is a crucial step in the decision-making process. However, when it comes to durable medical equipment (DME) providers and similar entities it is imperative to look past the name and stats on paper to understand what sets them apart from others in order to drive success.

1. Atmosphere

While business is just that, a business, generally a unique ecosystem exists within its walls, full of working people. The culture that exists as a byproduct of the ecosystem can be the driving force between achieving the bottom line or closing the doors for good.

In the health industry, companies that have more successful cultures usually have a strong sense of patient care, as they should. Instead of being hyper-focused on sales or reaching out to more leads, individuals that take the time to ensure each patient is comfortable and taken care of promotes motivation and positivity.

Staff members play a major role in creating the experience that customers receive and often impact the reputation that a business begins to gain over time. While you can give the walls a fresh coat of paint and redecorate to give a business a new fell, it’s reputation can be difficult to transform.

Stakeholders will often want to continue maintaining relationships with the familiar culture of the business that they have come to know. Individual workers are apart of the legacy behind a business’s name and may be beneficial in impacting the future.

2. Supporting That Atmosphere

When acquiring another business or partnering with them, it’s beneficial to ensure patients receive the same exceptional customer service they have become accustomed to having. This will help ease the transition for routine customers.

By maintaining existing customer service and other business practices both parties are able to help to preserve the atmosphere created by a seller. Their business is their legacy, and oftentimes they don’t want to see it instantly fade away.

Sellers may prefer to work with buyers who seem interested in their business as an existing culture. Buyers should look past what’s on paper to see if the atmosphere will assist with growing their current goals for a seamless transition upon the changing of hands.

3. Investing In That Atmosphere

Customer service practices take a while to grow and perfect. Sellers don’t want to see the culture they have cultivated fade away as a buyer takes over communicating with existing patients.

Patients and their opinions carry a lot of weight towards business reputation. Many new potential customers rely on reviews to educate themselves about the business before making a decision.

Not only are existing patients have the ability to impact business reputation, but the seller may care for them as well. They have taken the time to craft a meaningful repertoire and care for their health. They will consider the buyer’s ability to continue providing exceptional care and nothing but the best customer service to ensure that their needs are continuously being met.

When sellers look at buyers, they should heavily consider their level of dedication. They should look at the seller as if they were the patient and ensure the values align with that of a potential provider to themselves. For sellers, it is important to ensure the company you are reviewing has fostered a caring and supportive environment for their patients.

Preserving Business Culture

When you buy a new car you don’t get the driver or family that used to ride in it. There aren’t any hints or personality or family memories still attached to it. Essentially you’re buying a shell for you to fill with your own culture.

But when purchasing a business, remnants of its culture and legacy are included. Learning the impact that the business has on consumers and as a part of the local community can reveal much more than numbers on another spreadsheet.

We are always striving to provide a great work environment for our employees, and this week we’re happy to announce that we have been recognized as a Great Place to Work! This award is entirely based on the feedback from employees here at Aeroflow!

Great Place To Work Survey Results

The Great Place to Work Institute surveyed employees about their thoughts on the workplace using a Trust Index survey that measured levels of trust, pride and camaraderie in the workplace as well as opinions on things like paid time off, vacation time and company perks.

The survey found that 76% of Aeroflow employees say their workplace is great. 90% of employees felt welcomed when they joined the company., and also positively rated the workplace for its good communication and great bosses. Employees also positively rated Aeroflow for offering great perks and amenities during and after work hours.

Here’s what our Director of Human Resources Marshall Staton had to say:

“Aeroflow’s continuous work to improve patients’ quality of life starts with our dedicated and passionate employees. Being certified as a Great Place to Work for the second year in a row validates Aeroflow’s emphasis on the employee experience and translates to a better experience for our customers. We will continue building on our company culture and our ability to provide our customers with exceptional customer service.”

Marshall Staton

New Mission Statement How Aeroflow Stands Out

At Aeroflow Healthcare our mission is to provide you with innovative home healthcare solutions that allow you to spend more time in your home while lowering healthcare costs and improving your quality of life. We do this while settling for nothing less than exceptional customer service.

"Aeroflow’s mission statement is a daily reminder of the company’s commitment to employees and patients alike. We will continue providing our employees with the resources necessary to exemplify Aeroflow’s updated core values of customer service, innovation, integrity, education, and community, our employees will directly advance that mission, and ensuring that our employees and patients remain satisfied with our organization as we continue to expand."

Marshall Staton

Aeroflow has a strong focus on community service, engagement with coworkers, and prioritizes physical and mental wellbeing. Employees have opportunities to participate in community services like Habitat for Humanity, donation drives, and blood drives.

If you are interested in working with us or want to recommend Aeroflow as a Great Place to Work to your friends, we’re always looking for awesome people to join our team. Check our Employment Opportunities to learn more.

Oxygen therapy allows patients to maintain their independence with the ability to to be treated in their homes and stick with their normal daily routine. Those who only use supplemental oxygen while sleeping may have it a little easier, than those who use it all the time, but your activities don’t have to be limited due to oxygen therapy. You can still participate in social activities, drive around town, and even travel with oxygen!

Traveling With Oxygen

 

Oxygen therapy at home doesn’t mean you have to stay home. While traditional oxygen tanks may be heavy, bulky, and difficult to transport without assistance, the portable oxygen concentrator (POC) provides supplemental oxygen without the hassle of maneuvering a large tank.

Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) have smaller, portable tanks that can be carried in a discreet shoulder bag. They also issue a “pulse dose” or a regulated puff of air that is triggered when you inhale. This conserves oxygen because it doesn’t flow unless you’re breathing in order to help the tank last much longer.

POCs operate with a rechargeable battery that can be charged with an AC/DC power source, making them easy to charge from any location. Plus, they pull in air from the space around you and converts it into saturated oxygen, eliminating the need to worry about tank refills.

RV/Car Travel with Oxygen

 

Driving is the easiest way to travel with your oxygen supplies. But there are a few things to remember for your trip:

  1. Find oxygen supplies along your route and take down their information so you’ll instantly know who to contact in the event of an emergency.
  2. With a POC, keep the AC and DC charger cables with you. An extra battery can also be useful to have. Make sure your batteries are fully charged before leaving.
  3. Store oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen properly in the back seat or floor by placing them upright, securing them, checking for leaks before leaving, and packing extra tanks. Make sure the tanks are in their carrying cases and kept out of direct sunlight or other sources of heat.
  4. Never store your oxygen tanks in the trunk of your car where they could explode in the event of a rear-end collision.
  5. Have emergency inhalers and medications nearby in case of an emergency.
  6. Keep a window cracked to have a source of fresh air cycling through your vehicle to prevent oxygen from building up in the car.
  7. When traveling at higher altitudes contact your doctor to see if you need to increase your supplemental oxygen.
  8. Avoid flames. Don’t smoke near your oxygen tanks, or allow others too. Avoid campfires and other sources of open flames.

 

Oxygen on Buses and Trains

  1. Obtain a physician’s clearance to travel. Also, carry your prescription to provide proper documentation.
  2. Call your bus or train line about of time to learn their policies about traveling with oxygen and what additional documentation ahead of time. Many require you to notify them about carrying oxygen at least 24 hours in advance.
  3. Try to book a seat near accessible power outlets.
  4. Be sure to see how many oxygen tanks you can carry and plan ahead for delays and power outages. Different companies have varying policies with the size and weight of the tanks allowed on board.

 

Cruise Ships and Oxygen

  1. Obtain a physician’s clearance to travel. Also, carry your prescription to provide proper documentation about your condition.
  2. Contact the cruise liner three weeks in advance to let them know you’ll be traveling with oxygen and to learn their policies.
  3. Make sure you bring enough batteries or tanks to last the entire trip and bring extra equipment in the event of a delay. Know where your chargers medications, and inhaler are stored.
  4. Do not place your oxygen equipment on checked baggage. It could become lost or damaged and is often not allowed.
  5. Arrive early in case your equipment needs to be inspected prior to boarding.
  6. Make sure your batteries are fully charges before getting off the boat to enjoy shore destinations.

 

Flying with Oxygen Therapy

  1. Invest in a Portable Oxygen Concentrator as oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen aren’t allowed on planes. Make sure your POC is FAA approved.
  2. Obtain a physician’s clearance to travel. Also, carry your prescription to provide proper documentation about your condition.
  3. Contact your airline in advance to tell them you’ll be traveling with oxygen and to learn their individual policies. Shop around and consider different policies. Some airlines may provide supplemental oxygen and some may require you to book a second seat for your equipment.
  4. Try to obtain a seat with access to a power outlet in case your batteries need to be charged.
  5. Fully charge your batteries before leaving and carry a backup.
  6. Keep emergency medications and your inhaler on your carry on in the event of an emergency on the plane.
  7. Contact your doctor to see if you’ll need to increase your supplemental oxygen as your plane reaches higher altitudes.
  8. Give yourself extra time to go through security in case your equipment needs to be inspected and have enough power to withstand any potential delays.

 

3 Steps to Effortlessly Get Through TSA with Oxygen

  1. Call the Airline. This can never hurt. If you call your airline, you can inform them that you will be traveling with Oxygen, CPAP, BiPAP, or Autopap therapy. This way they will be able to help you make special arrangements if needed.
  2. Direct Flights. When flying directly, you only have to worry about one flight, storing your bags once, dealing with one flight crew and boarding and exiting the plane with all of your equipment one time. Though this isn’t always the cheapest method of travel, it should be considered for sake of ease when traveling with medical equipment.
  3. Keep Your Unit Charged. Since you never know when you may need it, keeping your unit charged for the flight is always a good idea. A standard rule to follow is multiply how many hours your flight will take by 1.5. That is a good gage for the number of hours you should be charged.

 

Investing in a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

If you know that you want occasional travel to be a part of your lifestyle, then the Portable Oxygen Concentrator may be the next best upgrade for you. Choosing a portable concentrator can have a lot of great benefits for those of us who like to stay active and adventure often. With its lightweight and compact design, this type of concentrator can be a life changer when it comes to your independence!

A few things to consider when choosing a concentrator:

•    Deciding when, where, and how you want to travel.
•    Speaking with your physician about your plans to ensure that you are healthy enough to travel.
•    Obtaining a copy of your oxygen prescription to keep with you during your trip.

Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators

For brands of portable oxygen concentrators that provide a continuous flow, consider the following choices:

  • Oxlife
  • Devilbliss IGO
  • Sequal Eclipse
  • Invacare SOLO2

Brands that provide both continuous flow and pulse oxygen:

  • Respironics SimpleGo

Smaller and lighter POC brands include:

  • Lifechoice
  • Drive Oxus Reliability
  • Precision EasyPulse
  • Inogen One G2

Over 10 million people are diagnosed each year with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Millions more are diagnosed with other serious lung disorders such as asthma and emphysema. Many of these individuals are treated with oxygen therapy.

People with Medicare can rest assured that Medicare covers oxygen therapy. However, there are some rules and guidelines that you will want to follow to ensure coverage for your items are approved.

Part B Durable Medical Equipment

Durable medical equipment like oxygen pumps are covered under Medicare Part B.  Part B covers not only equipment but also many other outpatient services like doctor visits, lab testing, diagnostic imaging, medical supplies, and even outpatient surgeries.

In order for Medicare to cover your oxygen therapy, Medicare must prescribe the therapy for you and document why he believes it is medically necessary.

Usually, your doctor will conduct some testing to measure the level of gas in your blood. He can also document other therapies that you may have tried which have failed to improve your health.

For your part, you will need to use a Medicare-approved DME supplier when ordering your equipment. This not only meets Medicare’s rules but is also in your favor because Medicare has negotiated the lowest pricing possible with these vendors.

Other Related Equipment

While Medicare normally doesn’t cover items like humidifiers, Part B may pay for a humidifier when there is a medical need for someone to use them with their oxygen equipment.

Rental of ventilators may be covered by Medicare when treating for certain conditions such as chronic respiratory failure that is subsequent to COPD.

Your doctor and supplier must document medical necessity, the payable diagnosis, and ventilator settings to be used and the supplier should also outline a backup plan in case the ventilator was to break down.

Details for Using Oxygen DME

When it comes to oxygen equipment, Medicare will pay for you to rent this durable medical equipment. Your rental covers both the oxygen equipment and the other necessary accessories such as tubing, mouthpieces, and masks.

After 3 years, Medicare will stop paying the rental fee, but the Medicare supplier must still continue to supply you with both maintenance and accessories to go with your equipment for the next 2 years. The supplier cannot invoice you for these services. Finally, at the end of 5 years, the DME supplier doesn’t have to continue providing your oxygen equipment or the maintenance required for it. At this point, you will start over on a new 3- year period either with the same DME supplier or a new one, if you prefer.

Your Cost-Sharing Under Medicare

Part B will pay for 80% of the cost of your oxygen therapy equipment after you have first satisfied the annual deductible of $185 (in 2019).

You are responsible for paying the other 20%. However, if you are also enrolled in a Medicare supplement, then your supplement policy will generally pay some or all of this coinsurance for you depending on which plan you purchased.

We should also mention that some DME supplies accept Medicare’s assigned rates while others may be non-participating providers who do not accept Medicare’s assigned rates. If your provider does not accept assignment, you may be responsible for paying up to a 15% excess charge on your equipment.

There are a couple of Medicare supplement plans that cover excess charges for you, such as Medicare Supplement Plans F and G. Consider one of these if you want to be sure that any excess charges will not fall to you to pay.

What about Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

Unfortunately, Medicare will not pay for a portable oxygen concentrator if you are already using Medicare’s oxygen rental benefit. The reason for this is that Medicare pays the supplier the same amount whether the supplier gives you a portable tank or a portable concentrator.

Since the tanks are considerably less expensive than the concentrators, most DME suppliers will only provide you with tanks because it is cheaper for them to do so.

If this is truly an inconvenience, ask your supplier if they offer smaller liquid tanks that could also be billed to Medicare Part B.

Women are taking the workforce by storm and make up nearly 47% of all workers as they expand into more unconventional roles. 70% of those women are working moms that often struggle to maintain both their career and breastfeeding goals, due to the stigmas attached to mothers in the workplace. However, employers can relieve that stress by easily supporting their workings moms and often benefit with an ROI of 3:1 with resulting lowered healthcare costs, decreased turnover rates and increased productivity.

 

The Benefits Of Supporting Working Moms

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants for six months, then to continue breastfeeding while gradually introducing food for up to a year. This is because breast milk naturally contains essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, making it the perfect baby food. It helps babies build immunity and protects them against viruses.

However, according to a recent survey working moms aren’t getting the necessary support to fulfill their breastfeeding goals. Out of nearly 1,000 expectant or breastfeeding mothers, many felt like their job could negatively impact their breastfeeding goals.

  • 63% of moms felt as if there is a stigma attached to breastfeeding moms at work.
  • 47% considered making a career change due to needing to breast pump at work.
  • 49% of mom worried that breastfeeding at work could impact their career.

By taking a few simple steps to create a lactation room and supporting working mothers’ breastfeeding journeys, there are exceptional benefits for families and employers.

Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom:

  • Many physically recover from giving birth at a quicker rate than mothers who don’t breastfeed.
  • Save up to $1,500 during the first year by not having to purchase formula.
  • Increases the ability to bond with their baby.
  • Lowers the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, certain types of breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Benefits For Baby:

  • Lowered risk of developing childhood obesity or leukemia.
  • Lowered risk for allergies, asthma, or SIDS.
  • Reduced risk of costly, common infections such as gastroenteritis, ear infections, respiratory infections, and intestinal infections by 50%.

Benefits For Employers:

Healthcare Savings:

One company benefited from annual savings of $240 thousand in reduced healthcare costs after implementing a supportive breastfeeding program.

Prescription pharmacy costs were reduced by 62%.

Program participants averaged the cost of $1,269 per newborn while nonparticipants average $3,415 per newborn.

Increased Productivity: 

Savings of $60k were generated due to a 77% reduction in lost work after implementing a lactation program.

Another company reduced its absenteeism rate from the national average of missing 9 days of work, due to caring for a sick infant, down to only 3 days.

Decreased Turnover Rate:

83% of employers reported feeling more positive about their workplace.

67% of workers wanted to stay with the company as their longtime employer.

 

Partnering With Aeroflow To Support Working Moms

Let us assist you in showing your moms that you care as an employer and empower them by assisting with the process of receiving a breast pump through insurance.

Once a mother is expecting, she can simply notify the HR department to receive her portable breast pump, which will help her express milk at work. Some employers provide two pumps, one for the mother to use at work and one at home, so they don’t have to tote them back and forth every day.

Also, as employers understand the different types of breast pumps available, they can better suit the needs of their moms by providing a hospital grade pump for preventative care if needed.

We will navigate insurance policies to ensure your moms receive the perfect pumps at little to no cost as you benefit from truly supported moms with cost savings and increased rates of engagement.

As a breast pump expert and advocate for breastfeeding rights and education, we can guide your lactation room design, provide in-service courses for education, and partner to create emails to go out to your new expectant mothers, assisting them with what to consider while they’re expecting.

Creating A Lactation Room

The process of implementing a supportive breastfeeding program doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. All you need is a few simple items to help your working moms feel comfortable and accepted.

Basics of the perfect breast pumping room include:

  • A private room with a locking door.
  • A comfortable chair.
  • Surface to place breast pumps and accessories.
  • Relaxing lighting and art on the walls.
  • Mini fridge for milk storage.
  • Microwave for pump sanitation.
  • Schedule for moms to work out their pumping times.
  • Access to electrical outlets.

In order to create a proper lactation policy, it’s important that you refer to the law in terms of providing reasonable break time for moms to express breast milk, as well as a private space for the purpose of breast pumping.

Be sure to put a swift end to any negativity overheard about mothers taking frequent breaks to pump during the day. Moms will need about 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours, depending on their pumping schedules.

A few general guidelines to consider include:

  • Allow employees to use the lactation room for up to one year after their infant’s birth.
  • Do not disturb breastfeeding employees while they’re using the lactation room.
  • Employees should make their managers aware of their pumping schedule.
  • Employees that use their lunch breaks or paid break times should be compensated as usual.
  • Supervisors and the HR department are obliged to communicate this policy.
  • All employees should support new moms. Do not tolerate comments, disturbance, or victimization.

Need help implementing a policy for your moms? Contact Aeroflow Healthcare!

Wound therapy can often be both expensive and difficult for the patient.  Recent developments in Negative Pressure Wound Therapy or “Wound-vacs” have provided an alternative solution for the patient that can be very effective and cost-efficient.  Many different types of wounds, either chronic or acute, can now be treated utilizing this therapy.  You can even use this breakthrough technology in the comfort of your own home.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy can help people heal faster, discharge from the hospital sooner, and thereby save healthcare costs.

What Is Negative Pressure Wound Therapy?

A therapeutic technique using a vacuum dressing to promote healing in acute or chronic wounds. Therapy is performed by applying controlled sub-atmospheric pressure evenly to the local wound environment, using a sealed wound dressing connected to a vacuum pump.

Who Is A Candidate For Negative Pressure Wound Therapy?

Candidates for negative pressure wound therapy include individuals suffering from:

  • Chronic ulcers caused by unrelieved pressure (bedsores), diabetes mellitus, venous insufficiency or arterial insufficiency
  • Wounds with copious drainage
  • Chronic wounds that have not responded to other treatments
  • Acute or surgical wounds at high risk for infection

Negative pressure wound therapy can be used on wounds such as: open fractures, infected wounds, skin grafts, pressure ulcers and more.

Where Can I Get A Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Machine For Home Use?

Aeroflow Healthcare can provide a NPWT machine, as well as foam and gauze wound dressing kits, combined with multiple drain options. Aeroflow Healthcare offers the Invia Liberty by Medela and the Avance by Medela therapy options. Patients looking for more information about NPWT home treatment should complete the qualify form on our website, or purchase one here.

When Is Negative Pressure Wound Therapy No Longer Necessary?

The best sign of treatment completion is when there are no clinical signs of active infection at the wound site. Your doctor will work with you to determine the most successful treatment plan. Any questions about discontinuing Negative Pressure Wound Therapy treatment should be discussed with your physician.

How Does A Negative Wound Pressure Therapy Machine Work?

Foam dressings apply mechanical forces to the wound to create an environment that promotes wound healing. These forces are known as macrostrain and microstrain.

Macrostrain is the visible stretch that occurs when negative pressure contracts the foam. It draws wound edges together, provides direct and complete wound bed contact, evenly distributes negative pressure, and removes infectious substances.

Microstrain is the microdeformation at the cellular level, which leads to cell stretch. It reduces edema, promotes perfusion, and promotes granulation tissue formation by facilitating cell migration and proliferation.

Exciting news Lymphies! Kathy Bates is advocating for you as the spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) in order to have more lymphedema research performed and to gain more insurance coverage for treatment and equipment.

Kathy Bates Testifies For Improved Lymphedema Treatment

Kathy Bates and an army of strong, dedicated activists made their way to Capitol Hill to advocate for misunderstood lymphatic diseases as planning for 2020 fiscal year takes place. Lymphedema has been under-diagnosed, under-treated, and largely ignored for too long, but now with Kathy Bates leading the charge, she may be able to inspire the necessary change needed to improve the lives of fellow patients struggling with diseases.

Seven years ago, Kathy Bates was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a double mastectomy, her surgeons felt it necessary to remove 19 lymph nodes from her left armpit and 3 from the right. This is a common cause of lymphedema, and even though Kathy is grateful to still have her life and to be cured of cancer, she now struggles with a life long condition, lymphedema.

You are not alone in facing common lymphedema symptoms, as Kathy has also faced swelling, mobility, hospitalization for potentially fatal infections, time-consuming daily care regimens, and purchasing expensive compression garments.

Through her personal journey, Kathy learned that over 10 million Americans suffer from lymphatic diseases and it should be made clear to Congress that more treatment options are desperately needed.

Many develop lymphedema after experiencing cancer treatment, including ⅓ of breast cancer survivors, and thousands with ovarian cancer. For some it’s congenital, and veterans get the disease from trauma infections.

Lymphedema currently has no cure in sight and no approved drug therapy. Only three studies have been performed worldwide to seek new lymphedema treatments, as patients silently suffer and their disease progresses.

 

Through the lymphie network, Kathy heard many inspiring stories that motivated her to continue the fight by asking Congress to:

  • Provide the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with $41.6 billion for the 2020 fiscal year and advance lymphatic disease research by expanding resources and encouraging better coordination among relevant Institutes and Centers. 
  • Establish a National Commission on Lymphatic Disease Research at the NIH to identify emerging opportunities, challenges, gaps, structural changes, and recommendations on lymphatic disease research.
  • Provide the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with $7.8 billion for FY 202 and enable programmatic activity on lymphatic disease education and public awareness.
  • Expand access to compression garments by requesting passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act this year. Although this Committee doesn’t deal with insurance issues, we believe it’s important to concurrently make the case for the passage of the LTA.

About LE&RN

The Lymphatic Education & Research Network is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1998 to fight lymphatic disease and lymphedema through education, research, and advocacy. LE&RN provides valuable educational resources to millions of patients suffering from lymphatic diseases. They also foster and support research that will expand the medical community’s understanding of the lymphatic system.

We Can Help With Insurance

If you’re suffering from lymphedema we can help you qualify to receive a lymphedema pump through insurance. Simply fill out our online form and we will review your coverage and options with you. Then we will submit all of the necessary paperwork to your providers and guide you through the process to qualify for the medical supplies you need.

We will continue to advocate for lymphedema awareness and assist patients in qualifying for the medical supplies they need to help patients experience an improved quality of life!

A knee brace can be worn for a variety of reasons. One of the most popular reasons often involves a painful injury. Others choose to wear a knee brace to prevent an injury as is the case in many sports like weight lifting or running.

Stay active & healthy with a knee brace

While there are a variety of knee braces for you to choose from, it is also important to understand that a good knee brace can support your decision to stay active.

5 ways a knee brace can help you to commit to being healthier:

  1. If you suffer from arthritis or other structural knee problems, you should know that wearing an unloader or offloader knee brace may be able to help you in your quest to stay active.
  2. Certain warm-up exercises before engaging in low-impact exercise may require a knee brace to prevent injury. A simple exercise like a stand up where you are stepping up and down a set of steps to warm up your heart and leg muscles will be a lot easier if done while wearing a knee brace.
  3. One of the best exercises to address knee pain is simply to walk. Your doctor will be able to help you to decide what brace is best for your body type so that you can engage in walking or other low-impact exercises.
  4. A good knee brace is often important to keep your leg muscles and ligaments in good condition. However, if you are not wearing the right shoes, you may be causing further damage. Visit your local sporting goods store to get professionally fitted for sneakers that will fit your activity.
  5. A knee brace can help to improve your posture. It may not be obvious at first, but knee pain can impact our posture in ways that can hurt our back. Your head ideally should be centered over your shoulders while your shoulders are center over your abdomen and pelvis.

Four Types of Knee Brace:

  1. Prophylactic: These knee braces help the wearer to prevent injury during contact sports like football.
  2. Functional: These knee braces are worn by those who have already suffered an injury.
  3. Rehabilitative: This category of knee braces is worn to limit movement in those who have suffered an injury or is recovering from a surgery.
  4. Unloader or Offloader: This knee brace helps to relieve pain and inflammation in those with arthritis in the knees.

Your doctor will be able to help you decide which category of the knee brace is right for your condition and circumstances.

Being healthy is about a lot more than just going on a diet. You want to make sure that your body is supported by using health aids like a knee brace so that you can avoid injury. Medicare and other private insurance may be able to help curb the cost of your next knee brace purchase, so get started today to find your perfect solution! If insurance doesn’t cover your knee brace, buy one today at a discount price. Shop now!

Dust, pet dander, pollen, and smoke. Each of these words can strike fear in the hearts of those who suffer from seasonal allergies, depending on what season it is. However, allergies aren’t only for adults to worry about. They can affect your children as well. If you find them coughing or wheezing as the seasons change, they may need a nebulizer for allergies and asthma. Sometimes, the treat isn’t just seasonal. Allergens and asthma can attack all year round.

Nebulizer For Allergies And Asthma

How Allergens Contribute To Asthma

When allergens such as pet dander enter the body through your nose, lungs, skin, or eyes, your body creates chemicals called lgE antibodies and release histamines. Histamines try to remove the allergens by causing inflammation, swelling, watery or itching eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. In some cases, allergic asthma may cause the immune system to overreact and tighten the airway muscles. As a result, the airways can become inflamed and flooded with thick mucus, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, rapid breathing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Spring And Summer Allergens

Pollen is everywhere you look in the spring and summer. For months flowers, trees, grasses, grains, and more release pollen in the air, causing people to sniffle, sneeze, and wheeze. On top of that, even if you think you’re safe, away from all of the blooms, pollen can travel for miles and set off your histamines. Then physical activities that involve running through the grass or using your lawnmower can stir up these particles, causing them to settle on multiple surfaces from your clothes, the walls, vehicles, and more.

You may think it’s safe to relax when the spring/summer showers begin to wash all that pollen away, but the rain actually promotes the growth of weeds and other plants. The wind accompanying rainstorms can also stir up and spread particles.

In the summer warmer days promote the release of pollen, especially from grasses. Which is why hay fever often occurs during summer, when it’s time to cut hay.

Smog tends to be worse during the summer as it creates ozone at the ground level as car exhausts and fumes spread chemicals into the air. The calm winds of summer and strong sun do little to disperse these particles, leaving smog to settle like clouds.

Fall And Winter Allergens

In the fall as we run the heater for the first time in months and the damp leaves fall to the ground you may start to notice your eyes becoming itchy or a little difficulty breathing. This is because ragweed pollen is released in the fall and can travel for miles. Even if you don’t live near ragweed the pollen can find you. Plus, the damp leaves create the perfect environment for mold.

In the winter, turning the furnace on sends mold and dust up into the air. Plus, more dust collects and dust mites may run rampant. Also, you probably spend more time indoors with your pets who you might be allergic to.

Cold dry air can worsen asthma. Plus, when it’s cold, people have more sinus issues and upper respiratory infections that can trigger and worsen attacks.

Also, allergies can contribute to asthma and trigger attacks or make attacks worse. This is known as allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma. If you’re allergic to mold, dander, dust, and more, inhaling them causes your body to release histamine. Swelling, inflammation, coughing, sneezing, mucus, and more may occur as a result, making it more difficult to breathe.

How Do Nebulizers Help?

Nebulizers are essentially an asthma machine even though they provide breathing treatments for a variety of lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and more.

Nebulizer machines are for patients who need breathing treatments to help them easily breathe on their own. There are electric and battery-powered portable nebulizers that you can easily carry with you to use at a moment’s notice.

They have a base that holds an air compressor, a container for liquid medicine, tubing to connect the medicine and compressor, and a mouthpiece or mask. Nebulizers work by turning liquid medicine into an inhalable mist.

Users simply have to hold the mask to their face and inhale, making nebulizers an easy to use option for children that are too young for inhalers or those with severe asthma.

Nebulizer treatment generally consists of sitting still for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day. A metered dose of the medicine is quickly pumped into your throat to inhale and absorb for quick relief.

Typical inhalable nebulizer medicines include: 

  • Albuterol
  • Ipratropium
  • Budesonide

Receiving Your Nebulizer Through Insurance

You might be able to have your nebulizer machine covered by insurance. Simply fill out our quick qualification form to get started and we will contact you with your options. Then we will speak with your insurance company and doctor to make sure everything is taken care of to have your nebulizer shipped right to your front door! We carry pediatric nebulizers and nebulizers for adults.

Preventing Allergies And Asthma

In the fall and winter months, along with getting your nebulizer, there are a few steps you can take to reduce irritation and prevent allergy attacks.

  1. Clean on a regular basis to get rid of dust and allergens. Wash the binds and curtains. Wash your bedding at least once a week. Sweep, mop, and vacuum often.
  2. Avoid sitting near fires. You could be allergic to it, it can irritate your sinus cavities, and it triggers asthma attacks.
  3. Take a shower before going to bed. During the day your hair and clothes collect dust and allergens that you don’t want to put in your sheets, which is why you should rinse off!
  4. Wear a mask to filter out pollen while doing outdoor activities.
  5. Check the pollen report before considering outdoor activities. If you decide to still exercise outdoors during a high pollen alert, avoid obvious triggers.
  6. Pollen is most active in the mornings and evenings, so plan your outdoor activities accordingly to avoid those times.
  7. If you exercise outdoors during the winter, warm up for about 20 minutes inside first to prepare your lungs for the shock of the cold air.
  8. Bundle up before exposing yourself to cold temperatures. Use a scarf or facial wrap to keep the air you inhale warm.
  9. Stay healthy by exercising, eating fruits and veggies, washing your hands regularly, and by getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night to help fend off colds and flu.
  10. Change your air filter to prevent dust, mold, and allergens from recirculating into the air. Also, you can use a dehumidifier to kill dust mites.
  11. Use your nebulizer on a regular basis. Using it at the same times every day will reduce the chance of having an asthma attack.
  12. Use allergy or asthma medications as directed by your doctor.

When you think about sleep apnea your brain probably strays pretty far from your feet. Especially since sleep apnea affects your breathing during sleep. So, what do your feet have to do with any of that? Well, you’re in for a surprise because compression stockings help sleep apnea. That’s right, simply wearing a different type of sock during the day could bring you tons of relief at night.

How Compression Stockings Help Sleep Apnea

The Fluid Collection Issue

Compression stockings are used to help those with poor circulation because if your blood doesn’t properly flow it can pull and cause edema as fluid to collects in certain areas, such as the legs. This is very dangerous as it can lead to blood clots and strokes.

Symptoms of edema or fluid collecting in your body’s tissues include swelling of the legs, hands, ankles, or arms, increased abdominal size, stretched or shiny skin, skin that retains dimples, and more.

Throughout the day this fluid can shift to your neck, increasing the size of your soft tissue, causing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to become worse. OSA is the condition in which your breathing suddenly stops multiple times during the night due to your airways becoming narrowed or blocked as the soft tissue around your throat collapses.

As your neck collects more fluid and becomes heavier, it’s more likely to cause your airways to collapse during the night.

The Compression Solution

A recent study by Dr. Stefania Redolfi suggests that compression stockings help sleep apnea by getting rid of some of the excess fluid as they gently squeeze your veins to prevent blood from flowing backward and collecting.

Volunteers participating in the study were observed during their sleep and had changes in their leg fluid volume and neck circumference recorded.

Those who were randomly chosen to wear compression stockings during the day experienced an average fluid reduction of 62% compared to those who didn’t wear the support stockings. Also, the amount that their neck circumference was reduced by 62% which equaled a 36% decrease in sleep apnea events during rest.

When a sleep apnea patient inquired about this study, a patient with lymphedema responded, “I have primary lymphedema and sleep apnea. Been using compression 23\7 and my CPAP and notice a huge difference in the quality of life.”

A separate study hypothesized fluid from the legs shift to the neck and contributes to obstructive sleep apnea. The study found wearing below the knee compression socks decrease obstructive sleep apnea severity modestly!

Don’t Stop Using Your CPAP

Even though wearing compression stockings during the day can help with sleep apnea, you still want to use your CPAP for Sleep Apnea. It’s the most effective treatment option because it sends a constant flow of air through your airways during the night to keep them open.

Other activities that help sleep apnea include:

  • Making healthy lifestyle choices such as incorporating exercise and healthier food options into your diet to help you lose weight.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol six hours before bed.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Don’t self-medicate with sleeping pills or take allergy medicine before bed.
  • Avoid sleeping on your back.

More About Compression Stockings

Pressure stockings are used to help a variety of conditions from diabetes, varicose veins, blood clots, postpartum edema, lymphedema, and more. Along with improving blood circulation compression stockings also reduce swelling and pain.

Your doctor will prescribe compression stockings if you need them for any reason. They will also measure your legs to determine what size and amount of pressure you need for daily use. Compression stockings with a lower pressure setting usually don’t require a doctor’s prescription.

It’s best to put your stockings on as soon as you wake up in the morning. If you walk around a little first your legs may swell, making it more difficult to put your support stockings on. However, you will have to remove them shower. Then wear them all day until you’re ready for bed. Do not sleep in your compression socks!

We’re Here To Help

If you need an at-home sleep apnea test, CPAP supplies, compression stockings, or anything in between, we’re here to help. Simply contact one of our dedicated support specialists to discuss your options and have all your sleep apnea questions answered. Your medical equipment may be covered by insurance and we will handle the entire process to make sure what you need is shipped directly to your door.

Additional Sources

  1. Influence of Lower Body Positive Pressure on Upper Airway Cross-Sectional Area in Drug-Resistant Hypertension

Medicare Face-to-Face Appointment for Durable Medical Equipment

When you choose a Durable Medical Equipment supplier, you want to make sure that getting your equipment is as seamless as possible. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is any equipment that provides therapeutic benefits to a patient in need because of certain medical conditions and/or illnesses. Sometimes, patients urgently need this medical equipment. This is why it’s so important to understand Medicare’s DME requirements.

Aeroflow Healthcare is compliant with all Medicare requirements, including the most recent developments. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to stay up to date on the latest policies, so we can assure patients our medical equipment is provided legally and the process is as smooth as possible.

Medicare Face to Face Guidelines

The Affordable Care Act requires that a physician (MD, DO or DPM), physician assistant (PA), nurse practitioner, (NP) or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) has had a face-to-face examination with the beneficiary within six months of the written order for and delivery of select medical devices supplied by a DME.

The patient will come in and see the physician for an exam. The physician will, only after seeing the patient, write the order for the device.

Figuring out which devices require a face-to-face examination can sometimes be confusing for the patient. That’s why we make sure we remain apprised of any changes that occur where this rule is concerned. Here are just a few common DME needs that may require an exam.

Nebulizers

Nebulizers commonly treat conditions that can cause difficulty with breathing, such as asthma. They atomize liquid medicine into an inhalable form, making it easier to administer than oral medicine, particularly for infants. They are available in electric or battery-operated versions, and in different sizes. Medicare requires you to get a nebulizer machine through a Medicare-approved supplier, like us.

Ventilators

Some people will need a machine that supports breathing. Ventilators are usually used in hospitals. Some people may need to use ventilators long term or for the rest of their lives. In these cases, they can be in the home, or in a long-term care facility. Ventilators offer volume and pressure support the treat a variety of conditions, while they can be invasive or noninvasive. Invasive treatments include the use of an endotracheal tube, while noninvasive therapy administrators ventilation support through a mask.

CPAP Machines

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is most commonly used to treat breathing problems. One of the most common conditions treated with a CPAP machine is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea is an incredibly common condition defined when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing airflow to become reduced or to stop completely. It can lead to many health issues, so this equipment is crucial for those who suffer this condition as the continuous air pressure prevents their airways from becoming blocked during sleep.

Power Mobility Devices (PMD)

Under the stipulations, power mobility devices, such as scooters, require a face-to-face examination with a physician before being approved. Medicare patients who want coverage for a PMD must have a temporary or permanent disability that impairs mobility. The rental or cost of purchasing a Power Mobility Device will be covered by Medicare Part B as long as it is used mainly in the home or their home facility. This does not mean it cannot be used outside the home, just that the primary use must be within the home.

Power Wheelchairs

A Face-to-Face visit is also required for some wheelchairs, including power wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs. The distinction between a power wheelchair and a power mobility device is that the wheelchair is defined as being controlled by a joystick or an electronic device rather than a tiller. Generally, they are needed by those who cannot use a cane, walker, or standard manual wheelchair. They are easily controlled with the use of a joystick and can be maneuvered in tight spaces around the home to assist those with mobility issues.

Oxygen Therapy

Medicare will cover home oxygen therapy, but there are specific coverage requirements including a face-to-face doctor’s appointment. Supplemental oxygen therapy treats people with chronically low oxygen from conditions like COPD or cystic fibrosis. The face-to-face appointment must have the physician conduct an in-person examination and a document that records the proper medical expert evaluated the patient for a condition that needs a DME item.

Hospital Beds

Hospital beds offer patient comfort and mobility because caregivers can wheel them to different areas of the home. Some are even electric to provide patients with the option of easily changing positions during the day when mobility issues and other conditions place them on bed rest. Medicare Part B can help pay for a hospital bed if it is determined to be “medically necessary” as prescribed by a doctor.

Urinary Catheters

Broadly, Medicare will cover up to 200 intermittent catheters a month.

Durable Medical Equipment & Medicare Part B

Typically, Medicare Part B covers medical equipment if your doctor determines it to be medically necessary. The DME items above and many others do require a face-to-face consultation to determine medical necessity. Medicare Part B will typically pick up 80% of the cost, and you will have a coinsurance of 20%.

Our team works with you and your insurance to ensure that the proper appointments are made. Because proper documentation is vital for Medicare coverage, we file all proper documentation. Also, we make sure our team is knowledgeable and diligent in following through with your insurance so that out of pocket costs are minimal and there are no surprises. At Aeroflow, we’re more than happy to guide you through the insurance process.

If your child suffers from asthma, COPD, allergies, chronic bronchitis, and more, then they may have a nebulizer or an inhaler to help treat their symptoms. However, when they’re away from their nebulizer and an asthma attack occurs, an inhaler spacer can make a major difference for properly getting medication to dissipate into the lungs quickly.

Why You Need An Inhaler Spacer

First, What Does An Inhaler Do?

Inhalers are small medical devices that can easily be taken with people in order to prevent or relieve symptoms with breathing difficulties such as asthma attacks, wheezing, and coughing. They are often referred to as puffers because they release a puff of medicine into your lungs. Inhaler medications relieve symptoms by widening your airways and relaxing your muscles, allowing you to recover from an attack and breathe normally. A bronchodilator is another type of medicine that can be administered by inhalers to clear mucus out of the airways.

Some people use their inhalers before activities such as working out or participating in sports, while others wait until they experience breathing difficulties.

How Does An Inhaler Spacer Help?

An inhaler spacer is a small device that is added to the end of an inhaler to assist with properly inhaling the medication. They are tubes that hold the medicine for you to inhale if inhalers seem to puff too quickly.

This can be helpful during asthma attacks or when you’re rapidly breathing to ensure that your medicine quickly enters the lungs. Often times people can miss their airway and coat the roof of their mouth or throat with their medication instead. Spacers also help children use their inhalers more easily.

How To Use An Inhaler Spacer:

  • Attach the spacer to the mouthpiece of your inhaler
  • Shake your inhaler
  • Insert one puff of medicine into the spacer
  • Place your mouth on the end of the inhaler
  • Inhale the medication with one full, deep breath and hold it for about five seconds or try tidal breathing by breathing in and our normally for four breaths
  • Slowly exhale and wait about a minute if you need a second puff

You’ll need to clean your spacer about once a week or after you recover from a cold or respiratory infection. To clean your spacer:

  • Remove it from your inhaler
  • Place it in warm soapy water to soak for about 15 minutes
  • Rinse it thoroughly
  • Allow it to completely dry

What About A Nebulizer?

A nebulizer is a compact device that uses compressed air and aerosol medicine to provide a way for children to easily inhale their medication. Generally, they’ll wear their mask and mouthpiece for about 15 minutes.

They are a great inhaler alternative for children that are too small or afraid to use inhalers. Many nebulizer machines are lightweight with child-friendly designs that can be powered by batteries or in the car, making them portable. However, inhalers are much easier to carry around.

If you or your child needs an inhaler, nebulizer, or spacer, then qualify through insurance! Save money as your items arrive directly to your front door on a regular basis and most importantly, breathe easy now!