| Product/Clinical |
A. What is the difference between HFCWO and HFCC? |
HFCWO (High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation) and HFCC (High Frequency Chest Compression) are interchangeable terms that describe the same airway clearance therapy. |
| B.
Is the SmartVest® only
for patients with Cystic Fibrosis? |
| a. No, the SmartVest® may
be ordered for anyone with a disease or condition that
requires aggressive airway clearance therapy for which
HFCWO is prescribed. |
| |
| b. To date, HFCWO therapy
has been prescribed by physicians for over 400 diagnoses. |
|
| C.
Why is patient positioning not necessary as it is in manual Chest Physiotherapy (CPT)? |
The SmartVest® works through a different mechanism of action
than conventional CPT and does not require complex Trendelenburg techniques to drain and clear secretions. The action of theSmartVest® creates
upward airflows that loosen and mobilize lung secretions and allows a choice of standing, sitting, or lying down during treatment. |
D. Can a nebulizer treatment be given at the same time as HFCWO? |
A nebulizer treatment can be given at the same time as theSmartVest® treatment; however, the patient should first verify with his or her physician. |
| E. What is the range of ages and sizes that can be treated with a SmartVest®? |
The SmartVest® is available in 8 different sizes and is designed to accommodate a wide range from small children to large adults, with chest circumferences ranging from 16" to 52" (41cm to 132 cm). A vest extender is available to accommodate bariatric patients. |
F. How do I determine the correct vest size? |
A
patient's height, weight, and chest circumference are used to
determine proper vest size. Please refer to the SmartVest® Sizing Guide. |
| G. How can the patient/family be assured of the proper way to operate the SmartVest®? |
The patient/family will receive in-home training from an approved clinician (Respiratory Therapist, Nurse or Physical Therapist). |
| H. How does the trainer secure an appointment? |
Electromed, Inc. Patient Services Department personnel will contact a trainer who in turn will contact the patient to arrange a convenient training time. |
I. Do you have trainers in my area? Who are they? |
| a. Electromed, Inc. provides trainer names to clinics as requested. Please call 888-966-2525. |
| |
| b. Electromed, Inc. currently has more than 300 approved trainers for the SmartVest® in the U.S. |
| |
| |
|
| J. Can I travel with my SmartVest®? |
| a. Yes, the SmartVest® includes a Wheeled Carrier that provides easy portability. |
| |
| b. The unit is classified as carry-on luggage and will fit into the overhead bin of most aircraft. Please check with your airline first. The SmartVest® Airway Clearance System must not be checked as regular luggage. |
| |
| c.
Many airlines allow you to add medical devices to the two
carry-ons that are normally allowed. Please check with
your airline first. |
| |
| d. We have found it helpful for patients to carry a copy of all prescriptions with them while travelling. |
|
K. How much does the machine weigh? |
23 pounds (10.5 kg) |
| L. When travelling, are there any electrical converter challenges? |
The SmartVest® is distributed around the world and has a built-in power converter. Contact Electromed, Inc. Patient Services to order a power cord for the countries you will be visiting. |
| M. How can parents monitor the usage to assure compliance? |
| a. TheSmartVest® has a built-in hour meter that records hours and minutes of usage. |
| |
| b. Please see the Instruction Manual for more information. |
|
| N. How can I acquire a SmartVest® device? |
A physician must prescribe HFCWO therapy for your condition. You or your physician may then contact us directly at 800-462-1045 or 952-758-9299. |
| O. What are some of the advantages of the SmartVest® over other systems? |
| a. Unique single-hose design offers greater covenience |
| |
| b. Full coverage (360 degrees) pulsation |
| |
| c. Machine-washable HomeCare SmartVest® |
| |
| |
|
| warranty |
P. What does the warranty cover? |
|
Q. If the SmartVest® is not performing properly, when can the patient expect a replacement? |
When a patient calls our toll-free patient service line (888-966-2525), our Patient Service representative will make arrangements to send a replacement out immediately. The patient will then place his or her unit in the shipping box, and UPS will return to pick it up. |
| Company
(Electromed, Inc.) |
| R. How long has Electromed, Inc. been in business? |
The Company was founded in 1992. |
| S. What is the Company's history? |
Electromed, Inc. is the Innovative Leader in Airway Clearance Therapy. It focuses solely on pulmonary patient care. The Company is located in a suburb of Minneapolis, New Prague, MN. It is vertically integrated, designing, manufacturing and selling its products. Since 2006, the Company's Sales have been growing at more than 30% per year. Electromed, Inc. operates profitably and is a public company. |
| T. Do you have yearly quality goals? How often are they reviewed? |
Yes! The Electromed, Inc. quality system is certified to ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 1345:2003 standards and accredited by The Joint Commission. We review and re-define the Company's quality objectives on a semi-annual basis. |
