Medical tools are necessary if you’re providing in-home care for someone, but they can be extremely expensive.
In fact, hospitals spend more on supplies than on anything besides staffing.
Hospitals and other medical facilities can negotiate directly with sellers or buy supplies through group purchasing organizations.
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Many types are available that contain all the supplies you need for specific uses.
This article goes over basic medical tools that you may need and what they’re used for.
These may be important to have on hand if you’re caring for someone in the home.
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An abnormal temperature can point to certain problems, such as fever or hypothermia.
The monitor does the rest of the work.
The accuracy of these may vary, so be sure to get a quality monitor.
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Laceration Tools
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Lacerations are cuts.
Laceration tools help clean, close, and protect cuts while they heal.
It’s safe and easier to use at home than stitches.
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Durable Medical Tools
Durable medical tools are for everyday or extended use.
Many of them are considered durable medical equipment.
Keep in mind that some big box stores, drug stores, and online retailers carry medical tools.
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You may find better prices there than at medical supply stores.
Check with local hospitals and clinics, too.
That can help keep costs down if it’s a short-term situation.
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Some of these tools may be rentable or covered by insurance or other programs.
Having the right tools can make things easier and better for you and the person you’re caring for.
You may also be able to rent supplies from medical supply stores.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to sterilize different products.
Cost depends on the tool.
For example, a glucose monitor for diabetes can run from under $10 to more than $1,000.
A large item like a hospital bed can start around $500 and go up into the thousands.
Use caution with soft items, such as a knee brace, that are harder to disinfect.
Donated supplies are often given to people who can’t afford them.
Abdulsalam Y, Schneller E.Hospital supply expenses: an important ingredient in health services research.Med Care Res Rev.
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Department of Commerce.Comprehensive list of basic medical supplies.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ethylene oxide sterilization for medical devices.
