Dr. Rotering’s SmartVest Story
When Dr. Carla Rotering, a practitioner of pulmonary and critical care medicine, prescribes high frequency chest wall oscillation, she does so as a doctor—but she’s also experienced its effectiveness firsthand as a patient.
“My first exposure to HFCWO was when I developed pneumonia,” Rotering said. “I was really having difficulty moving secretions. I used the device over a weekend and was so much clearer by Monday. That’s when I really started to look at HFCWO not only for acute situations but also for people who suffer the symptoms I had every day of their lives.”
“This is all about what’s best for the patient”
As a user and advocate of the technology, Rotering also knows what she likes in an HFCWO system. And her system of choice is the SmartVest.
“I’ve [recommended] the SmartVest System for a long, long time,” Rotering said. “I like creating relationships with an organization that I know I can count on. I’ve actually seen the place where this device is manufactured. I’ve walked through the factory. The quality control, it’s mouth-watering.”
Behind the device itself is the support Electromed offers.
“This is all about what’s best for the patient,” Rotering said. “People drive up into the mountains to help fit a [SmartVest] and instruct the patients on how to use the equipment. And they’re so gracious.”
Rotering also appreciates Electromed’s support with insurance companies: “They have been incredible helping us sort through clinical factors,” she said. “They have been helpful talking with patients, working through authorizations, those kinds of things.”
“My favorite choice has been the SmartVest System.”
To Rotering, in-home care for the conditions the SmartVest System treats is part of the overall shift in healthcare to provide higher-quality care at a lower cost. Treatment for certain respiratory issues in a hospital setting is expensive and not desirable for the patient, she says; devices like the SmartVest System used in the home address both issues.
And when a device offers the whole package like the SmartVest System does, Rotering is quick to offer praise. “Based on my experience, the design, the implementation and the company philosophy, my favorite choice has been the SmartVest System. Absolutely.”
