Is there any kind of group or charity out there that anyone here knows of that accepts used but still usable medical devices? I broke my ankle in August and was stuck in an Aircast for about a month. I feel a little bad throwing the old thing away at this point (it's a little worn but still perfectly usable) since it wasn't particularly cheap and could easily be used again by someone else. I don't care about making any money off of it or getting a tax deduction, I'd just like to do something less wasteful than tossing it in the trash. Any ideas? Google has been surprisingly unhelpful.
To enter a coupon code in your post please enter the following info:
Coupon Code:
Coupon Offer:
Merchant:
Expires (optional):
Restrictions (optional):
saving...
Quick Summary is created and edited by users like you... Add FAQ's, Links and other Relevant Information by clicking the edit button in the lower right hand corner of this message.
Check with your local hospital, especially the taxpayer-supported one, if you have one. If they do not accept the equipment, they can suggest who will.
Also, for something like an aircast, check with your local branch of United Cerebral Palsy.
I tried Healthcare for the Homeless, but they said they couldn't accept those kinds of items and chances are nobody else would either. Annoying example of how inefficient our healthcare system can be. I guess I'll just list it on the free section of Craigslist.
Why would anyone take a chance with used equipment and possibly get sued for using used equipment. Many 3rd world countries get large quantities of used medical equipment because patients there have no legal rights.
Give them a call... they do absolutely phenomenal work. I'm not sure if an aircast could/would be reused, I know they are more interested in wheelchairs and walkers and whatnot, but maybe.
Donate an Item
Lightly used medical equipment, new socks, and personal hygiene supplies – these are just some examples of items that Health Care for the Homeless has been able to provide our clients thanks to the generosity of our donors.
Due to the large number of donors who support us and the limited space in which we work, we ask that you phone or email us before bringing your items to our building. If we cannot accept your donation for any reason, we may be able to refer you to an organization that could. If you have items you think our clients may need, please call or email our Development Team at 410-837-5533 or info@hchmd.org.
ppatin said:I tried Healthcare for the Homeless, but they said they couldn't accept those kinds of items and chances are nobody else would either. Annoying example of how inefficient our healthcare system can be. I guess I'll just list it on the free section of Craigslist.
Whoops, didn't see you already tried them. An aircast may seem impersonal, but realize that semi-porous vinyl has been rubbing up against you for a couple weeks. I'm not sure it would be feasible to wash all the MRSA out.
Message edited by: VerbalK on 2009-11-09 09:35:40 CST
My wife had two ankle surgery's so we have two of the knee-high 'boots' that cost, like, a grand each but are worthless now. At our fantasy drafts, the guys put them both on and have footraces for laughs. I made a robot costume last halloween with them, too. Yeah, it seems dumb that such an expensive, advanced piece of medical equipment can't even be given away but you can, again, thank our wonderfull world of opportunistic, greedy trail attorneys for keeping healthcare costs high. I, myself, had apnea surgery and didn't need my C-pap machine anymore but no group would take it. It costs $500 and can make save lives but that's the price we pay for keeping our attorney's in BMW's and country clubs.
Message edited by: goat6500 on 2009-11-09 10:05:21 CST
No way an aircast costs $500. I just got the statement from my insurance company, they paid out $180 for the one I used. The "sticker" price was about twice that, but obviously CareFirst pays much less. Still rather expensive to just toss it away after a month and a half of use though.
goat6500 said:My wife had two ankle surgery's so we have two of the knee-high 'boots' that cost, like, a grand each but are worthless now. At our fantasy drafts, the guys put them both on and have footraces for laughs. I made a robot costume last halloween with them, too. Yeah, it seems dumb that such an expensive, advanced piece of medical equipment can't even be given away but you can, again, thank our wonderfull world of opportunistic, greedy trail attorneys for keeping healthcare costs high. I, myself, had apnea surgery and didn't need my C-pap machine anymore but no group would take it. It costs $500 and can make save lives but that's the price we pay for keeping our attorney's in BMW's and country clubs.
thats strange. the last part of my sleep apnea study was to take a CPAP machine home for a few days to try out. i'm sure the sleep clinic doesn't give every patient a new CPAP machine to try. change the tubing, mask, and maybe the humidity chamber and it should be usable for another person.
frugalpete said:goat6500 said:My wife had two ankle surgery's so we have two of the knee-high 'boots' that cost, like, a grand each but are worthless now. At our fantasy drafts, the guys put them both on and have footraces for laughs. I made a robot costume last halloween with them, too. Yeah, it seems dumb that such an expensive, advanced piece of medical equipment can't even be given away but you can, again, thank our wonderfull world of opportunistic, greedy trail attorneys for keeping healthcare costs high. I, myself, had apnea surgery and didn't need my C-pap machine anymore but no group would take it. It costs $500 and can make save lives but that's the price we pay for keeping our attorney's in BMW's and country clubs.thats strange. the last part of my sleep apnea study was to take a CPAP machine home for a few days to try out. i'm sure the sleep clinic doesn't give every patient a new CPAP machine to try. change the tubing, mask, and maybe the humidity chamber and it should be usable for another person.Some equipment can be reused, some can't. There are different models of CPAP machines - some may be reusable while others aren't. There may also be a time threshhold, e.g., after so many days the machine is not reusable.
I know there are companies that recondition sports equipment (football helmets, pads, etc) to standards that make them good as new, but for a fraction of the price. The sports equipment is certified by a 3rd party and once certification is received, liability of it being a used product is nearly removed. Sounds like a good business opportunity in the medical device field.
Disclaimer: By providing links to other sites, FatWallet.com does not guarantee, approve or endorse the information or products available at these sites, nor does a link indicate any association with or endorsement by the linked site to FatWallet.com.
