It doesn’t matter if you are trying to choose the right toothbrush for your kids or investing in home care for a sick relative, buying any type of medical device or supply is a decision you have to make while educated. Medical supplies and devices are intended to keep you healthy, and choosing the wrong one could be detrimental to your overall health.
Before you make a purchasing decision, use the following information to better educate yourself on what you need to know before you buy medical supplies.
Know exactly what you need.
Before you go out and buy just anything, make sure you do your research and truly know what it is you need. If you’re unsure, talk with your doctor or healthcare professional and get their opinion as to what they believe would be the best option. You can even ask friends and family members for recommendations.
Be sure to think of your specific situation too. For example, if you need to purchase medical equipment for your sick child, make sure you look for medical equipment specifically for children, as similar medical equipment made for adults may be too big for your child.
Be wary of generic names.
Generic items will typically cost less than brand names, but when it comes to medical equipment, you may be better off trusting the names you know. If you’re unsure, ask your healthcare provider about their professional opinion. In fact, they may even tell you that a certain generic brand is just as good as a name brand, and you may even be able to save yourself some money.
Learn what your insurance will cover.
Before breaking out your credit card or taking out a second mortgage just to afford your necessary supplies, contact your insurance provider to find out what medical equipment they will cover. Your insurance may cover a portion, or even all, of the cost of certain items, so it’s best to contact them directly and ask. You may even find that they cover certain brands, so it’s best to know all of this information up front before making a purchase.
For anything you do pay for out of pocket, learn what medical equipment is tax deductible and be sure to claim it on your taxes.
Shop around.
Don’t just buy the first medical supply you see. Like most products, the cost of medical supplies can vary by manufacturer or distributor. Because of this, it’s important that you shop around. Ask your doctor if they have any recommendations, or you can opt to purchase medical supplies from a medical supply company. The more you shop around, the better prices you will find.
Choose products with warranties.
In order to get the most value for your dollar, it’s a good idea to purchase medical supplies that come with a warranty. Having the warranty is a good way to protect yourself and/or receive a refund if the item were to break or malfunction.
At some point in your life, you will likely need to purchase some type of medical supply. When equipped with this information, you will be more prepared to make a smarter purchasing decision.
