Are you looking for a medical exam chair for your medical office? A good chair offers patients the needed support while undergoing different medical procedures. There are a variety of types of medical chairs for different needs. Here are some tips to help you pick the best medical exam equipment for your practice:
What Are the Different Types of Medical Exam Chairs?
Medical examination equipment varies depending on your specialty. A pediatrician has different exam chair needs from a gynecologist and so on. Here are some primary types of medical examination chairs to point you in the right direction:
Bariatric Medical Exam Chairs
Bariatric examination equipment caters to heavier patients. They come with an expansive surface area, a durable build, and a strong support base. These can hold patients that weigh 850 lbs. and above. You should get one of these if you regularly handle elderly, obese patients.
Podiatry Chairs
Podiatry exam chairs provide support to patients with foot or ankle illnesses. They have an elongated surface at the end where patients can rest their feet during check-ups. These chairs offer premium, recliner-level comfort to podiatry patients.
They are similar to the chairs you’d find at a top-tier pedicure shop. Talk about the prime, cozy contour cushions, adjustable head and footrest, thermo-plastic bases, and more. Podiatry chairs tend to be multi-functional, meaning you can use them for different practices.
Gynecological Examination Chair
A gynecological chair refers to a chair that caters to gynecological and obstetric functions. These chairs can be used to examine pregnancy and childbirth-related cases or the general state of reproductive health. Gynecological chairs have features that uphold comfort and flexibility.
They are symmetrical in design to accommodate both gynecological and urological patients. The best ones have electromotive heights, back-cushions, and power-positioning features. These features come in handy during ultrasounds or shock positioning in case of pregnancy-related emergencies. The power positioning features make it easier to switch the patient to a different examination position within seconds and with limited movement.
Pediatric Examination Couch
A pediatric exam chair/coach is used to examine kids or minors. When handling kids, some of the key aspects of the exam chair a pediatrician should consider include adjustability, appeal, and comfort.
You can get a colorful chair or exam table to catch a child’s attention. Color and appeal make the room less intimidating to children. An adjustable chair is equally beneficial for kids because it can accommodate patients of different heights as kids have different growth speeds. A water and oil-resistant feature help maintain the chair’s durability. A leather top helps protect the couch since some kids sweat or pee on themselves out of anxiety.
Features to Look for in a Medical Exam Chair
Functionality
Functionality is a non-negotiable feature for medical chairs. The exam chair needs to be functional or ergonomic for the specific procedures of a medical exam room.
Depending on your specialty, look for the chair’s position and versatility. A functional chair should be adjustable from the back, tilt, and seat. This increases its flexibility. Depending on your budget and needs, look into electric and manual chairs.
Comfort
Comfort applies to both patients and medical professionals. A good chair prevents fatigue and bad posture. You should not strain by bending in uncomfortable positions to get to your patients. Look for a chair with an adjustable height, wired foot control, slim back, and a neat patent support surface.
Cost
Furnishing a clinic or hospital can be financially draining. Consider affordability and flexible payment plans for the best deals on exam chairs. If electric, prioritize low power consumption and energy-saving properties.
Portability
A movable exam chair is useful when moving offices or transferring patients using an ambulance. Titanium and aluminum build work perfectly here because they carry less weight than other metal types. Don’t pick a chair that’s too lightweight to support heavy patients.Â
The Key Factor to Consider When Picking a Medical Exam Chair
These are a few examples of the types of medical exam chairs available in the market. Consider specialty first when picking a medical exam chair for your medical office. Your specialty determines the extra features to go for: power-positioning, comfort, weight capacity, or water resistance. These make sure that you and your patient are comfortable during the exam procedure.
