Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Device Companies
Medical Device
Looking to purchase medical equipment or supplies and not sure how medical device companies fit into the equation? Here are a few frequently asked questions that will hopefully guide your decision making process.
What is a medical device?
Broadly speaking, a medical device is any type of equipment or product intended to be used for medical purposes.
There is an actual definition provided by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) which is very relevant and important for healthcare managers to understand. The TGA defines a medical device as per section 41BD of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989:
“any instrument, apparatus, appliance, software, implant, reagent, material or other article (whether used alone or in combination, and including the software necessary for its proper application) intended, by the person under whose name it is or is to be supplied, to be used for human beings for the purpose of one or more of the following:
●diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, prediction, prognosis, treatment or alleviation of disease;
●diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, alleviation of or compensation for an injury or disability;
●investigation, replacement or modification of the anatomy or of a physiological or pathological process or state;
●control or support of conception;
●in vitro examination of a specimen derived from the human body for a specific medical purpose”
What types of medical devices do suppliers sell?
A rather broad question! But an important one. Some medical device companies will choose to specialise in a particular healthcare field. This might be aged-care, neonatal care, or critical care. Often, the patients treated under these specialities have very specific requirements and it can help to work with a supplier who understands this.
Other medical device companies adopt a more comprehensive approach and choose to offer a portfolio that includes equipment used across a wide variety of specialities. This doesn’t mean that these companies don’t have in-depth knowledge of patient requirements. It’s more likely that they simply have more resources at their disposal.
If you run a healthcare facility that treats all different types of patients, consider partnering with an equipment provider who can meet your broad needs. It will make things far simpler from a logistics and management perspective.
Who are the clients of medical device companies?
Generally speaking, the clients of medical device companies are the facilities themselves, rather than the patients.
There may be some companies that sell everyday consumables to the general public — like band-aids and sanitiser. However, capital equipment, such as an ultrasound machine, can only be sold to healthcare professionals. Many medical device companies will only offer their product catalogue and information to individuals who can prove that they work for a healthcare company.
Can I buy medical devices online?
Of course, there are certain medical devices that can be bought online. The TGA lists medical gloves as a type of medical device and there are plenty of stores that will sell these products to anyone online.
However, more complex types of equipment that can only be purchased from an approved supplier are unlikely to be found online. You may be able to browse a product catalogue or find some manufacturer information, but devices like a surgical laser should not be purchased over the internet.
Do device companies offer other services?
This depends on the business! Generally speaking, most medical device companies will offer additional services that their customers rely on to keep equipment running smoothly. In fact, whether or not a supplier offers repair and maintenance should be a factor you use when deciding whether to purchase from them.
Medical equipment, like any other type of equipment, requires maintenance and calibration to ensure it continues to run smoothly. Certain devices are also likely to break down or require replacement parts. Without a service and technology division, you will be forced to seek out repair and maintenance elsewhere, which could come at a considerate cost and inconvenience for your patients.
What should I look for in a medical device supplier?
There are hundreds of different medical device companies out there — how do you know you’re shopping with a good one?
To start with, check that they meet all of your equipment needs. After all, that’s the primary job of a supplier! Ensure too that they have excellent customer service offerings. You’ll no doubt have many questions about the equipment you are purchasing and using, and the last thing you want is to have unanswered phone calls or emails.
Where possible, it’s best to shop with a supplier that has a local presence in your country. Each country has its version of the TGA and set of regulations. A local supplier will understand this and can recommend products and equipment that are commonly used in your country.
Finally, find a supplier passionate about helping you care for your patients. If they have your patients’ best interests at heart, you can be confident that they’re recommending appropriate equipment and supplies.
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