Buying medical supplies and equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen machines, stair lifts, rising beds, and others can be a costly expense when not covered by your health insurance company. However, many of these items are necessary and can greatly help improve your quality of life. For some, one alternative to buying these items new is to purchase them second hand, which can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
When you are purchasing used medical supplies, you will want to make sure that your safety and well being remains a priority. Following these helpful tips below will help you minimize any potential risks you may encounter when buying something used.
1. Do Your Research: It is important that you carefully research the item you are interested in. Searching online and reading various news reports can help you learn if other consumers have had any experience or problems with that particular make and model as well as if there have been any manufacturer recalls. Doing this will help ensure the item you are choosing has no known defects and it’s durability, which will be important since it is likely it will no longer be covered under warranty.
2. Inspect it Carefully: You should always do a thorough inspection of any item you choose to buy second hand. This will help you determine the condition of the item and overall quality of materials. Checking for rust, loose or missing pieces and parts, and testing it out will help you identify problems. If in doubt, have the item inspected by a qualified technician or consider finding the item elsewhere.
3. Buy From a Reputable Source: There are many authorized dealers who sell refurbished supplies and equipment. These vendors are often required to ensure that the item meets certain quality standards. You can also check online to see if these sellers have ever had any complaints filed against them. If you are purchasing items from an individual, getting as much information about them as possible can help as well.
When buying health care items, your safety should be a primary concern. By researching your product, giving it a thorough inspection, and buying from reputable sources you can great minimize your risks as a buyer as well as find the items you need at a fraction of the cost.
B. Lewis is experienced in working with the elderly and disabled. Visit his website for more information about stair lifts and other resources for mobility products.
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