Help! What is a TENS unit?

Maggie came to Mountain View Medical Supply today because her doctor suggested she get a TENS unit for her pain. She needed help since she had never heard of a TENS unit before today.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current, producted by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapy purposes, usually to treat pain.

The unit is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes. It is a non-invasive, safe, nerve stimulation intended to reduce both acute and chronic pain. A prescription is required to purchase a TENS unit.

Electrode patches come in mulit-day wear, or single use varieties. We offer both the TENS units and the electrodes patches.

Nova TENS 2000

NOTENS-2000

$94.29

Features dual isolated channels, constant burst, and 3 modulation modes.

UI633 2 1/4" x 2 1/2", 32/pk - $18.38

UI654 2" x 2", 4/pk - $6.64

Shop our TENS units and electrodes ONLINE

How to find a good Medicare certified nursing home

If you or someone you love needs a good nursing home that is Medicare certified, there is a tool to help you find one!

The tool provides nursing home names, general information, overall rating, health inspections, nursing home staff ratings, quality measures, number of certified beds and type of facility ownership (profit or non-profit).
And, you can choose up to three homes to compare!

The site also provides Medicare's Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home, a Nursing Home Checklist, Your Rights as a Nursing Home Resident and more.

Here is how:
1) Visit www.medicare.gov/NHCompare
2) Click "Find and Compare Nursing Homes"
3) Select one of the search criteria for location and select "continue"
NOTE: Selecting a State will likely give you hundreds of nursing homes. Try narrowing it down to city or county.
4) Select "continue" again to get to your results page
5) Scroll down to see your list of results
6) To select three homes to compare, click/check the box next to the name, and then click "compare"
7) To see detailed information, click "show all" in the upper left above the list
8) You can print your comparison page by clicking "print this page" in the upper right hand corner
9) To do a new search or modify your search, click "new search" or "modify this search" in the right hand column

To access the Nursing Home Guide, Checklist and Rights documents, return to the homepage at www.medicare.gov/NHCompare and scroll down to the documents near the middle of the page.

We hope this helps you and good luck with your research!

Adjustable Bed Rail - Price Reduced!

Save almost $10!

The only bed rail that adjusts in length after installation. Prevents falls as well as getting in and out of bed. Rail folds down and out of the way when not in use. Can be used on either side of the bed. Dual safety strap. At 23" high, fits most beds including pillow top mattresses.
300 lb Weight Capacity.

Was $129.72, NOW $120.42!

Spring 2011 New Arrivals - Los Angeles Rose Collection

These fun and fantastic styles by LA Rose flatter any size or shape!























This mock wrap top with contrast trim and two front pockets, is available in Memento (pink, navy and a bit of silver) or Twilight (black, gray and wonderful purple colors).

LULR6622 - $25.49








































This black horseshoe neckline top has subtle front shirring and two patch pockets. Available in Esprit (black, white, navy, wine and turquois) and Twilight (Black, grey and purple)

LULR6552 - $21.79




Click HERE to shop all of our New Arrivals!

Spring 2011 New Arrivals - Ecko Brand Scrubs

Are you hip, cool and trendy but have to wear scrubs to work? We have scrubs you are going to love!

The Ecko Unltd. brand of clothing has launched a new Ecko line of scrubs!

Feast your eyes:




This scrub top is REVERSIBLE! The Delancey has a more professional look on one side and a more hip and fun look on the other side!
LUKOER2104 - $30.99
















For men, the Mercer offers a reversible top with the trademark rhino detailing on the shoulder!
LUKOEU2651 - $34.99



































This top is selling like hotcakes! The Soho is fun with a funky collar, button accents and a mini pocket on the chest.
LUKOER2105 - $24.99

Spring 2011 New Arrivals - Sassy Solids!

We have brought in not one, but TWO NEW SOLID SCRUB LINES!

Take a peek:



Cherokee Workwear - You have GOT to feel these solid scrubs, they are amazing and are super comfortable! Features V-Neck, curved front yoke and tons of detail. Available in black, ceil, galaxy blue and navy.
LUCH4746 - $19.49 - $22.49















Cherokee introduces ProFlexibles, a solid new take on their popular Flexibles line. Features the same great knit side panels all in one solid color. Pant features knit waist. Available in Royal or Ceil.
LUCH2968 Top - $24.49 - $26.49
LUCH2085 Pant - $24.49 - $26.49

Click HERE to shop our full line of solid scrubs!

Spring 2011 New Arrivals - Prints Galore!

Spring is Springing! (I dont think we can officially say it has sprung yet, but its close!)

And Oh Boy! Koi's spring new arrivals are FANTASTIC!



Koi 129 Bridgette top in Windmill, April, Little Friend or Charming
LUKO129 - $23.99















Koi 149 Bella top in Meadow, Blue Field or Cloud
LUKO149 - $29.99
















Koi 147 Rylee top in Admiration or Tahiti
LUKO147 - $28.99
















Koi 160 Kimberly top in Kamaria - figure flattering!
LUKO160 - $25.99


















Koi 161 Willow top in Halle Flower
LUKO161 - $28.99



















Koi 134 Demi Top in Midnight
LUKO134 - $25.99


















Koi 163 Faith top in Azure
LUKO163 - $26.99
















Koi 115 Kathryn top in Allure or August
LUKO115 - $23.99

















To view all of our new arrivals, including solids, click HERE!

Ostomy? What you need to know

By definition, an ostomy is an operation to create an opening from an area inside the body to the outside. Colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy are types of ostomies that either eliminate stool from the intestines or urine from the urinal tract.

Ostomies become necessary due to cancer of the digestive tract, disease such as Crohn’s or disorders such as ulcerative colitis. Sometimes the ostomy is permanent, sometimes it can be temporary and reversed.
Once an ostomy is created, the patient will use ostomy supplies suited to their needs, and typically a Wound and Ostomy Care Nurse (WOCN) will educate and care for the patient in the hospital during recovery.

As you can imagine, or have personal experience yourself, a new ostomy can be overwhelming! We specialize in ostomy supplies and have dealt with many customers that simply get overwhelmed once they leave the hospital and are on their own. Or, we see ostomates dealing with new issues after several years of successfully handling their ostomy.

Here are five things every ostomate needs to know.

Every ostomate should have the name and phone number of a Wound & Ostomy Care Nurse (WOCN) or Enterostomal Therapist (ET). If you don't have one, contact your local hospital, medical center or health agency and ask for one.

Research and learn about ostomy products. Most hospitals carry a single brand of supplies and that is what is sent home with the patient. The three major manufacturers are Hollister (Hollister.com), ConvaTec (Convatec.com) and Coloplast (Coloplast.com). Visit their websites, research all product lines and request free samples to try. Be sure to consult with your medical team before switching products.

Spend some time finding the right supplier. Compare pricing and be wary of large discounts or exorbitant prices. Do they ship to your home, or have a local presence in case you are in a pinch for supplies? Can you reach a live person for product support if you have a problem?

Verify what your insurance will cover when it comes to supplies. Most private insurers will pay 70-80% after deductible. Medicaid is state specific, and Medicare only allows a predetermined maximum each month, so call and verify your specific coverage.

Most importantly - You are NOT alone! The United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. is a wonderful resource for information and links. Go to www.uoaa.org for information, guidebooks, local support groups, discussion boards and much more!

For more information or to request a FREE “Information & Resources for New Ostomates” Booklet, contact Mountain View Medical Supply by calling 303-455-1300, or 800-873-7121, or email
customer.service@mvms.com

Source: Mountain View Medical Supply Information & Resources for New Ostomates
To order your FREE copy of this wonderful publication (if I do say so myself), call 800-873-7121, or order for FREE online HERE!

Chain Drugstore Vs. Us

What is the difference between Mountain View Medical Supply and a chain drugstore?

We do have a few things in common. For example, we both offer wound care supplies. The difference is that drugstores offer a wide variety of basic gauze, tapes and ointments. Our medical supply store takes it to the next level and offers basic supplies up to advanced wound care supplies.

Drugstores offer walkers and some wheelchairs, and their online stores tend to offer a larger selection. At our store, we offer the best quality walkers and wheelchairs for the best prices possible. We dont have the same volume, so a product that is returned due to low-quality hinders our bottom line.

Both stores offer incontinence products such as adult diapers. Our medical supply line also includes ostomy supplies and catheters, which usually require a doctors prescription. While chain stores do deal with medicinal prescriptions, they typically dont deal with ostomy or catheter prescriptions.

Chain stores offer food supplements from vitamins to shakes such as Ensure. We offer some supplements, but we also carry liquid nutrition (which again usually requires a doctors prescription), for those that need food intravenously.

For everyday consumer items, chain drugstores can suffice, but if you have a more specific item you need, Mountain View Medical Supply can help!

To view our e-commerce website, click HERE!

Just a reminder about compression stockings...

They wear out! Compression stockings usually have a lifespan of about 6 months and they wont do you any good if you dont get new ones about twice a year.

Also, be sure to ask about our reminder program!
1) Come into our store in Arvada and buy your compression stockings.
2) Fill out a reminder card with your name and address.

In six months, you will receive your reminder card along with a coupon for a discount on your next purchase!

And dont forget that we have GREAT PRICES on compression stockings, and that is BEFORE the discount coupon!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Dont forget to visit our website!

Medicare Payment Fiasco - Sound Familiar?

If you are receiving Medicare paid supplies AND you have a Home Health provider, or recently entered a hospital or nursing home, or have a service provider coming to your home, this may change how your benefits get paid.

Medicare requires a combined billing of Medicare paid services and supplies. Meaning, they wont allow multiple companies to bill them for the same patient, for supplies or services on the same day, because that has led to over-ordering, overpayment and ultimately fraud of the Medicare system.

Simply put, multiple providers cannot bill Medicare for the same dates of service.

Example: If you are an ostomy patient and you recently added a home physical therapists services to your care, the physical therapist must provide you with your ostomy supplies and bill Medicare for those supplies.

The best thing to do is let all medical personnel and medical suppliers know if you have recently added new home providers or have entered a hospital or nursing home. Together, they should make sure your billing is done correctly to avoid you having to pay for anything out of pocket.

What should I do if I am not happy with the quality of care I am receiving from Medicare?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is working to make health care safer through its Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Program.

According to the CMS website, this is what a QIO is:
QIOs are private, mostly not-for-profit organizations, which are staffed by professionals, mostly doctors and other health care professionals, who are trained to review medical care and help beneficiaries with complaints about the quality of care and to implement improvements in the quality of care available throughout the spectrum of care. QIO contracts are 3 years in length, with each 3-year cycle referenced as an ordinal "SOW."

According to the CMS website, this is what QIO's do:
By law, the mission of the QIO Program is to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, economy, and quality of services delivered to Medicare beneficiaries. Based on this statutory charge, and CMS' Program experience, CMS identifies the core functions of the QIO Program as:
Improving quality of care for beneficiaries;
Protecting the integrity of the Medicare Trust Fund by ensuring that Medicare pays only for services and goods that are reasonable and necessary and that are provided in the most appropriate setting; and
Protecting beneficiaries by expeditiously addressing individual complaints, such as beneficiary complaints; provider-based notice appeals; violations of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA); and other related responsibilities as articulated in QIO-related law.

Consumers can learn more about how the QIO works in their specific state by visiting:
1) http://medicare.gov/contacts
2) Select "Do you want to find a specific organization?", then click on "Find helpful contacts and websites".
3) From there, in the dropdown, select QIO and then your specific state.

You should then be provided the state QIO organization name and phone numbers, and in most cases, a website.

With major changes in Medicare Advantage coming, quality care with basic Medicare is essential to the health of our nation.

Source: www.medicare.gov

Need a hand? And a price break?

Stander, the manufacturer of bed canes, poles and the like, has had a few price decreases! (yay!)

The Stander Security Pole and Curved Grab Bar was $185.27, NOW $172.08!! AND it is also now available in white in addition to black!
























Next, we have the Stander Bed Cane (wow, this guy gets around good with his Stander products!). Was $93.52, NOW $85.83!!














For our full line of products, click HERE.

Roller Coasters!

Are you a fan of roller coasters? Why not plan a summer trip with a roller coaster theme! Here is some information to get you thinking and to help you plan!



HYPERCOASTERS are fast (over 60mph) and tall (over 200ft). Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey is the highest at 456 feet high and the fastest at 128mph!

STEEL LOOPERS Specialize in loops, spirals and other inverted elements. The longest is the Steel Dragon in Mie, Japan at 8,133 feet of track.

HIGH-TECH COASTERS/LIM have huge electromagnets that accelerate to top speeds in a matter of seconds.

WOOD-FRAMED COASTERS are tried and true with blind corners, rolling hills and tracks that double back on themselves. There is one that actually flips called Son of Beast at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio.

FOURTH DIMENSION COASTERS are designed so each individual car moves
independently.

FUN FACTS
To get the most bang for your buck, visit Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH and ride all 17 of their roller coasters.

The oldest operating roller coaster is Leap the Dips at Lakemont Park in Pennsylvania, built in 1902.

The first American roller coaster was actually a train for moving coal down a mountain called the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railroad. After it was no longer needed for coal, passengers rode it from the 1850’s to 1929.

Source: familyfun.go.com, myrollercoasters.com, themeparks.lovetoknow.com

Beware of Disaster Scammers

With the disaster in Japan comes a new round of scammers trying to capitalize on the sympathy of those who want to help. If you want to help, here are some guidelines to ensure your money is put to good use and not into someone’s pocket for profit.

First of all, it is nearly impossible to create an efficient and effective charity overnight, so make sure the charity was around before the disaster. Try www.guidestar.org or www.charitynavigator.org to search or research organizations you may want to help.

Do not respond to email requests from supposed disaster victims. Unless you specifically know this person, these requests are almost always scams. When in doubt, make a few phone calls to confirm. Its worth your time.

Also, be wary of donation requests or videos posted by alleged victims or unfamiliar charities on social media sites such as Facebook. Scammers are great with technology and can manipulate communications to appear as though your friends and loved ones are appealing to you for help. Again, make a phone call or email directly on private email to confirm.

Do not give out personal information via phone, text or email. Legitimate charities will be pleased to receive a contribution check. Don’t send contributions with a “runner” (someone willing to take you, or come get the money physically), by wire or overnight mail/ship services.

Beware of calls, emails and texts requesting fast money. No legitimate organization will insist that you donate immediately. Again, true non-profit organizations will be happy to receive a contribution check. Scammers don't want checks because it creates a traceable paper trail.

Watch out for solicitors who employ dramatic, emotional or heart-tugging stories. Legitimate charities will accept your decline, and wont try to keep “selling” you.

We suggest finding a common charity, such as the Red Cross, and donate to them. If you are solicited for other donations, simply say you have already donated to the charity of your choice.

If you, or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, report it! Go to www.stopfraud.gov/report.

New Scrub Arrivals! Happy Shopping! Take 2

Here are a few MORE new arrivals to whet your shopping appetite!

Click to view all of our New Arrivals!




LUCH2697 Golden Wings
Features a round neckline, 3/4 sleeve, faux button placket, tucks at the front neck and a fun Swiss dot fabric. Pair with black, light yellow, dark grey or white pants.






LUCH6714C Hello Kitty
Round neck, contrast black piping, inverted pleats, front angled pockets, back elastic and side vents. Pair with black, grey, bright pink or white pants.

























LUCH82728 Sweet Things
This junior fit mock wrap has an adjustable tie empire waist, patch pockets, side vents and back elastic. Paire with red, black, tan or light green pants.