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HIPPA security rules

Great Lakes Imaging would like to inform you of the new HIPPA security rules:

The HIPAA Security Rule (45 C.F.R. § 164.308 (a)(5)(ii)(B) requires that all software used by Covered Entities and Business Associates be kept current and up to date with updates from the software vendor. If a vendor no longer supports a software program, it cannot be used. On January 14, 2020, Microsoft will end all support for Windows 7. After that date, simply having a Windows 7 computer on your network will be a HIPAA violation. Windows 7 HIPPA compliance won’t be possible. At Coastal Medical Imaging we can update your computer to Windows 10.

From Microsoft’s Windows 7 Web page:

Support for Windows 7 is ending

All good things must come to an end, even Windows 7. After January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7. But you can keep the good times rolling by moving to Windows 10.

Is Windows 7 HIPAA Compliance still possible?

Yes, if you are using Windows 7 now, you can still achieve compliance.  However, after January 14th, 2020 that won’t be possible. As stated above, even having a single Windows 7 computer on your network at the time will be an instant violation of HIPAA regulations. Extended support for Windows 7 will end and no new updates will be available from Microsoft. This includes updates for any new security holes that are found in Windows 7 after that date. Call or email Great Lakes Imaging for pricing to upgrade to Windows 10.

Because of its popularity, many Covered Entities and Business Associates are still using Windows 7. Migrating a large number of computers will take time and planning. The main issue will be ensuring it’s done before attesting for Meaningful Use.

No meaningful use using Windows 7

Where this becomes very serious is when a Covered Entity goes to attest under MIPS for Meaningful Use. Meaningful Use requires that Covered Entities also attest that they are HIPAA compliant. If a Covered Entity is using a Windows 7 computer next year and goes to attest, this will be an issue. Especially since the entity is stating they are compliant when it’s not possible that they are.

What do you need to do?

Here are some steps you can follow to get migrated over to Microsoft Windows 10 and remain in HIPAA compliance. Call or email Great Lakes Imaging, and let us help you through the process.

  1. Perform a Risk Assessment: If you haven’t already done so, do a thorough Risk Assessment of your practice (or business). This will reveal all of the computers that are running Windows 7.
  2. Assess your current hardware: Will you need new hardware? If so, how will you go about purchasing them? If your current computers will be able to handle Windows 10, then you can move forward.
  3. Plan your Windows 10 Migration: If you need to purchase new computers, get them ordered. If your computers are good, then download the Windows 10 update. Microsoft doesn’t publish it widely, but you can still upgrade to Windows 10 at no charge if you are using Windows 7.
  4. Dispose of old Windows 7 computers: Your old Windows 7 computers will still have Protected Health Information on them. The hard drives need to be wiped with a secure wipe method before you dispose of them. If you engage an outside service, make sure they provide you with a certification of destruction to add to your own HIPAA documentation. This will validate that you performed your due diligence to destroy the PHI that may have been on the old hard drives.

Other Microsoft software that is not HIPAA compliant

If you are one of the 5% still using Windows XP, its time to upgrade. Support for Windows XP ended in 2014. Windows XP was such a stable and good operating system, very much like Windows 7, that many people didn’t want to leave it. However, there have been no security updates for Windows XP for many years and it cannot be considered safe. On top of that, it is very much a HIPAA violation.

Windows Vista, one of Microsoft’s least popular operating systems, is used less than 1% of the time. Its support ended in April 2017. If you are still using Vista, this is a HIPAA violation.

Windows 8 was a popular operating system and it still holds 5% of the market. Extended support for Windows 8 will be available until 2023.

Another issue waiting to bite practices and their business associates will be servers running Windows Server 2003 and 2008. Windows Server 2003 was retired in 2015 and Windows 2008 will be retired at the same time as Windows 7, January 14, 2020. Servers are often used for longer periods than workstations and because of this, they are forgotten. If you are using a server with either of these operating systems, it is time to upgrade. The issue is, however, that the servers will also likely need to be replaced. Servers that old won’t be able to run the newer Microsoft operating systems for servers. Installing a new server is a much more prolonged process than changing your workstations. It involves relocating practice management and EMR data, setting up a new domain for your office and setting up security for compliance. Allow Coastal Medical Imaging to help you become Hippa compliant.

Summary

The HIPAA Security Rule requires that all Covered Entities or Business Associates use software that is supported by the vendor. If the software is no longer supported, it is not HIPAA compliant. On January 14, 2020, Microsoft will retire support for Windows 7, one of its most popular operating systems. If your practice (or business for Business Associates) is still using Windows 7 on your network, the time is now to start planning your migration to Windows 10. 2020 is just a few months away and will be here soon enough. Start taking action now so that you won’t have a Windows 7 HIPAA compliance issue in your practice. Windows 10 upgrades are still available for free for users of Windows 7, so there is no reason not to upgrade. If you are still using Windows 7 after January 14, 2020, and attest for MIPS, then you will have another issue since part of attesting is stating your HIPAA compliance.

Contact us today to get Hippa compliant.

Phone:586-268-9200

Email: info@coastalmedicalimaging.com

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What are the Types of Medical Imaging Equipment?

How important is medical imaging? Given that diagnostics used to be a matter of guesswork at best, or exploratory surgery at worst, the ability of medical imaging equipment to provide a non-invasive alternative revolutionized medicine. We’ve come a long way from Alexander Graham Bell’s primitive metal detector; now, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound are giving diagnosticians and doctors an unprecedented level of visibility into the body. What types of medical imaging equipment might your practice benefit from?

X-Rays

X-rays use precisely-targeted radiation in small doses, combined with a capture medium (either film or digital) to produce images of bones, hard tissue, and even tumors. In some cases, a contrast solution can be used to highlight soft tissue.

Best Uses for X-Rays

A wide variety of x-ray machines are in common use, including:

Ultrasound

Ultrasound works on somewhat the same principle as sonar. It uses extremely high-frequency sound to show interior views in detail. Because results are displayed in real-time, they can be delivered faster than some other forms of diagnostics.

Best Uses for Ultrasound

Because ultrasound equipment does not use radiation, it’s safe for use by those who may be pregnant; it’s also occasionally used for guidance during surgery.

Computerized Tomography

Computerized tomography and computerized axial tomography (CT and CAT scans, respectively) combine x-rays with computer technology that produces cross-sections in higher detail than is possible with conventional x-ray technology.

Best Uses for CT Scans

CT and CAT scans are often used as a diagnostic follow-up to x-rays when a more detailed view is required. As with x-rays, a contrast solution can be employed to enhance those details, making this type of scan a good way to monitor the progression of healing or the effects of cancer treatment.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Like an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) foregoes radiation altogether, using radio waves and strong magnets in place of gamma rays. While the technique may superficially look the same as a CT scan, the advantage here is a much higher level of detail, especially in soft tissue.

Best Uses for MRI

MRIs are especially useful in detecting injuries to the central nervous system, circulatory disorders, and other types of organ damage that the methods above may not be able to detect.

Other Advances in Medical Imaging

There are, of course, other forms of medical imaging, including electroencephalograms, echocardiograms, positron emission tomography, and newer diagnostics like functional near-infrared spectroscopy and photoacoustic imaging. As with the modalities we’ve already discussed, each has particular best use cases, from cancer treatment to dementia diagnosis.

Medical Imaging Equipment in the Detroit Area

As we’ve seen, each imaging technique comes with particular strengths. For this reason, it’s not uncommon for practices to employ multiple types of imaging for different diagnostic needs. For help outfitting your practice with imaging equipment that is advanced, accurate, appropriate, and affordable, schedule a consultation with Coastal Medical Imaging today.

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How is a CT Scan Different From an MRI?

When medical professionals are making a diagnosis, they need to use the right tools. At Coastal Medical Imaging, we know that there are a few ways to check for health problems or monitor the progress of certain diseases, but some types of medical imaging technology are more suited to different applications.

For example, MRIs and CT scans seem awfully similar at first glance, but there are key differences between them that doctors need to understand so that they use the right diagnostic tools for the job.

How to Differentiate Between an MRI and CT Scan

Both of these imaging methods are used to scan the body, but they operate in different ways. An MRI uses a powerful magnet to pass radio waves through the body, which then reacts to those waves and allows the MRI to create an incredibly detailed image. An image from an MRI can make it easy to see the soft tissues, blood vessels, nerves, and other structures inside of the body.

A CT scan, also known as a computed tomography scan, uses radiation much like an X-ray, but it offers a more detailed look at your body than an X-ray would. It is a relatively quick procedure and not as inexpensive to run as an MRI would be.

When You Need to Use an MRI vs. a CT Scan

So both of these methods create detailed images of the body, but they still have different applications.

When to Use an MRI

A doctor will suggest using an MRI when an issue could be hard to spot on an X-ray. An MRI can be used to see injuries like:

  • A torn meniscus
  • ACL injury
  • Torn rotator cuff
  • Ruptured tendons      

An MRI can also track some forms of cancer, like prostate cancer and some types of liver cancer. An MRI can show if they have metastasized to the brain or bones. This would be a more difficult diagnosis to make if a CT scan was used since such a problem might be harder to spot on the image it produces.

When to Use a CT Scan

A CT scan still has many uses though, especially because there are some patients who cannot safely be subjected to an MRI. This is due to the powerful magnet used in this imaging method. Many patients with metal implants or implanted medical devices, like pacemakers, could be at risk if they are put in an MRI machine.

A computed tomography scan is also frequently used after accidents and trauma to look for issues like:

  • Blood clots
  • Bone fractures
  • Internal bleeding

A CT scan can also be used to look for tumors and diagnose some types of cancer. The image is detailed enough to see what stage the cancer has reached and if it has spread. It can also be used to evaluate cancer treatment progress.

Your Imaging Expert Serving the Detroit Area

If you want to learn more about the imaging technology and other medical products that we offer, visit our website. Coastal Medical Imaging offers new medical equipment, pre-owned equipment, and repair services that our customers can rely on.

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How to Find Durable Medical Equipment Suppliers in Michigan

Coastal Medical Imaging takes considerable pride in being the premier medical imaging supplier and medical equipment supplier serving Southeast Michigan. But as robust as our offerings are, we’re well aware that your practice is likely to need more than a new chiropractic table or veterinary exam table. Since that can leave a nagging question—“Now what?”—let’s discuss how to reliably source durable medical equipment (DME) in Michigan, starting with asking the right questions.

Who Are These People?

Regardless of the equipment offered, or the promises made, can your prospective supplier deliver? We don’t mean simple order fulfillment, though that matters, too. The reputation of your supplier matters. They should be well-established, with good reviews. They should be transparent about their pricing and terms. Furthermore, they should also provide excellent support at every stage of your relationship with them.

Who’s My Supplier’s Supplier?

One thing we’ve all learned as the COVID epidemic has unfolded is that sourcing matters. It matters to us as medical professionals, it matters for patient outcomes, and it also makes a difference with regard to the quality of the product we’re receiving. In addition to disclosing specifications, your supplier should be up-front about where their products come from, and if or how substitutions are handled in the event that something is out of stock but needs to be replaced in a hurry.

Are My Needs Met in One Place?

A supplier that has a significant inventory helps on several levels. There’s the convenience factor since you’re not shopping at multiple suppliers to get an order filled. If you’re a larger office, a hospital, or a community-based nonprofit health organization, fewer suppliers mean a more streamlined bidding process. Other factors, like bulk pricing and shipping, are also greatly simplified, and it’s easier to leverage savings.

Are My Patients’ Needs Met as Well?

Your practice often isn’t the only thing for which you’re shopping. If you have a patient recovering from a procedure or surgery, you may wish to keep supplies on hand for them too, ensuring that their recovery gets off on the right foot. Some suppliers combine both professional and consumer-grade DME, and that versatility may be valuable to you.

Who’s Accountable?

One thing we know from our quarter-century in business: relationships matter. You may find it much easier dealing with a vendor that offers a single point of contact—an account manager, or dedicated support staff—who will be available for your questions and concerns as they arise.

Working With Coastal Medical Imaging

Your work isn’t over simply because you’ve outfitted your office, exam rooms, and surgical suites with everything from medical imaging equipment to surgical supplies. In order to best serve your patients, you’ve likely given a lot of thought to how you will customize your practice to meet their needs. Coastal Medical Imaging is here to help with that customization, from medical equipment installations to custom medical equipment solutions. Get in touch today to get started, or to put the finishing touches on your practice.

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Types of Chiropractic Equipment You Need for Your Michigan Practice

In many ways, modern chiropractic medicine remains true to the roots of Daniel David Palmer’s methods of manual adjustment. But like any other form of medicine, it has also evolved with the times, adding new treatment options and therapies to older, tried-and-true practices. That means that today’s doctor of chiropractic has more ways to help their patients than ever before — and more ways to equip their practice, too. Coastal Medical Imaging is here to help, with a wide range of chiropractic supplies and new and used chiropractic equipment.

Types of Chiropractic Equipment

There are many different kinds of chiropractic equipment, but broadly speaking it can be broken down into three broad categories.

Chiropractic Diagnostic Equipment

While an experienced chiropractor can use a visual and manual inspection to find affected bones and muscles, advanced diagnostic equipment has its place in modern practice as well. Chiropractic digital imaging can be used for a more precise diagnosis that can, in turn, be shared with physical therapists, physicians, and others involved in the patient’s care.

Chiropractic Adjustment Equipment

The chiropractic adjustment table is — you’ll forgive the pun — the backbone of nearly every chiropractic office. Coastal Medical Imaging offers many of these, as well as massage tables and decompression and traction tables, allowing for multiple treatment modalities.

Therapeutic Chiropractic Equipment

Of course, most chiropractors enhance patient outcomes through means other than adjustment. Many chiropractors’ equipment overlaps significantly with physical therapy equipment, including cold lasers, infrared, moist heat, and percussion massagers, among others. Some offices also choose to offer products for sale to their patients, from pain relief (like Cryoderm and BioFreeze) to TENS units.

Finding Chiropractic Equipment

How you source your equipment makes as much difference as what you source. With Coastal Medical Imaging, you have more choices for Michigan chiropractic equipment.

New Chiropractic Equipment

For new and existing practices with the working capital, new chiropractic equipment lets you hit the ground running. You can get the newest and best chiropractic equipment available, with solutions chosen for and tailored to your practice.

Refurbished and Used Chiropractic Equipment

On the other hand, one need not buy new to get quality equipment that’s reliable. Coastal Medical Imaging also offers used and refurbished chiropractic equipment in like-new condition, which can be more cost-effective in many cases.

Chiropractic Equipment Support

Whether it’s new or used, you need equipment you can trust. That’s why we give you our best so you’re always ready to give your patients your best, without having to worry whether your critical equipment will be up to the task.

From the first day, you’ll have the full backing of the entire Coastal Medical Imaging team. Answers to your questions are always an email or phone call away. Many chiropractic equipment repairs can be done onsite to minimize downtime, while others can be handled remotely (IT diagnostics and troubleshooting) or off-site (some major repairs and refurbishment). In any event, our goal is to keep interruptions to a minimum so your practice runs its best.

Call to Order Chiropractic Equipment

Whether you’re building a new practice from the ground up, renovating an established office, or simply filling in some gaps as you change with the times, having the right equipment helps you deliver chiropractic treatments that keep your customers feeling better — and keep them coming back. That’s a worthwhile investment. In order to get started, get in touch with Coastal Medical Imaging today.

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VitalStim NMES: Uses & Treatments

While true numbers are hard to pin down, approximately one in 25 adults experiences some form of dysphagia annually.* A range of disorders that affects the upper digestive tract from the oral cavity to the gastroesophageal junction, some forms of dysphagia can be treated by a speech-language pathologist. Others call for more aggressive treatment, with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) equipment like VitalStim showing particular promise.

What is NMES?

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is long-established in physical therapy equipment. It uses electrical impulses to stimulate nerves in targeted muscle groups. This stimulation functions in much the same way as the brain sends signals to muscles; the resultant contractions promote motion and strength. In this way, muscles that have atrophied, or that require a degree of “training” to restore normal range of motion and function, can be restored.

Uses of NMES

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is used in a number of treatment modalities, finding use in sports medicine (for the regeneration and maintenance of muscle tissue), stroke and spinal cord injury, chiropractic treatment, and various forms of physical therapy. Because each muscle group that can be targeted by NMES responds to different degrees of electrical stimulus (and because those muscles can be surrounded by other tissue), specialized equipment is called for.

Causes of Dysphagia

Dysphagia is partial or full paralysis at one or more points in the swallowing process. Affected individuals may have difficulty swallowing, experiencing coughing or choking; they may, alternately, not be able to swallow at all. Traumatic brain injury, side-effects of surgery, or the use of a breathing tube, spinal cord injury, and degenerative disorders like Parkinson’s, ALS, and achalasia can cause varying degrees of dysphagia.

NMES Treatments for Dysphagia

Dysphagia takes a physical and emotional toll on patients and their families. In order to prevent malnutrition, some patients will require an uncomfortable feeding tube. The interference with everyday life and social activities further causes financial burden, depression, and other issues. VitalStim assists in managing — and, in some cases, reversing — these effects, and helping patients return to some semblance of normalcy.

How VitalStim Works

VitalStim can deliver electrical stimulation on as many as four channels simultaneously. You can adjust treatments by changing frequency, duration, and sequencing that is customized to the individual’s needs, and use sEMG biofeedback to monitor progress. The device is Bluetooth-enabled and includes a suite of educational videos, a knowledge bank, and software that tracks and reports patients’ progress.

Effectiveness of NMES Treatments

NMES treatment is not “one and done.” Just as muscle function and tone can be lost by degrees, so too must they be restored gradually. This often requires a team approach, with the treatment modality implemented by an SLP working in tandem with the patient’s general practitioner, physical therapist (who administers the NMES), and other specialists, like a neurologist, where applicable. Function returns with time, patience, and hard work, with the prognosis varying based on the nature of the patient’s condition.

NMES and Insurance

To date, VitalStim is the only FDA-cleared NMES dysphagia treatment. As such, and because it is indicated for etiologies other than mechanical causes that would require surgery, it’s covered by most insurance.

Call to Order VitalStim NMES

You may be wondering how your patients can benefit from VitalStim, and how to get started using this treatment in your practice. For answers to these and other questions, contact Coastal Medical Imaging for solutions tailored to your needs.

*American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Adult Dysphagia

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Finding Podiatry Equipment and Supplies in Michigan

Running a podiatry practice, like any other medical practice, is a delicate balancing act. While the podiatrists Coastal Medical Imaging has been honored to work with over the years have been compassionate and caring, there’s also the recognition that your practice is also a business — even if it’s one that’s more mission-oriented than most. Keeping that business humming so you can focus on your patients’ health and well-being means having the best podiatry equipment and supplies for the task at hand.

Types of Podiatry Equipment

To begin with, let’s start with the type of equipment you need.

Podiatry Devices

Quick and accurate diagnostics are the backbone of a thriving podiatry practice. That’s why Coastal Medical Imaging offers a wide range of products that include standard frequency and high frequency x-ray units, hospital-grade Momentum Wireless DR flat-panel cassettes, and custom flat-panel units for specialized applications.

Podiatry Software

Many podiatry devices have proprietary software to enhance imaging and diagnostic capabilities. However, select vendors also offer solutions that are cross-compatible with a number of types of equipment; mOpal software is a prime example of this.

All-in-One Podiatry Solutions

For new offices, or those refitting to modernize, an all-in-one podiatry solution that combines hardware, software, and apps can be the most cost-effective approach. We combine a number of components from respected names like 20/20 Imaging and Dell to give you imaging, diagnostics, mobile access, and much more, complete with installation and training.

Sourcing the Right Podiatry Supplies in Michigan

Having narrowed down the type of equipment you need, your next challenge is figuring out the best way to source it. We offer a number of different choices.

Shop Online

Paper catalogs having gone the way of the dinosaur, it’s best to start your research online. This is actually a good thing, since there’s much more information available from multiple sources. That, in turn, helps you make well-informed decisions. But in addition to knowing the types and specifications of the podiatry equipment you’re shopping for, there’s more than one way to get this gear into your office.

New Podiatry Equipment

New podiatry equipment has a number of advantages. It’s the latest technology, with cutting-edge features. Equally important, for some practices, is the fact that you don’t need to worry about how the previous owner used (or misused) the equipment, or whether they’ve maintained it poorly.

Used Podiatry Equipment

Used podiatry equipment also has its perks. Not least of these, obviously, is cost. Alleviating the concerns we outlined above is easier than you’d think; it’s a simple matter of buying from a podiatry equipment dealer like Coastal Medical Imaging that backs what they sell.

Refurbished Podiatry Equipment

Refurbished podiatry equipment strikes an ideal balance between new and used equipment. On the one hand, you get the benefits of buying used. On the other hand, because this equipment has been thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and serviced, it’s in close to new condition, making it a more attractive option in many cases.

Customizing Your Podiatry Equipment

In much the same way that each podiatry office will have a different budget, and need different kinds of equipment, each also utilizes these tools in different ways. For that reason, Coastal Medical Imaging also offers custom medical equipment solutions that tailor your equipment to your needs alongside our medical equipment installation services. For help cutting your imaging and equipment needs down to size, get in touch with us for a consultation and we’ll get to work on a suite of solutions tailored to your practice.

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mOpal Imaging Software

What if your patient images could be viewed any time by anyone to whom you gave access? How might that streamline your treatment plans, operating efficiency, and even consults? Thanks to mOpal, an innovative imaging software solution developed by 20/20 Imaging and offered through Coastal Medical Imaging, the answers to those questions may surprise you.

What is mOpal?

mOpal combines Opal-RAD Professional Workstation software with the browser-based DICOM viewer. It can be used on-site, but because it works seamlessly across iPad®, iPhone®, Android™, Blackberry®, and a range of other devices, it’s a robust mobile imaging solution. It provides access to nearly anyone, just about anywhere there’s a reliable internet connection.

Practices Using mOpal

Because it works with nearly anything in the 20/20 Imaging ecosystem, mOpal software is versatile enough to integrate with an equally wide range of medical practices as well.

Looking to make your existing imaging suite as capable as possible? Not sure if your existing equipment is compatible? We’re here to help.

mOpal Compatibility

mOpal plays well with others.

Imaging Hardware Compatibility

mOpal software is designed around imaging devices built by 20/20 Imaging. It will not work with the JPI True Portable system, or with the Osko Edge FS Air (among others), but it will integrate seamlessly with the SR-130 High Frequency system and a myriad of other 20/20 Imaging solutions. If you’re unsure — especially if you’re adding mOpal to your existing hardware — call us for a consultation.

Mobile Device Compatibility

Because mOpal is browser-based, it is both hardware and software agnostic. If you want to take advantage of its deep functionality on a PC or Mac computer, you can. But it’s equally capable of running seamlessly on Android and iOS devices of any stripe, from tablets to mobile phones, and will even work on browser-equipped Blackberry devices. As we’re about to see, this feature has some significant benefits.

mOpal Features and Benefits

So what does this software do, and how do you benefit?

  • Mobile device access brings a high degree of portability, providing easy access in exam rooms and surgical suites, but also making mOpal an ideal fit for mobile and pop-up practices
  • Cross-device compatibility means that mOpal can typically work with the hardware you already have, eliminating the need to invest in new devices
  • Because it supports the same behavior you use on mobile devices — swiping, pinching, dragging, and tapping — it’s intuitive to use, and has a shallow learning curve
  • Settings and access can be customized, enabling easy restriction or sharing of information as needed — excellent for referrals and consultations
  • No additional apps or downloads are needed, so even older devices shouldn’t find their resources stretched thin
  • Integrates tightly with other 20/20 Imaging solutions, streamlining password management, annotations, and more
  • Backed by the extensive experience of Konica/Minolta, longtime leaders in medical imaging

Product Availability

mOpal software can be bundled with any new 20/20 Imaging product we carry, and can also be integrated with older purchases and many legacy products. For assistance getting the most out of this software in your practice, schedule a consultation with Coastal Medical Imaging today.

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How do Hospitals Sanitize and Sterilize Equipment in MI?

Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) aren’t nearly as frequent now as they were before Joseph Lister developed antiseptics in response to Louis Pasteur’s germ theory. In Lister’s day, post-operative fatalities were common (up to 50 percent of amputee patients alone). While lower — the CDC estimates 1 in 31 patients will develop an HAI* — the number is still higher than it should be. Cleaning, disinfection, sanitization, and sterilization each have a part to play in making that happen, and medical equipment supplies from Coastal Medical Imaging can help.

Why Decontamination is Important

Infections are hardly limited to a hospital setting, nor to surgery. Airborne illnesses like COVID and influenza can be transmitted in clinical settings. So too can other bacterial and viral pathogens, spread via exam tables, chiropractic tables, instruments, and examination equipment. These illnesses can prolong recovery time, cause severe complications, or in extreme cases, even lead to the death of patients.

Effective decontamination procedures improve patient outcomes. Just as importantly, they decrease practices’ liability risk and chances of a costly malpractice suit in the process.

Decontamination Definitions and Differences

While the broad goal of maintaining cleanliness in order to reduce the risk of infection, complications, and death is common among each of these procedures, they differ in their methods, tools, and the time taken.

  • Cleaning uses detergents or enzymes to reduce the amount of soil or residue (such as dried blood and other bodily fluids) on a surface.
  • Sanitization reduces the number of pathogens on a surface, thereby reducing the chance of sickness.
  • Disinfection aims to kill pathogens like bacteria and viruses, rather than simply reducing their number. This requires stronger chemicals, and longer exposure periods, but may still leave some organisms (like spores) behind.
  • Sterilization, in contrast to the other methods mentioned, seeks to eliminate all pathogens on a given surface, and may use steam or dry heat, pressure, and chemicals (vaporized hydrogen peroxide, bleach, ozone, or plasma gas among them) either separately or in combination.

Disinfection and Sanitization Processes

The CDC identifies three categories of instruments, each with its own decontamination guidelines.

  • Critical instruments penetrate soft tissue or bone, or come into contact with the bloodstream. These instruments, including scalers, scalpels, forceps, and surgical drill burs and bits, should be considered single-use items in the absence of contrary guidance from the manufacturer.
  • Semi-critical instruments may come into contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes. This includes impression trays, intra-oral cameras, and radiography sensors, which should all be sterilized after every use.
  • Non-critical devices are strictly for external use, and will generally only come into contact with intact skin. Blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, x-ray heads, exam tables, and bed rails are among the many items falling into this category, and they’re suitable for reuse after they have been properly decontaminated.

It’s not uncommon to work through multiple steps in sequence, using cleaning, then sanitization, as preliminary steps to either disinfection or sterilization. This is done to remove larger debris that could interfere with the killing of pathogens.

Because of the types of processes and chemicals used, cleaning, sanitization, and disinfection are not typically suited to instruments that will be used in surgery, endoscopy, dental procedures, and the like; these chemicals, like pesticides, can cause illness or injury to patients if ingested or used internally. However, they’re very well-suited to keeping exam tables, chiropractic tables, and other high-contact surfaces safer for your patients.

Products Used for Decontamination

While Coastal Medical Imaging specializes in imaging equipment across a wide range of disciplines — from podiatry to veterinary medicine to dentistry — we also recognize the needs that our clients have for effective decontamination. For this reason, we offer suitable solutions for the disinfection of chiropractic tables, x-ray and ultrasound equipment, podiatry equipment, and more. For a consultation on your practice’s needs — from patient safety to custom design services — get in touch today.

*Centers for Disease Control, HAI Data

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What is the Difference Between an MRI & CT Scan in MI

X-rays revolutionized medicine, giving doctors and diagnosticians new understanding of the human body and the ability to make more accurate diagnoses without dangerous exploratory surgery. Useful though they may be, they have their limitations. Newer technologies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scans allow for a degree of resolution and accuracy that x-rays cannot match. But what’s the difference between an MRI and a CT scan? How do they work, and which tool is best suited to which diagnostic uses? And what kind of radiation shielding installations would you need in both cases?

What is a CT Scan?

A CT scan, also known as a CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography) scan, uses x-rays, but it’s not the same as traditional x-ray equipment. Where an x-ray presents a two-dimensional view of the area studied, and is best suited to studying higher-density tissue like bone, a CT scan is capable of detailed renderings of soft tissue with multiple cross-sections. The use of x-rays requires the installation of medical radiation shielding.

CT Scan Uses

CT scans are useful for a wide range of conditions.

  • Circulation problems, from heart disease to aneurysms and arterial blockages
  • Brain conditions like calcification, tumors, and hemorrhaging
  • Lung ailments like cancer, emphysema, or a collapsed lung
  • Complex skeletal problems like complex fractures or spinal cord injury
  • Abnormalities in the abdomen or urinary tract

What is an MRI?

Like a CT scan, an MRI is capable of detailed study of the body in three-dimensional space. However, unlike a CT scan, an MRI does not rely on x-rays. Instead, it uses radio waves in conjunction with strong magnets to scan the body. This makes an MRI a better tool for diagnostics where bones would block soft tissue. While radiation shielding isn’t an issue, the strong magnets in use mean that metal instruments and other medical supplies — like oxygen tanks — need to be kept away from the machine.

MRI Uses

MRIs find use in complex diagnostics.

  • Brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s, MS, stroke, and aneurysms
  • The diagnosis of breast cancer, and the study of tumors and other cancerous masses
  • Circulatory system problems like past damage from stroke and heart attack, or the onset of atherosclerosis
  • Liver damage, including cancer and cirrhosis
  • Complex bone problems that also involve ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue
  • Intestinal disorders like ulcerative colitis, IBS, and IBD

MRI vs CT Scan: Pros and Cons

CT scans have the advantage of lower cost, higher speed, and quieter operation. While not as detailed, that rapidity can be a literal lifesaver in emergency situations, such as a suspected stroke.

MRI scans’ confined space and slower speeds can cause stress for some individuals; open MRIs can be helpful in this regard, but they won’t be quite as detailed. It’s also worth noting that MRIs can cause severe internal injuries with the presence of metal in the body (i.e., due to implants) when the magnets are in use. The slower speed has its advantages, however, not least of which is a higher degree of detail. They are also useful in applications where x-rays or CT scans could be blocked by the presence of bone.

Medical Imaging Equipment for Michigan — and Beyond

From radiation shielding to custom medical equipment solutions, Coastal Medical Imaging covers the diagnostic and treatment needs of a wide range of Michigan medical practices. DVMs, chiropractors, dentists, general practitioners and more have relied on our knowledge and experience. See how we can help you — call us today!

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ErgoStyle Elevating HYLO Table

Your chiropractic practice evolves with time, knowledge, and experience. But is your chiropractic table keeping pace? The ErgoStyle Elevating HYLO table is popular in chiropractic for its capability to evolve and grow with your practice.

Why an ErgoStyle Elevating HYLO Table?

Coastal Medical Imaging has many different options for chiropractic equipment, including benches with fixed or tilt headpieces, flexion tables, elevation tables, and HYLOs. The ErgoStyle Elevating HYLO Table is unique in that it combines elements of each of these, making it a versatile near all-in-one solution for chiropractic offices.

ErgoStyle Elevating HYLO Table Features and Benefits

This table offers hydraulics that are smooth and precise, a definite plus whether you’re taking advantage of its elevation (up to 30 inches) or its tilting capabilities (up to 63 degrees). Because the foot plate tucks away, you have full and easy access to the end of the table. And while it’s extremely useful even in its base configuration, its modular construction encourages modifications and upgrades (including manual drops, various adjustable headpieces, breakaway chest, and more). These let you adjust the table to your techniques, patient needs, and practice, rather than making a series of uncomfortable compromises.

The precise positioning and customization add up to a more ergonomic approach to adjustments, a boon to chiropractors who find themselves achy, stiff, and in need of an adjustment themselves after a day’s worth of seeing patients. But those you care for benefit as well, since the ErgoStyle Elevating Hylo Table provides improved access for patients, including better accessibility for those with compromised mobility.

ErgoStyle Elevating HYLO Table Configurations

Available in either 120V (ErgoStyle Elevating HYLO Table EH9400) or 230V (ErgoStyle Elevating HYLO Table EH9420), the ErgoStyle Elevating HYLO Table offers a robust list of standard features.

Key Features

Electric elevation from 20-30″

Tilting from 0 to 63 degrees

Single foot pedal for elevation & HYLO

Tilting headpiece with adjustable sewn face cushions

22.5″ wide seamless cushions with multi-density foam

Locking 6″ extending ankle rest

Stationary chest

Fixed pelvic section

Paper roll holder and cutter

Durable powder coat finish

ADA compliant

Specifications

Weight capacity: 400 lbs.

Overall dimensions: 70″L x 28″W x 20-30″H

Cushion width: 22.5″W

Rated voltage: 120V

Rated frequency: 60Hz

Current: 4.5 Amps

Duty cycle: Intermittent-Max: 2 Minutes On, 18 Minutes Off

ErgoStyle Elevating HYLO Table Options

Headpiece Options

ES95002 – Tilt, Forward Drop, Toggle Drop, Adjustable Face Cushions

ES95003 – Tilt, Elevation, Adjustable Face Cushions

ES95004 – Tilt, Elevation, Forward Drop, Toggle Drop, Adjustable Face Cushions

ES95010 – Tilt, Cervical Distraction, Adjustable Face Cushions

ES95011 – Tilt, Forward Drop, Toggle Drop, Cervical Distraction, Adjustable Cushions

ES95012 – Tilt, Elevation, Forward Drop, Toggle Drop, Cervical Distraction, Adjustable Cushions

ES95013 – Tilt, Elevation, Cervical Distraction, Adjustable Face Cushions

E4423 – 14° Lateral Flexion (Available on all headpiece options)

Chest Piece Options

ES95005 – Breakaway, Elevating Chest with Dual Side Control

Pelvic Options

ES95015 – Elevating Pelvic Section

Drop Options

ES58353 – Thoracic Manual Drop

ES58354 – Lumbar Manual Drop

ES58355 – Pelvic Manual Drop

Questions about sales, chiropractic equipment maintenance, and repairs? Get expert advice from the experienced team at Coastal Medical Imaging!