Interesting editorial

[mrs_sweetpeach]

Evaluation Engineering is one of the many trade rags that show up in our mail at work. On the way back from the mailbox, I flipped open the magazine and started reading this article The Patch that Saves Lives. I don't know if this device would work on folks with COPD, but it might. And it does seem like it would be a great thing for people with heart problems who live alone.

Comments

[rhymephile.livejournal.com]

One wonders how much something like that would cost! My mother has an implanted defibrillator, and having a patch like that would be a load off my mind when she's babysitting my niece and nephew home alone. It's too bad such an obvious lifesaving measure would probably be beyond the financial scope of most Americans.

[mrs-sweetpeach.livejournal.com]

That's a very good question. And since I love ya, I called Corventis (http://www.corventis.com/AP/patients.asp) and tried to ask. They don't have a published price yet, but promise to get back to me when they do.

I did manage to learn that you can't just go and buy one for yourself or a family member -- the device has to be prescribed by a doctor/doctor's office. I was also told that insurance may or may not cover the cost of the device -- you'd have to check with your insurance carrier to find out. My guess is that as new as the device is, insurance companies will label it "experimental" and decline coverage.

Having said that, I do think this device can and will save lives. My step-father's heart slowed down to the point where it stopped completely (and he had a pacemaker) -- if we'd known that what was going on, we would have been able to have his treatment adjusted and he'd probably still be here today.

[rhymephile.livejournal.com]

Hmm. Well, it would be interesting, if you ever do find out, to know how much it would cost. Thanks for asking! You heart me! :-) *smooches*

[ahavia.livejournal.com]

I have COPD and could use something like that. At this time I have been having a really hard time breathing, having had a sinus infection and can't stop coughing.
Not fun.
Ahavia