It might be a liability, but choosing the right health insurance is as essential as picking stocks on NASDAQ. A sound insurance covers more than just your medical bills. It secures peace of mind, for starters, and saves unnecessary money that you might spend unknowingly due to a poor insurance plan. Too much paperwork is no longer an excuse, with everything now available online involving minimal documents. The only hard part, then, is choosing what plan works best for you. While you can find the answer to that with a bit of legwork on the internet, we’ve simplified it for you in the form of four useful tips. Pick your marketplace Employed individuals usually get health insurance from their employer. If you’re one of them, there’s no need for you to do anything. However, if you aren’t covered by your employer or wish to switch to a different plan to the one offered by your employer, you can use the government insurance exchanges or marketplaces to shop for a plan. Most states have their marketplace, so decide whether you want to shop from there or the federal exchange. Check out the different plans Go through every plan in detail, whether you’re buying from the government exchange or a private player, and see if it offers better value than your current plan if you have one. HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), POS (Point of Service Plan), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), and EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) are the four types of plans you can choose from. HMO and POS both require referrals before visiting a specialist, although HMO is the cheapest of the lot. Compare costs and benefits Focus on everything and not just monthly premiums. Check out the amount of co-payment you’ll have to make and if there are any deductibles. The summary of the benefits section of any plan has this information.

Medicare health plans are provided by private companies and are beneficial to individuals who enroll in them. They offer several financial benefits for healthcare services and cover a wide range of conditions. Medicare has four parts: hospital insurance, medical insurance, an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits, and prescription medication coverage. Let’s understand these in detail. Part A – Hospital insurance Medicare Part A covers hospital or inpatient expenses, including the cost of hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice care, and limited home healthcare services. Individuals usually pay a deductible or can opt for copayments. Part A premium usually depends on the number of years an individual has worked for. Part B – Medical insurance Medicare plans under this type cover the costs of a range of healthcare services, including: Visits to the doctor Tests, screenings, and other preventive services Vaccinations Pneumococcal shots Outpatient mental healthcare Counseling Physical therapy and chemotherapy Medical supplies and equipment like wheelchairs Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) Part B coverage can also extend to the expenses for other healthcare services depending on an individual’s medical necessities. Everyone is required to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. Part C – Medicare Advantage Private companies approved by Medicare offer Medicare Part C or Advantage plans. These plans provide coverage for both Parts A and B, along with additional coverage like hearing, dental, vision, and health and wellness programs. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D coverage for prescription medications. Part D – Prescription medications Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription medications, along with recommended vaccines. Part D coverage is offered to everyone with Medicare, but it is optional. Individuals need to join a Medicare-approved plan that offers coverage for generic and brand-name medications, but each plan varies in cost and the medications covered.

The bulky equipment that was once only seen in hospitals and healthcare centers is now easily carried by healthcare professionals for home visits. This has made it easy for patients to get diagnosed in the comfort of their homes. Here are some portable medical devices that save time and help diagnose patients effectively. Ultrasound imaging devices Ultrasound imaging devices started out as gigantic machines. Today, these machines can fit in one’s palm. This portable imaging device is as small as a smartphone and weighs not more than a pound. The device can effectively offer color flow mapping, echoscopy, and echocardiography, albeit with a slight reduction in accuracy. The device helps in better patient management by eliminating the need for visiting a healthcare center for a minor ultrasound scan. Blood analyzers The portable medical device is small enough to fit in one’s bag. Portable blood analyzers may not be as extensive as traditional analyzers. But they are of great help for physicians to check a patents’ vitals on the go. One can measure vitals like pulse rate, oxygen saturation level, hematocrit, and hemoglobin levels. Most analyzers have a ring-like sensor that fits on the patient’s finger. The sensor is connected to a small LCD screen that displays different blood vitals. Other analyzers have cartridges on which patients are required to apply few drops of blood. EKG devices Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most prevalent health concerns in the country. Hence, it seems logical to have a medical device at home that monitors one’s heart health. An EKG (electrocardiogram) device is a pocket-sized device that can analyze one’s heart health through its sensors. It can even transmit data to a smartphone. The portable EKG device can detect anything from a normal heart rhythm to fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia in under a minute.

Physicians often need to carry a lot of medical devices for remote treatments. While injections and medicines fit easily into their doctor bags, carrying an ultrasound machine is next to impossible. Or at least it was, until innovation in digital health. Now, small wireless devices can conduct medical assessments and produce data in minutes. Here are some emerging portable medical devices that are making healthcare accessible. Vscan Air by GE Healthcare This small cutting-edge device lets physicians take ultrasound scans on the go. Professionals can share the pictures with a mobile phone and conduct a diagnosis. Vscan Air assesses cardiac activity, central venous volume and detects fluid accumulation in the heart. The device is as big as a regular phone. It’s easy to hold and delivers quick results, which makes it a fantastic portable medical equipment for physicians who tend to attend to emergencies. KardiaMobile 6L by AliveCor A pocket-size ECG device that helps physicians diagnose conditions like atrial fibrillation. It gathers data and sends it to a phone, after which the information can be shared with multiple doctors to get a second or third opinion. This device is FDA-approved, which means more consumers can now benefit from it. The KardiaMobile 6L also provides improved insights into abnormal rhythms of the heart. So it is portable and has an advanced ECG device. Wispr Digital Otoscope by WiscMed This tool may look like a regular otoscope, but it is no ordinary one. It has tiny built-in cameras that zoom into the ear canal and produces clear, wide pictures of the eardrum. Traditional ear exams can be uncomfortable, especially for children, as they may find the sensitivity unbearable. This device doesn’t need to interfere with the ear passage, and it lets physicians take a better look into a blocked canal. The design of the Wispr Digital Otoscope makes it easy to hold and carry along for any ear exams.

Portable medical equipment is not only meant for practicing physicists. Some of these gadgets are designed to make everyday life simpler for patients or anyone else. While most of these portable medical devices assist in managing chronic illness, some have been designed to work in sync with smartphones. Such devices include smart pain relief wands and gadgets to monitor vital signs; all of these help people in staying fit and sticking to healthier habits. Here are a few popular portable medical gadgets that make life easier. iHealth Smart Wireless Smart Glucometer Designed by iHealth, the Wireless Smart Glucometer is a portable monitoring device. It has been approved by the FDA. The main functionality of the device is to measure blood glucose levels. It then connects to the iHealth Smart Gluco app on a smartphone, where it displays glucose level readings. The app also keeps a record of the readings, enabling the sharing of results with a doctor. This portable medical equipment is well-designed and completely compatible with Apple devices. Verilux CleanWave Portable Sanitizing Travel Wand For those worried about coming in contact with germs during travels, this portable sanitizing travel wand is a useful medical device to have. The UV-C light emitted by this gadget has the capacity to destroy nearly 99.9% of viruses and bacteria that are usually found on various surfaces. The travel wand is effective against several harmful germs that include H1N1, MRSA, and E-coli. To use this wand, one only has to hold it over any surface for about 30-60 seconds. After this, the surface will be relatively germ-free and safer to touch. Tivic Health ClearUP® Sinus Pain Relief This portable medical equipment makes life easier for those suffering from sinus pain. This handy device produces microcurrents that lower the perception of pain. By simply working the device against the cheekbones, nose, and eyebrows, it is possible to get temporary relief from sinus pain.

For many people, contact lenses offer a comfortable alternative to regular glasses. Most types of contact lenses today are made with flexible materials and feature patented tech for comfort and visibility. Some are even custom designed to treat vision disorders like presbyopia. We have scoured the internet to bring you the best brands that manufacture prescription multifocal presbyopia contact lenses for daily use. Bausch and Lomb PureVision2 Bausch and Lomb is one of the leading brands among contact lens manufacturers in the country. The company makes special order multifocal presbyopia contact lenses that help you overcome focus problems with near vision. The PureVision2 is specifically designed for 3 zone visions, allowing you to adjust focus at near, intermediate, and distant placed objects, all with a single lens. The flexible lens is designed to provide all-day comfort. It is flexible for smartphone, computer, and driving viewing. Bausch and Lomb PureVison2 extended wear contact lenses are suitable for continuous wear for up to 30 days and nights. You can consult with an optician or ophthalmologist to learn about proper use and maintenance. CooperVision® Biofinity® Toric CooperVision®’s Biofinity® Toric multifocal contact lenses are designed for dual-purpose wear. The lenses are effective for both presbyopia and astigmatism vision correction. The lens features their patented Optimized Toric Lens Geometry™ for optimal fit and minimal lens movement during extended periods of wear. Balanced focal correction also allows you to view objects placed at different distances without having to switch lenses. The flexible lenses design also features excellent breathability and provides visual comfort that is second to none. Moreover, these lenses are made to order, meaning you can request special prescription multifocal presbyopia contact lenses that suit your vision requirements. ACUVUE OASYS® Acuvue Oasys® contact lenses offer a ton of features that help correct presbyopia vision problems.

Astigmatism is a prevalent condition that affects the way light enters the eye. This can lead to blurry vision, headaches, and irritation. Wearing lenses often helps correct the condition and provide clear vision. There are several factors to consider before getting lenses, including maintenance and type. To help you make the right choice, we have listed down the five best lenses for astigmatism. Biofinity®Toric Multifocal These multifocal lenses cater to people with astigmatism and presbyopia. Their advanced technology ensures that the lenses maintain their position while giving a comfortable fit. It also ensures crisp and clear vision, no matter the distance. These lenses also ensure that the eyes receive ample oxygen to keep them moist all day. Bausch + Lomb ULTRA Multifocal for Astigmatism Bausch + Lomb ULTRA Multifocal for Astigmatism contact lenses not only help correct astigmatism but also provide a distinct and steady vision. They are made using breathable material and contain 46% water helping the eyes retain its moisture for up to 16 hours. One can buy a six-pack of monthly lenses by simply adding their latest prescription. 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® lenses save you from the hassle of lens cases and daily cleaning. These disposable lenses come with a comfortable fit that ensures clear vision and zero slips. They are a great option for those with dry eyes as they retain moisture and keep the eyes hydrated all day long. They also shield the eyes from UVA and UVB damage. DAILIES AquaComfort Plus Toric These single-use daily contact lenses are perfect for those who do not want to go through the hassle of cleaning their lenses every single day. It contains moisturizing properties that activate after every blink that keep one’s eyes moist all day long. Its Precision Curve® design prevents the lens from moving.

Astigmatism is linked to distorted and hazy eyesight. It generally occurs due to an imperfection in the eye’s curvature. Corrective contact lenses are a viable option to improve the vision in such cases. People can consider several types to determine which will provide the greatest vision correction. Toric, gas permeable, and hybrid lenses are the three well-known kinds of contact lenses for astigmatism. Read on to know what these lenses do and how different they are from each other. Toric contacts Soft toric lenses correct the imperfection in the eye with meridians of different powers. Their three-dimensional CD-like design lets the lens rotate and adjust the correction. When aligned with the right power, the vision is clear. Different kinds of design features are available. Some have thick and thin zones, some are slightly sliced up at the bottom, while others are heavier than the standard ones. People will have to try different toric lenses to find the one that fits the eyes perfectly. Gas permeable (GP) contacts Gas contacts act as a substitute for the malformed cornea. With this type of lens, the light is able to reach the retina in such a way that it lends sharp clarity to the eyes. Although GP lenses are generally more firm than toric ones, they have breathability that allows the eyes to feel comfortable. This also ensures that the surface of your eyes is protected and enough oxygen reaches it. There are some GP contacts that come with a torrid design, but these contact lenses are for astigmatism of a high level. Hybrid contacts A hybrid lens is like the all-rounder of lenses. It combines the advantages of both gas permeable and toric lenses. A hydrogel fitting zone surrounds a rigid gas permeable lens. It lends a soft and relaxing effect similar to toric lenses and renders a clear vision, much like a GP lens.

Individuals often start experiencing deterioration in vision as they age. This gradual loss of vision in people hampers their close-range vision. This condition is common in people in their mid-40s and is known as presbyopia. To correct such loss of vision, doctors may recommend either bifocal or multifocal contact lenses. Multifocal lenses can be of different types. Some of these types are listed below. Concentric multifocal contact lenses In these lenses, the near and far viewing zones are arranged adjacent to one another in an alternating concentric pattern on the lens. The design in which the center-most region helps view distant objects is known as a center-distance design and is common. In some cases, when the person is already near-sighted or prefers to have the center be a near viewing zone, they can opt for a center-near design. This type of design of contact lenses is known as a simultaneous vision design. Aspheric multifocal contact lenses Although aspheric multifocal contact lenses are similar to simultaneous vision design, their viewing zones are slightly different. Instead of having alternating concentric rings of near- and far-viewing zones of shorter thickness and area, aspheric multifocal lenses are designed so that they have a distinct central region that allows you to have a comfortable vision of far away objects. As you move away from the center of the lens, the power gradually changes so that you can see nearby objects properly in your peripheral vision. Segmented multifocal contact lenses: As the name suggests, these contact lenses are slightly different from simultaneous vision contact lenses. They are made using a segmented multifocal design. This design largely resembles that of regular, bifocal, and trifocal eyeglass lenses with distinct upper and lower segments. The two viewing zones are stacked one on top of the other and are separated by a distinct line.

Multifocal contact lenses are designed to allow multiple prescriptions into one lens design. These lenses are mainly for those dealing with presbyopia, a condition that causes age-related vision issues. In this disorder, the eyes cannot focus on varying objects at different distances. A multifocal lens helps adjust this problem. However, there are many crucial factors to consider before buying multifocal contact lenses. The following points will help you make an informed choice. Multifocal or bifocal? People often confuse these two lenses, so let us understand the difference between them. Multifocal allows for several focal lengths into one lens, while bifocal has distinct focal points at which eyesight is adjusted. Simply put, the difference between the two is the smooth transition of focal points noticed in multifocal lenses and the abrupt change in bifocal lenses. Types of multifocal lenses There are two different designs of multifocal lenses to help focus on objects at various distances: Concentric : This design consists of the main zone at the center of the lens meant for viewing distant objects. The main zone is surrounded by rings of different powers for different distances. Aspheric : While it works similar to the concentric design, there are no distinct rings in this lens. The viewing power changes gradually from the center to the periphery of the lens (or vice versa). Advantages Using multifocal contact lenses have many advantages. Some of these include: Excellent visual acuity for varying distances Easy transition between the range of different focal lengths No need for separate glasses for different situations, for instance, if the object is too far or too near or somewhere in between. Disadvantages While multifocal contact lenses work wonders for anyone with presbyopia, users also experience a few challenges: Difficulty adjusting to these new lenses, just like a new pair of glasses Experiencing shadows, starbursts, or even nighttime glare at the initial period of usage (the adjustment phase) Expensive due to its complex design and multiple prescriptions Since multifocal lenses work for reading as well as viewing far-away objects, they are one of the most sought-after options.