Reducing Hospital Readmission Rates

As hospitals around the country reopen to elective procedures, unresolved challenges must once again be grappled with. One of these challenges is the reduction of hospital readmission rates. Hospital readmission refers to the readmission of a patient less than 30 days after a procedure, normally due to complications. According to the American Institute of Research, nearly one in five patients experience readmission.

While the lowering of this number should be enough to have hospitals take this issue seriously, there are other factors that contribute to the severity of this problem needing to be resolved. Due to the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP), hospitals with an excess in hospital readmission rates may see their medicare payments significantly reduced.

With both the U.S. government taking this problem seriously and the sheer scope of the issue, it is more important than ever for hospitals to take the reduction of readmission rates seriously. Luckily, there is research showing that hospitals can take steps to reduce these rates, potentially saving patient’s time and money.

Reducing Hospital Readmission Rates

In a study titled, “Hospital Strategies Associated With 30-Day Readmission Rates for Patients With Heart Failure” researchers found a number of ways to help reduce readmission rates for patients. One of these methods was to ensure that patients had follow-up appointments before being discharged. By keeping careful track of a patient’s recovery on medical PCs, medical staff can know beforehand whether a patient can be discharged. Then, in a follow up appointment, medical staff can refer to information on their medical grade computer on the patient’s recovery and make the decision on whether or not to discharge them. Keeping a record of a patient’s recovery on a medical PC can ensure patients who would be readmitted will instead remain in care.

Handling Readmission

While reducing readmission rates should be the goal of any hospital, the study also found ways to help make readmission as smooth as possible. Part of their strategy is to create a plan for family members and caretakers to use in case a patient needs to be readmitted. In addition, linking inbound and outbound medical records also helped. By using a medical grade computer, doctors can create these game plans for family members and caretakers and securely transfer the files to them. In addition, doctors can use their medical grade computer to combine medical records and ensure that a readmitted patient receives the care they need.

Hospital Readmission Rates: Reduced With Medical PCs

Reducing hospital readmission rates is a crucial goal in healthcare, and medical PCs can help achieve it. Medical PCs are a type of medical grade computer, and help doctor’s keep track of patient’s records so that readmission is not necessary. When it is, medical PCs can help make the process easy and keep patients healthy. With a medical grade computer at your doctor’s side, there’s nothing they can’t accomplish.

Tangent is a leading supplier of medical grade computers. Sanitizable computers help prevent infections in hospitals.

Medical PCs are more than just what their name implies. Medical PCs are held to some of the most rigorous standards imposed on computers. At Tangent computers, all of our Medical PCs meet and exceed medical standards. Medical PCs like the Vita KW are UL 60601 certified for hospital use. In addition, Medical PCs that are Tangent computers feature fully antimicrobial enclosures. This means that Tangent computers are more sanitary than traditional computers and are capable of being used by multiple medical staffers in one setting.

Medical PCs In The Hospital Setting

As the nation reopens, so too will our hospitals. The CDC has recently published guidelines for hospitals on how to go about opening their doors for services such as elective surgeries. As hospitals dealing with massive backlogs begin this process, making sure they have the equipment they need will be crucial. Medical PCs can help hospitals deal with this backlog in a safe and sanitary manner.

Medical PCs: Safe And Sanitary

Medical PCs are more than just what their name implies. Medical PCs are held to some of the most rigorous standards imposed on computers. At Tangent computers, all of our Medical PCs meet and exceed medical standards. Medical PCs like the Vita KW are UL-60601 certified for hospital use. In addition, Medical PCs that are Tangent computers feature fully antimicrobial enclosures. This means that Tangent computers are more sanitary than traditional computers and are capable of being used by multiple medical staffers in one setting.

Touchscreen Enabled For Faster Use

Each day, medical staff use touch screens on their cellphones and are well acclimated to them. Tangent computers come with fully sanitizable touch screens built in, allowing medical staff to make full use of their innate touch screen abilities. Medical PCs by Tangent can also use traditional keyboards and mice as well. The E24B from Tangent features one such touchscreen, and can allow medical staff to work through backlogs with ease.

Built For 24/7 Use

What sets Tangent computers apart from other medical PCs for hospital use settings is their ability to run 24/7. Tangent computers feature hot-swap battery technology, which allows them to be used on mobile carts or in areas without plugs without needing to wait hours to charge. In addition, Tangent computers are backed by 24/7 U.S. based technical support. If there’s every a problem with a Tangent computer, it can be solved any time, anywhere.

Tangent Computers: The Best Medical PCs

Medical PCs are held to higher standards than other computers, but Tangent computers are on the highest standard. Medical PCs from Tangent are fully compliant with medical standards, and go beyond with their antimicrobial coating. With fully sanitizable touchscreens and hot-swap battery technology, medical staff can work safely and efficiently in the hospital.

Before our current crisis, healthcare workers already had a high burnout rate due to stress. With 42% of physicians feeling burned out by their work. The current situation is only exacerbating this stress for many frontline healthcare workers. While there is no convenient way to eliminate the overbearing weight of the world's current situation, there are smaller issues that can be easily resolved.

Reducing Frontline Healthcare Worker’s Stress And Anxiety

This crisis has taken a toll on all of us, but frontline healthcare workers have taken the brunt of this crisis. The doctors, nurses, and medical staff protecting the public health are doing so at their own risk. It’s no wonder then why some frontline healthcare facilities are seeing depression symptom rates of 50%. Experts say that as many as 25% of frontline healthcare workers may experience disorders such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress, according to the LA Times. How can we help these frontline healthcare workers and reduce their mental health issues?

Eliminate Other Stressors

Before our current crisis, healthcare workers already had a high burnout rate due to stress. With 42% of physicians feeling burned out by their work. The current situation is only exacerbating this stress for many frontline healthcare workers. While there is no convenient way to eliminate the overbearing weight of the world’s current situation, there are smaller issues that can be easily resolved.

Stressors for healthcare workers come in many sizes and forms, but largely have to do with the inefficiency of the healthcare facility that many work in. 49% of physician time is not spent helping patients, but rather filling out tedious paperwork. Having an assistant fill out this paperwork on a medical PC may reduce the stress physicians feel from this time sink. With assistants on medical PCs, doctors can focus on treating patients instead of filling out forms.

Medix C19 From Tangent

Easy To Use Medical Computer From Tangent

Improve Your EHR System

Electronic Healthcare Records (EHR) have done wonders for improving the efficiency of hospitals. But with the wrong hardware, EHR systems can have the opposite effect. Ensuring that your hospital has the latest medical PCs can help reduce EHR related stress. Medical PCs from Tangent feature the latest components and are designed for medical use. Tangent’s line of medical PCs are santiziable computers. This means that these medical PCs can easily be cleaned with regular hospital cleaning supplies.

With touchscreens, navigating EHR software on a Tangent sanitizable computer is quick and easy. Sanitizable computers with touch screens enable frontline healthcare workers to quickly input patient information and retrieve it as well. What’s more, these sanitizable computers are UL60601-Certified and come with a 3.5 year warranty, ensuring that these medical PCs last throughout this crisis without breaking down.

Medical PCs: Help Eliminate Frontline Healthcare Worker Stress

There is no one solution to our world’s current crisis. But when it comes to frontline healthcare worker stress, Tangent medical PCs can help reduce it. Tangent’s line of fully sanitizable computers can ease medical worker’s stress around their job, and lead to a better workplace.

Tangent is a leading supplier of medical grade computers. Sanitizable computers help prevent infections in hospitals.

Washable Computers For Hospitals And Healthcare Facilities

Now more than ever, washing your hands is crucial to staying healthy. Touching a surface that someone else has touched without washing their hands is part of the infection process. However, making sure that the surface is regularly cleaned is an effective way of reducing the risk of this happening. To that end, Tangent has designed a line of washable computers that can be regularly cleaned to prevent the infection process from occurring.

Washable Computers: Prevent Disease Vectors

In the hospital setting, a medical computer is an indispensable tool to helping patients. However, the same medical computer that helps patients can also harm doctors and nurses. A medical computer can be used by several different people in one day, all of whom are interacting with countless other medical personnel and patients. This can cause a medical computer to quickly turn into a breeding ground for pathogens.

With washable computers, the risk of infections from medical computer use can be reduced. The CDC has confirmed that cleaning agents do work on infection causing viruses, making washable computers an effective tool for hospitals to potentially reduce the risk of infection.

How To Wash A Medical Computer

The CDC has released guidelines on how to clean surfaces such as washable computers. For surfaces in general, the CDC recommends wearing disposable gloves during the cleaning process and immediately throwing them away afterwards. For electronics such as a medical computer, the CDC recommends using alcohol-based wipes or sprays which meet a minimum 70% alcohol threshold.

Medical Computers
  Medical Grade Computer Being Washed

Washable computers should be washed as frequently as possible to reduce the risk of infection. Ideally, washable computers should be washed thoroughly after every new user. This ensures that no pathogens remain on the medical computer between uses.

More Than Sanitary

Washable computers aren’t just a way to potentially reduce the risk of infection, they are a vital medical tool. Washable computers like the M24T from Tangent are designed for healthcare use. This medical computer comes with a built in webcam and mic, making it perfect for use in telemedicine. With an advanced touchscreen and antimicrobial enclosure, the M24T can operate without a keyboard and mouse, saving money and reducing the amount of surfaces to be cleaned.

Tangent M24T Medical Computer
            Tangent M24T Medical Computer

Washable Computers: The Clean Way To Compute

Medical computers are vital tools to hospitals and the patients they serve on a daily basis. Choosing washable computers for your hospital’s medical computers can help reduce infection risks, and help in telemedicine efforts.

Tangent is a leading supplier of medical grade computers. Sanitizable computers help prevent infections in hospitals.

Keeping your medical equipment working 24/7 is crucial to providing patients with the care they need during these times. In terms of medical equipment, the most versatile and useful may be medical grade computers. Medical grade computers, like the Medix M24T from Tangent, are designed from the ground up for medical use.

Sanitizable Computers For 24/7 Use

While the current situation the world faces is unprecedented, the healthcare industry has stepped up to make sure that the world remains as safe as possible. Hospitals around the country have made due with limited supplies as supplies of PPE. Working around the clock, hospitals and healthcare workers have stepped up to the plate and are working 24/7 to test individuals and treat patients. With hospitals and healthcare workers working 24/7, shouldn’t the equipment they use also work 24/7?

Medical Grade Computers For 24/7 Use

Keeping your medical equipment working 24/7 is crucial to providing patients with the care they need during these times. In terms of medical equipment, the most versatile and useful may be medical grade computers. Medical grade computers, like the Medix M24T from Tangent, are designed from the ground up for medical use.

 

Medical PC
               Medical Grade 24″ Computer

Medical grade computers feature an antimicrobial enclosure which mitigates the growth of microbes on their surfaces. Furthermore, they make use of features like their uninterrupted battery storage (UPS) to operate even when hospitals do not have power. This allows medical grade computers to be fully usable in emergency situations.

Sanitizable Computers For 24/7 Use

Note every medical grade computer is made equal. The Medix T24B sanitizable computer from Tangent is unlike other medical grade computers in that it is a fully sanitizable computer. A Sanitizable computer is a medical grade computer that features an IP certified water resistant screen. The IP65 rating of the Medix T24B sanitizable computer allows it to be regularly cleaned with traditional cleaners and disinfectants without harming the medical grade computer.

Medix T24B
                             Medix T24B

Sanitizable computers are perfect for situations where multiple medical personnel are interacting with the same medical grade computer, as it can be constantly disinfected.

 

Hot-Swap Batteries: No Plug Required

While all of Tangent’s medical grade computers are designed to be used as fully as needed in the hospital, some are designed even past this point. As more pop-up clinics, mobile clinics, and field hospitals are set up, there may not be adequate power in these areas to support medical grade computer usage. However, with hot-swap battery technology, even areas without power can make use of medical grade computers and sanitizable computers.

Medix E22B From Tangent
                Medix E22B From Tangent

The Medix E22B sanitizable computer from Tangent features three hot-swap batteries, allowing it to run 24/7 without being plugged into an outlet. Simply have two batteries charging while one is in use, and this sanitizable computer can be fully utilized in a remote setting.

 

For 24/7 Use, Use Tangent

When sanitizable computers are needed to operate on a 24/7 basis, Tangent medical grade computers are the right pick. With hot-swap battery technology, IP rated water resistant screens, and UPS capabilities, medical grade computers from Tangent are here to help.

Tangent is a leading supplier of medical grade computers. Sanitizable computers help prevent infections in hospitals.

Major players in the healthcare industry, both private and public, are preparing for telehealth. Telehealth with medical computers has proven to be an effective way of social distancing, and could potentially save lives. Make sure that your hospital takes advantage of all the programs available, and implements this crucial technology.

Telehealth Computers: How to Effectively Set Up Your Hospital

In these times, it is becoming increasingly risky to have healthy patients enter hospitals where they can easily become disease vectors. Because of this, many hospitals are transitioning doctor visits to telehealth visits. Telehealth refers to medical computer based doctor visits, where a doctor uses a medical computer to video-chat with their patient. Telehealth has seen such a rise in the last few weeks that the industry is having trouble keeping up with demand, according to the Wall Street Journal.

With this in mind, it is more important than ever to have this critical technology implemented in your hospital as soon as possible. Like personal protective equipment, telehealth using medical computers is a preventive measure to ensure those in your community and hospital remain healthy.

Telehealth Is Easier Than Ever

One of the main obstacles for telehealth is the seemingly tough challenge of implementing the technology. Because of the amount of regulations regarding medical data, using video-chat has been clouded by a barrier of laws. However, the Department of Health and Human Services has temporarily lifted many of these restrictions.

Video services like Zoom, Facetime, and Skype have all been given temporary approval for use during these times. Many other medical specific services such as VSee, Doxy, thera-Link, and Amazon Chime are available as well. Many of these telehealth services can be downloaded directly onto HIPPA compliant, medical grade computers.

Inform Patients That Telehealth Costs May Be Waived By Their Insurance

You read that right, insurance companies like Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield have announced that they are suspending co-pays for telehealth appointments. Both of these insurance companies see the life-saving potential of telehealth appointments on medical computers.

As jobless claims in the United States surge, it is more important than ever to inform your service area of these telehealth services. Cost and fear of the current situation may prohibit patients from seeking help. Telehealth on medical computers can offer these patients a free and worry-free way to get the help they need.

Federal Funding For Telehealth Is On The Way

FCC chairman Ajit Pai announced a $200 million plan that if passed, would allocate money to healthcare facilities for implementing telehealth. If passed, this would greatly reduce the costs for hospitals to implement this life-saving technology. In addition, the plan calls assures those on government aided internet plans that they will not be cut off during these times. This means that those in the most need will have access to telehealth, so long as their local hospital does.

Everyone is Preparing For Telehealth, Are You?

Major players in the healthcare industry, both private and public, are preparing for telehealth. Telehealth with medical computers has proven to be an effective way of social distancing, and could potentially save lives. Make sure that your hospital takes advantage of all the programs available, and implements this crucial technology.

Tangent is a leading supplier of medical grade computers. Sanitizable computers help prevent infections in hospitals.

The utilization of hot-swap battery technology on medical grade computers such as the Medix E22B and E24B allows these medical grade computers to run on a 24/7 continuous basis without needing to be plugged into an outlet. This seemingly simple technology provides an elegant solution to the lack of reliable power in pop up and mobile clinics, allowing the use of full medical grade computers.

Sanitizable Computers Designed For Pop Up And Mobile Clinics

Sanitizable Computers Designed For Pop Up And Mobile Clinics

Burlingame, CA 3/27/20 – As the world comes together to stave off the coronavirus pandemic, Tangent Computer Inc. has repurposed medical computers in their medical grade computer lineup to be fully usable by pop up and mobile clinics in order to ensure these facilities are fully equipped to deal with this pandemic.

Pop up and Mobile clinics are designed to be placed where they are most needed and may end up in locations without adequate shelter or power, such as parking lots. Tangent has taken this into account in their thinking of how to best serve medical workers on the front line of this coronavirus pandemic and has created two solutions.

In order to provide the safest possible working environment for medical workers at coronavirus pop up and mobile clinics, Tangent has designed their lineup of medical grade computers to be fully sanitizable. The touchscreens of Tangent’s medical grade computers are able to be cleaned with traditional cleaning materials without any damage to their screens. In addition to being fully santiziable, Tangent medical grade computers feature an antimicrobial enclosure for maximum sterilization.

The utilization of hot-swap battery technology on medical grade computers such as the Medix E22B and E24B allows these medical grade computers to run on a 24/7 continuous basis without needing to be plugged into an outlet. This seemingly simple technology provides an elegant solution to the lack of reliable power in pop up and mobile clinics, allowing the use of full medical grade computers.

Tangent hopes that these two solutions, when combined, allow their lineup of medical grade computers to be a reliable tool for medical workers on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.

As the number of U.S. cases of coronavirus rise, Tangent hopes to help stock pop up and mobile clinics with the equipment they need in order to combat this pandemic. Hospitals are already working 24/7 to deal with the impact of the coronavirus, and Tangent wants to help by providing medical grade computers that can operate 24/7 in a sanitary fashion.

Tangent. is a leading provider for healthcare technology, specialized computers, and cloud solutions. Our purpose-built computers are engineered for healthcare, industrial, and corporate applications not served by traditional computers. Products include medical grade all-in-one computers and tablets, mini rugged computers, and all-in-one panel PCs. Contact us at 800.342.9388 for any inquiries.

What Does "Medical Grade" Mean?

What Does “Medical Grade” Mean?

You may see the term “Medical Grade” floated along by many manufacturers these days in your search for proper medical equipment. Everyone, from dentist chair manufacturers to medical grade computer manufacturers, lays claim to the term, implying that their product meets the true definition. While there is no central body that organizes the term “Medical Grade” and assigns it accordingly, there are some key elements that hospital supply buyers should look out for in their medical purchases. Most notably, the term “Medical Grade” when applied to computers should be scrutinized. Your Medical Grade Computer purchases should meet the following criteria:

 

UL60601 Certified

It almost goes without saying that any medical computers you purchases should be UL60601 Certified, but it is still worth mentioning. Among other things, this certification ensures that any Medical Grade Computers purchased by your hospital meet safety standards set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC has set these guidelines to ensure that electrical equipment, such as medical grade computers, does not interfere with other medical technology used in proximity to it.

 

Medical Grade Computers Should Be Antimicrobial

Aside from UL60601 certification, ensuring that every medical grade computer purchased for your hospital is antimicrobial is the most important aspect to the meaning of being medical grade. Antimicrobial medical grade computers feature an antimicrobial coating. This coating makes the medical grade computer impervious to bacteria and other pathogens, mitigating their growth on its surfaces. When a medical grade computer features antimicrobial properties, it is as if the medical grade computer is constantly sanitizing itself with antibacterial wipes. This feature is an absolute necessity in a time where hospital acquired infections are so prevalent.

 

Backup Battery Enabled

Hospitals are facilities designed to treat both common colds and emergencies. When the latter happens, the equipment your hospital uses will need to be depended upon. Ensuring that the medical grade computers your hospital relies on can, in fact, be relied on is key to preventing potentially dangerous conditions for your patients. Medical grade computers with either hot-swap battery technology or uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) prevent your hospital’s computer network from going out when the power does.

 

Medical Grade: Tangent Meets The Mark

“Medical Grade” is so much more than a term, it’s a commitment. Tangent has pioneered this commitment and designed medical grade computers that constantly push the idea of “Medical Grade” further and further. Each one of Tangent’s numerous Medical Grade Computers meets or exceeds the standards listed above. It is this commitment to the Medical Grade that makes Tangent the top innovator of medical grade computer technology.

Around the clock urgent in the hospital demands medical grade pcs for 24/7 use

Medical All-In-One PCs for 24/7 Use

As one of the most trusted public services, healthcare facilities have an obligation to serve those in their community. Health emergencies can happen at any time, and as such hospitals are expected to be open 24/7. While medical staff can be shifted so that the hospital is constantly staffed and prepared for emergencies, the same cannot be said about the equipment they employ. Ensuring that your hospital has technology capable of being used on a 24/7 basis is crucial to providing quality healthcare to those in your community.

How To Keep Your Medical Carts Running 24/7

Medical carts with medical computers are one of the most important facets of any hospital. Medical carts with medical computers are capable of turning a stationary piece of medical equipment into a mobile workstation for use in multiple rooms of a hospital. However, medical carts with medical computers have one downfall: they need to be decommissioned regularly for charging. Medical carts can spend hours every day plugged into the wall instead of helping patients. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With medical computers from Tangent, your medical carts can operate on a 24/7 basis. Medical computers like the E24B from Tangent utilize hot-swap battery technology. While one battery is in use, two others can be charging. When the in-use battery gets low, simply insert another battery into one of the other two battery ports and the medical computer is completely recharge, all without being turned off!

Medix E24B From Tangent
                   Medix E24B From Tangent

Medical All-In-One PCs

Another way to ensure your facility’s medical computers are able to operate 24/7 is to make sure they are medical all-in-one PCs. Medical all-on-one PCs are medical grade computers where the entire computer contained behind their touchscreen. That means that medical all-in-one PCs like the Medix C19 from Tangent do not require mice or keyboards to operate. In addition, medical all-in-one PCs have the least amount of moving parts possible, driving down the amount of maintenance necessary substantially. Medical all-in-one PCs also can feature hot-swap battery technology, allowing them to be moved from one room to another without being unplugged and turned off. In an emergency, medical all-in-one PCs can also make use of their UPS battery backups to ensure that life-saving care can continue even without external power.

Medix C19 From Tangent
           Medix C19 From Tangent

24/7 U.S. Based Technical Support for Medical All-In-One PCs

Just like how your hospital operates 24/7, Tangent’s U.S. based technical support team is available 24/7. Tangent’s trained technical support operatives are knowledgeable about all tangent medical computer and medical all-in-one PC products. With remote assist tools, advance exchange services, and image pre-loading, Tangent’s U.S. based technical support team will find a solution to your issue. 

Medical Computers From Tangent: Built For 24/7 Use

Hospitals are designed to run around the clock, and the computers they employ should be too. Medical computers from Tangent are built to be used 24/7, ensuring your hospital provides the quality care your patients depend on, day and night.