Updated June 08, 2015.
Primary care medical practices can cut a big chunk of cost out of the health care delivery system by balancing when to perform a test themselves with when to refer the patient to a specialist. Referral to a specialist is basically a more expensive step. Of course, if it's necessary for the health and safety of the patient, then that expense is justified. But one of the great things about medical device and supply manufacturers is that they are always developing new, innovative ways to locate as much diagnosis and treatment in the earliest phase of care possible.
In many cases, this means expanding the scope of care performed by the primary care physician.
On Site Lung Function Testing
ndd Medical Technologies, based in Andover, MA has launched to market a portable lung function test primary care practices can use to detect early and quickly a more accurate picture of their patients' pulmonary health and diagnoses.
ndd Medical Technologies created a system with four options for physicians to use:
EasyOne Pro
The EasyOne Pro unit is a portable single breath DLCO device, a device which allows physicians to measure diffusing lung capacity of carbon monoxide.EasyOne Pro LAB
The EasyOne Pro LAB also enables multiple-breath nitrogen washout to obtain complete lung volumes, FRC (functional residual capacity, or, the volume of air present in the lungs), and LCI (lung clearance index) measurements.EasyOne Plus
The EasyOne Plus device is even more portable and easy to use because it is a little smaller than the EasyOne Pro and EasyOne Pro LAB devices (which are only one square foot in size).The EasyOne Plus can be easily carried and set on a desktop or counter for use. It provides instant results and is powered by two AA batteries.
Easy on-PC
The Easy on-PC is a spirometer that connects to, and is powered by, your PC, laptop, or tablet. With ultrasound technology, it enables a complete spirometry solution, including Challenge testing, pediatric incentives, and real time curves.Added Benefits
The ndd Technologies suite of "Easy" products claim the following benefits:
- Complete lung function test in a small footprint; only one square foot of space
- No warm up time
- Challenge testing
- Automatic calibration
- No expensive service contracts
Test five patients per week, and the unit pays for itself in a year, thanks to insurance reimbursements.
What's Inside?
The EasyOne Pro system includes:
- Single breath DLCO system with flow sensor
- gas supply tube
- one-way valve
- DLCO valve
- pressure-tube
- temperature/humidity sensor and touch stylus
- DLCO regulator
- 2-year warranty
The EasyOne Pro LAB system includes:
- Multiple breath nitrogen washout system with flow sensor
- gas supply tube
- one-way valve
- DLCO valve
- pressure-tube
- temperature/humidity sensor and touch stylus
- DLCO regulator
- 2-year warranty
The EasyOne Plus system includes:
- Diagnostic spirometer
- USB cradle
- printer (model # 2001-2P includes printer) & software (2001-2NP model does NOT include printer)
The Easy on-PC Spiromoter includes:
- Spirometry sensor
- software
- carrycase
The Prevalence of COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the United States. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute estimates that 12 million adults have COPD and another 12 million are yet undiagnosed and or developing COPD.
Every four minutes someone dies from COPD.
COPD is common and patients complaining of shortness of breath can now be screened quickly and accurately, and begin treatment, while still with their primary care provider.