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Difra Introduces VisioX D2 Oculography Module

June 29, 2021
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| Categories: Uncategorized, Visiobox, VNG equipment, VNG Software

DIFRA INTRODUCES VISIOX D2 OCULOGRAPHY MODULE

Faster computer, fewer cables & better results

Earlier this year Difra Instrumentation, a leading global manufacturer of VNG diagnostic equipment, released their new VisioX D2 module to power the oculography portion of the VNG test. The oculography tests include smooth pursuits, random saccades and optokinetic nystagmus tests.  These tests are important for evaluating the central nervous system.  

Previously, the Difra oculography tests were powered by their Visiobox module.  Essentially, Visiobox was a micro-computer that helped power the tests so you would not have buffering or freezing of the screen image.  It did a very good job, but it was additional hardware for the VNG diagnostic equipment.  Plus, it has to connect to the computer via either a WiFi connection or ethernet connection. 

The problem with a WiFi connection is in some occasions the connection was too erratic to be effective, causing images to freeze or heavily buffer resulting in a potential retest.  To eliminate that possibility in almost all instances, we set up the VNG testing systems using the ethernet connection.  This adds another cable to the VNG device, but it eliminates the need for a WiFi connection and the aforementioned problems associated with it.

In the interest of always trying to improve their products, Difra developed the VisioX D2 to eliminate the Visiobox and all of the connecting cables while improving even further the oculography results.  As a result, we only use high-speed gaming laptop computers.  Each of these gaming computers utilizes NVIDIA mobile graphics cards with their own internal memory. Typically, we use HP Pavillion 16.1" gaining laptops.  Each has a minimum of 8 GB of RAM and generally 1TB of hard drive space. We also specify Intel Core processors, which makes for a very fast, powerful system with no freezing or buffering and fewer cables.  Thus the system is very reliable and stable. 

What if you have an older Difra VNG, can you update it to the new VisioX D2?  In most cases yes, you can. All you will need is the correct gaming computer and the new version of the Difra software. You'll achieve faster performance, eliminate your Visiobox hardware, and receive excellent results by upgrading today.  Give me a call to discuss your system and what is involved and what your cost would be to upgrade your Difra VNG system.   I think you will be impressed with the results.

Feel free to contact me at 260.804.4041 or email [email protected]

Dan Scherer

CEO, Secure Health, Inc.

260.804.4041 / [email protected]

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Always Be Networking

May 31, 2021
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| Categories: Management, Uncategorized

Always Be Networking

The Importance of Networking In-Person and Online

Many of us become involved in all aspects of running our clinical practice or small business that it's easy to overlook consciously and continually building your network. Networking is a business basic and so important to ingrain into your mindset no matter where you are. Always be thinking about who can benefit from your services and vice versa. Maybe you'll meet someone who can provide insight for a business need of your own.

Social gatherings, business events, neighbors, friends, friends-of-friends, community leaders and your own family can lead to personal interactions with others who have shared common interests. As Mark McCormack famously said, "All things being equal, people will do business with a friend; all things being unequal, people will still do business with a friend." The sweeping changes of the pandemic have resulted in more online meetings; however, face-to-face interactions very much still matter. 

The obvious benefits of online interactions via professional groups such as LinkedIn and others are the 24/7 availability to reach others with common interests, as well as creating your profile to showcase and summarize your expertise in a succinct manner. Introverts, especially, can benefit from a solid online presence. But, the key is to seek out appropriate groups and keep your online presence updated, then actively participate in the professional groups, which is easier said than done. It takes a fair investment of time to regularly share and read articles of relevance with your peers via professional networks.

Suggestions for networking in person and online include the following:

--Attend different types of events
--Meet people through other people
--Introduce yourself when appropriate
--Be genuine
--Don't take up too much time
--Let the other person speak
--Present a success story
--Keep updated business cards with you at all times
--Leverage social media on a regular basis
--Follow up, follow through

"Your network is your net worth"
--Porter Gale

May you all have a prosperous and healthy 2021.  Feel free to contact Secure Health at 260.804.4041 or email [email protected]

Lana Scherer

Secure Health, Inc.

260.804.4041 / [email protected]

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Why Balance Assessment Platforms are Essential as the Prelude to VNG Testing

February 27, 2021
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| Categories: Balance Platform, Uncategorized, VNG Testing

Why Balance Assessment Platforms are Essential as the Prelude to VNG Testing

Balance Assessment Platforms Reduce Subjectivity

Recently on a training conference call, a question arose of why a balance assessment platform is necessary? Why not simply have the individual complete a balance assessment questionnaire and then proceed to VNG testing based on the answers? Or perhaps a Tinetti gait and balance assessment or at the very least a sit-stand test?

Balance assessment platforms are an essential component because they reduce subjectivity. They are a screening tool that utilizes an objective physical assessment and provides an individualized, computer-generated report. When a subject is analyzed as part of an annual wellness exam or at an event such as a health fair for seniors, the balance platform evaluation can provide the objective data that would indicate that an individual is at a higher risk of falling. At this point, a comprehensive balance questionnaire would be completed by the subject. Depending on the answers, a full battery of VNG testing may be recommended.

When subjects only complete a balance assessment questionnaire, it relies on the answers they give being accurate and consistent. But that isn't always the case. The individual may answer differently depending on what the situation that day is. As an example, when asked, "Do you feel lightheaded? Dizzy? Do you have neuropathy? What medications are you taking?" The answers to these questions may be dependent based on how they feel on that particular day. When a balance assessment platform test is administered, the subjects are not likely to inadvertently circumvent the software analysis, it will record their data without the subjectivity of their answers.

Subjective tests such as the Tinetti gait and balance assessment and sit-stand test are reliant on a human assessment of the subject. This can result in drastically different results based on observations by one individual compared with another.

What is the general overview for Falls Risk Assessment (FRA)?

Balance Assessment Platform Secure Health Inc

Better Balance Analyzer balance assessment platform measures fall risk

The subject is asked to stand on the balance plate without shoes to undergo a series of tests with their eyes open and eyes closed on both a smooth and perturbed surface. Depending on the sway factor and other indicators, the balance assessment software will produce a percentage based on normative data based on age and so forth. This is part of the Falls Risk Assesment (FRA). If the subject's results indicate a low risk of fall, they can be reevaluated at a future date. If a moderate or high risk of fall is indicated, then a referral for further testing may be warranted. The computerized assessment is the bridge between a subject who may be at risk of falling but hasn't yet been referred for a complete battery of VNG testing.

For more details on Fall Risk Assessment, please refer to Balance Assessment Platforms.

If you have questions, please contact Secure Health, Inc.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Lana Scherer
Marketing Director, Secure Health, Inc.
[email protected]

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Repairs Procedure and Shipping Instructions

January 30, 2021
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| Categories: Management, Uncategorized

PROPER PACKING & SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS

In the event a repair is needed on your VNG or caloric devices, please follow these packing and shipping instructions

On occasion, you may need your Difra device sent to us to be repaired.  When this is necessary, first follow the instructions for return authorization and where to send your device then look under the heading Warranty & Repair Return Protocol.

I am writing this shipping guide because we receive a fair amount of poorly packed devices when they arrive at our office. Do not simply throw your caloric irrigator into a box, tape it up, and ship it.  There is a very high probability of extensive damage if you do.  A relatively low cost repair can now cost several thousands of dollars because the package was not properly prepared for shipping. Yes, this has happened more often than anyone would believe. 

If you don't have a proper box and packing materials or you are not comfortable and do not have time to do the packing yourself, take the device to your local UPS, Fed EX, or PakMail location and let the professionals prepare and ship.  Yes, it costs more, but it is highly probable it will get delivered without any additional damage.  It can be money well spent.

Box 

When packaging your device make certain to use a sturdy cardboard box large enough to allow plenty of packing material surrounding every surface of the device.  Don't cram the device in a box that does not allow for a fair amount of packing material.

Packing Material

Proper packing material can be any of the following; packing peanuts, bubble packing, cushioning paper, air pillows or a combination of all.  The rule is, make sure the device is packed so it does not jostle around and the box does not collapse or crush, potentially causing more damage to your device.

Shipping Tape

Make sure to use enough SHIPPING tape to seal your box. Do not use your office or desk tape dispenser.  I promise you, that will not arrive without problems. Tape every seam with multiple strips of shipping tape, including the bottom of the box. We have received packages with the bottom of the box falling apart because no one bothered to put an extra layer of tape on it.

Shipping Insurance

Secure Health, Inc. is not responsible for shipping damages.  We highly recommend insuring your package for replacement value. It costs slightly more to ship, but in the event, it is lost or damage occurs, you can at least recover your losses with little or no out-of-pocket expense.

Shipping Services

Which service do you choose?  My suggestion is either UPS or Fed Ex for several reasons. First and foremost is the quality tracking services.  You can follow the delivery right to the destination plus have a delivery receipt showing when it was delivered and who signed for it.  USPS offers very good service, but based on past experience, personally, I most comfortable with either UPS or Fed Ex.  

Best practices for shipping a VNG or caloric irrigator

How to Pack Your Difra VNG Device 

We recommend you keep the molded plastic Difra travel case in which your VNG was shipped to you.  This offers the best protection for shipping your VNG. The internal space is tailored to the VNG mask and other components allowing them to well protected during shipping.  I highly recommend putting the mask in the Difra case with any other components we request, then put the Difra travel case in a sturdy cardboard box with shipping padding for the safest, most effective way to ship without damage.

If you cannot locate your Difra travel case, then you will need a sturdy cardboard box large enough to contain the mask and other components.  Wrap the goggles heavily in bubble wrapping, not peanuts. 

With a NysStar II, the binocular mask you need to be certain the molded eye cover is installed and secured.  This helps protect the glass mirror.  You do not want this mirror to get broken since your replacement cost is $1,000.  Wrap the entire mask with bubble wrap. It's best not to skimp on the bubble wrapping to make sure we receive your VNG without further damage.  All of your other components need to be wrapped as well.  Fill in any space in the box with shipping material, securely tape the box shut with shipping tape and now you are ready to ship your device.

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Preventative Maintenance for AirStar and CoolStar caloric irrigators

November 30, 2020
| No Comments
| Categories: Caloric Irrigator, Preventative Maintenance, Uncategorized

Annual Preventative Maintenance service for AirStar and CoolStar caloric irrigators

Preventative maintenance is always a good idea for your medical devices and equipment.  Cut down on downtime by planning ahead.  In a previous post, we discussed what recommended maintenance procedures you should perform for your Difra AirStar and CoolStar.  Today, we will discuss recalibration and inspections for the caloric irrigators.

Recalibration for air pressure and temperature accuracy 

Keeping your AirStar irrigator clean or as is the case of the CoolStar, changing the filter monthly plus adding clean, distilled water to the jar helps to minimize problems.  However, annually, it is suggested to have your AirStar or CoolStar to be recalibrated for correct air pressure and accurate water temperature.

This is not something that can be completed by your team. You will need to send your caloric unit to us for this service. Our expert technicians will visually inspect your caloric irrigator, then perform a complete recalibration, including a computer print-out of the results that will be sent to you for your records.  It is very important to make sure the air pressure and temperatures are set to the manufacturer's specifications for testing accuracy as well as patient comfort.

Full system inspection

Prior to the recalibration, the technicians will inspect your caloric irrigator for any loose or frayed cables, control panel function, look for any error messages, loose components, or anything else not to manufacturer specifications.  If any area is found to be substandard, we will contact you with an estimated cost to complete those repairs, then the recalibration will be completed.

Loaner AirStar or CoolStar's may be available

Secure Health, Inc. may have a loaner irrigator for you to use while your device is being serviced.  This is based on the availability of our loaner irrigators.  Inquire when scheduling your caloric irrigator for service to the availability of a loaner.  If one is not available, we will schedule your work when a loaner is available.  

There is a charge for us to ship the loaner to you since it involves shipping to you two times and back to us two times.  We ship our loaner using a very durable "pelican" case to make sure our device and yours are secure and damage-free upon arrival at each destination.  For the return shipments, we send you a UPS label to affix to the outside of the pelican case.  

You simply remove our loaner caloric irrigator from the pelican case then place yours into the case exactly in the same position as you received the loaner. You will need to call UPS for a pick-up or have someone drop off the pelican case and irrigator at a UPS facility.

If you choose not to use our loaner, we will ask you to contact us prior to shipping your caloric irrigator to us.  When you call, we will issue you a Repair Order (RO) number.  Please make sure the RO number is on the UPS label or on the exterior of the shipping box. 

We also ask that you pack the irrigator in a sturdy box with plenty of packing material, including around the otoscope handle, to make sure it arrives in good shape, with no damage.  (The otoscope handle houses the thermostat and heating element)

It is your responsibility to make sure it is packaged appropriately and it arrives undamaged.  Any damages caused to your irrigator are at your expense.

Don't forget the speculum tips and CoolStar water filter

While we have your irrigator, you might as well order new speculum tips and if you have the CoolStar, order some spare water filters.  The speculum tips come in two sizes, the green ones are 2.5m and our blue tips are 4.0m.  By far, the green is the most preferred.  The tips have the twist-lock feature specifically made for your AirStar or CoolStar irrigator.

Each comes in a package of 100, minimum order of 100 per size.  Both sizes are priced at $18.95 per package of 100.  For the CoolStar filter, they are 3 to a pack at a price of $32.95 per pack.

Call or email us to schedule your AirStar or CoolStar for recalibration and inspection

Manage and reduce your downtime by ensuring your Difra AirStar or CoolStar are at peak performance and efficiency for your patient's comfort and test accuracy.  Give us a call or email us for pricing, scheduling then issue you your RO.

Call us at 260.804.4041 or email to [email protected]

Dan Scherer

Secure Health, Inc.

CEO

 

Note: prices are subject to change without notice

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