Pisces Healthcare Solutions. Blog

Mon, Sep 16, 2024 0 Enhancing Customer Satisfaction from Solutions Consultants to Client Relations

At Pisces Healthcare Solutions, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for all our customers. Our focus on customer satisfaction starts with our clinical partners selecting healthcare products for Veterans, extends to our prosthetics customers placing orders, and culminates in the delivery of products that enhance the quality of life for Veterans.

We achieve this by leveraging multiple departments to address various needs and provide tailored solutions. Our solutions consultants serve as the “boots on the ground,” working directly with customers. They handle immediate needs by troubleshooting issues, offering education, and demonstrating innovative products to VA clinical staff.

Behind the scenes, our Client Relations, Purchasing, Logistics and Clinical teams play a crucial role in enhancing the overall customer experience. These teams manage customer inquiries, process orders, stock our three distribution centers, and provide clinical expertise on new, updated, or discontinued products. Their contributions are essential in building systems and support structures that our customers rely on.

We deeply value our customers’ feedback and continuously seek to learn from their experiences. This blog is dedicated to showcasing customer insights, highlighting their feedback, and illustrating how we use this information to improve and grow. Let’s explore some of our recent customer reviews and see how they are shaping our approach.

What our Customers Love About our Team

“Our Solutions Consultant is extremely punctual, thorough, and helpful.”

“Our Solutions Consultant arranges to bring in equipment to demo with Vets on specific days/times. Often, if appropriate, she will bring extra props/items from home to complement her demonstrations/trials. As well as even researched and printed appropriate pre-/post- assessment tools to demonstrate the measurable benefit to the Veteran.”

“When I reach out with a question, assistance is prompt and extremely helpful with responses, often providing direct links in e-mail, which is extremely considerate given time limitations as a therapist.”

“Caring, compassionate, and helpful towards any and all Veterans and their family members.”

“We thoroughly enjoy our representative that has come to our facility. She has always been fantastic, knowledgeable, and has great presentations so that we are knowledgeable about the products we order from Pisces. Her presence has helped us provide better care and education to our patients here and I just wanted you all to know she is appreciated, as well as the rest of your team that supports your process and company.”

“With Pisces help we are improving our Veterans quality of life after undergoing lifelong changes and allowing them to be more independent in their care!”

“Extremely helpful in brainstorming and demoing multiple different devices to help our Veterans be able to be more independent.”

“Enjoy talking to your customer relations. It’s like a breath of fresh air and always in happy spirit”

“Helpful in finding an old item the VA ordered for our accounting team”

How We Incorporated Customer Feedback to Shape Our Processes and Systems!

Enhanced Communication: We’ve streamlined our communication through the website messaging system, enabling us to quickly respond to inquiries about order status, potential delays, and available product substitutions. Additionally, our self-service portal provides real-time access to order updates, communication history, tracking details, and final invoices.

Boosting Delivery Efficiency: To reduce delivery times nationwide, we’ve expanded the size of our distribution centers and added a third location in Fort Myers, FL. We also introduced the Quick Ship collection, designed to provide a comprehensive range of clinical products, ensuring Veterans receive their necessary items as quickly as possible.

Improving Our Website: Our website is updated daily by both our clinical and web teams to make it more intuitive and easier to navigate when shopping for healthcare products. Key features include clinical filters, weight capacity labels, and grouping of products with their accessories and replacement parts for a smoother shopping experience.

We welcome our customers to continue sharing their thoughts with us. Your feedback is invaluable and plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our company. Whether it’s a compliment, a suggestion, or a concern, we want to hear from you. Please send your feedback through the Contact Us page on our website or through email to customerservice@pisceshealth.com

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Mon, Jul 22, 2024 0 World Brain Day

Neurological disorders remain significant contributors to disability-adjusted life years. Conditions such as stroke, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, meningitis, and epilepsy globally impact the health of billions. The World Health reported in 2021 that more than 3 billion people worldwide were living with some type of neurological condition (WHO, 2024).

Encouragingly, a substantial proportion of neurological cases can be prevented. Notably, 90% of strokes, 40% of dementia cases, and 30% of epilepsies are preventable with effective preventive measures available for conditions like migraine, headache disorders, and neurological infections. To bring awareness to these proactive measures, World Brain Day was created.

World Brain Day is dedicated to brain health and prevention measures. This is a global campaign, reaching an unprecedented scale and elevating awareness about disabilities across 123 countries. The active participation of the World Health Organization (WHO) lends momentum to this year's campaign, shedding light on the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) with a focus on epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Brain health is crucial for overall well-being and cognitive function throughout life. Here are some important strategies and tips for preventing cognitive decline and maintaining brain health:

1. Healthy Diet:

Eat a Balanced Diet: Consume a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these are beneficial for brain health.
Antioxidants: Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens, help protect the brain from damage.
Products:

2. Physical Activity:

Regular Exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
Strength Training: Incorporate strength exercises at least two days a week to improve overall body function.
Products:

3. Mental Stimulation:

Keep Learning: Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as reading, puzzles, or learning a new skill or language.
Stay Socially Active: Social interactions stimulate cognitive functions and improve mental health.
Products:
- Sensory Stimulation Activities Kit
- Functional Cognitive Activity Treatment Modules

4. Quality Sleep:

Establish a Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Avoid screens before bedtime.
Products:

5. Stress Management:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Engage in hobbies, talk to friends, or seek professional help when needed.
Products:

6. Avoid Harmful Substances:

Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drink in moderation, if at all. Excessive alcohol can damage brain cells.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking is harmful to brain health and overall well-being.

7. Regular Check-ups:

Monitor Health Conditions: Manage chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations: Prevent infections that can affect brain health.
Products:
- Talking Digital Blood Pressure Monitor, Arm
- Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with XL Cuff

8. Brain Injury Prevention:

Wear Protective Gear: Use helmets for biking, sports, and other activities that risk head injuries.
Fall Prevention: Ensure your living space is safe to prevent falls, especially for older adults. Minimize clutter, keep open pathways and have adequate lighting. Most falls happen in the bathroom, take necessary steps to make your bathroom is safe.
Products:

9. Hydration:

Drink Plenty of Water: Dehydration can affect brain function and cognitive performance.
Products:
- Giraffe Bottle and Accessories
- Neater Powered Drinker

10. Manage Chronic Conditions:

Follow Medical Advice: Take medications as prescribed and follow medical advice for managing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
Product:
- Auto Pill Automatic Pill Dispenser
- Automatic Pill Dispenser

By incorporating these strategies into daily life, individuals can significantly improve their brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Promoting awareness about these practices is vital for community health and well-being.

World Brain Day 2024 serves as a rally point for global efforts to prioritize and safeguard brain health. By spreading awareness, fostering collaboration, and advocating for prevention measures, we can collectively pave the way for a healthier future for all. Pisces Healthcare Solutions is the largest distributor in Veterans Affairs, and we are here to provide solutions to all your daily life roles through our large catalog offering.

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Mon, Jun 17, 2024 0 Beyond Words: Raising Awareness for Aphasia This June

June is #AphasiaAwarenessMonth. Despite affecting millions of Americans, most people are not familiar with aphasia. During June, recognized nationally as Aphasia Awareness Month, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is encouraging the public to learn more about the language disorder—and the effective, often life-altering, treatment provided by speech-language pathologists.

What is Aphasia?

affected areas of aphasia brain

Aphasia is a language disorder that affects how you communicate. It is caused by damage to the language centers of the brain, usually in the left side of the brain, that control understanding, speaking, and using signed languages. Aphasia may also impact one’s ability to reador write. People often think that those with aphasia have cognitive issues because they struggle to communicate. This is not true: Aphasia is not associated with cognitive deficits. However, word-finding difficulty—a hallmark symptom of aphasia—may be an early symptom of other neurological conditions, such as primary progressive aphasia (a form of dementia), that are accompanied by cognitive impairments.

According to the National Aphasia Association (NAA), more than 2 million people in the United States have aphasia. One third of all strokes result in the language disorder. Despite its prevalence, nearly 85% of adults over age 25 have never heard the term "aphasia." This highlights a significant gap in awareness about a condition that impacts so many lives.

Causes of Aphasia

Aphasia is most often caused by a stroke. However, any change to the brain can cause aphasia. This may include traumatic brain injury. Other causes may include brain infections, brain tumors, and other neurologic disorders that may worsen over time.

Treatment Approaches

Aphasia can be addressed in a variety of ways. Speech-language pathologists aim to use a person’s specific goals and priorities to determine a treatment plan, for example going back to work or resuming a specific hobby such as gardening, fishing, or attending card games with family and friends.

The goal of intervention is to help people with aphasia reestablish their communication skills and to work with family members and other communication partners to identify and train strategies that can support communication with their loved ones. Speech-language pathologists may also help people with aphasia find alternative ways to share ideas when they have trouble communicating. This may include drawing, writing, pointing, using gestures, and using other visual supports—these alternative methods are called augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC.

We asked our in-house Speech-Language Pathologist what her favorite Pisces Healthcare products for aphasia are. This is what Stephani Luhrsen, MS CCC-SLP, Clinical Education Specialist, was most excited to share:

Talking Photo Album with Personalized Voice Recorded Messages

“This is a motivating, patient specific,communication and intervention tool that can be utilized across the continuum of care. The album has 20 pages with pictures and audible captions and allows you to record personalized messages of up to 18 seconds per page.”

7 Level Communication Builder

“I love this customizable lower-tech AAC option that allows the user to record and play back from 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 different messages per level. There are 7 levels for recordings for a total of 112 messages. Depending on the veteran’s level of function and communication priorities, this communication builder can be set up to suit each individual’s specific needs throughout their treatment path.”

SyncPen2 - 2nd Generation Smart Pen

“The pen digitally records all your notes onto your smartphone, allowing you to seamlessly transition between digital and physical timekeeping. This tool is a great option for patients with high level receptive aphasia who are transitioning back in to work or a learning environment to be able to support their comprehension and make sure that no information is missed!”

#AphasiaAwarenessMonth

RESOURCES:

Free downloadable low-tech communication boards to help you communicate in your community, including boards for aphasia awareness, speaking with a doctor or pharmacist, or going to places like the airport or grocery and more.

Talk Tools | Aphasia Recovery Connection

7 Communication Tips for Talking with Someone with Aphasia from the National Aphasia Association

https://youtu.be/zkhlMrjsnyo

General Information from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

What is Aphasia (with Michael Settles) - ASHA Stream

Wed, May 22, 2024 0 National Women’s Health Awareness Month

May is National Women’s Health Awareness Month, a time to celebrate and empower women with health knowledge and resources, encouraging women to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This year’s national women’s health month is dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their health journeys and shining a light on health issues unique to women.

Pisces Healthcare understands the complexity of women’s healthcare. We are committed to staying up to datewith new, innovative products that aim to meet, honor, and celebrate women’s unique healthcare needs.

Did you know, more than 2 million Women Veterans live in the U.S. today?

Women are the fastest growing group in the veteran population. In 2000, only 4% of veteran’s were women. It is projected that by 2040, 18% will be women
Women Veterans have served across all military branches and divisions
Women Veterans and racially and ethnically diverse with 43% of the women who have used VHA health services in FY20 belonging to a racial or ethnic minority group

No matter where they live, every woman veteran has access to the VA health system which provides care at 1,293 health care facilities, including 171 VA Medical Centers and 1,112 outpatient sites of care.

Every VA Medical Center nationwide has a Women Veterans Program Manager to advise and advocate for women Veterans and help coordinate all the services they may need, from primary care to specialized care for chronic conditions or reproductive health.

Every VA offers maternity care coordination. VA Maternity Care Coordinators understand women Veteran's unique needs and will support them through every stage of their pregnancy.

VHA provides the highest quality, state-of-the-artsystems and health care equipment, including on-site mammography at 69 sites across the country.

Women veterans in focus graphic

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS:

The Elitone Pelvic Floor solutions

Elitone products are the only FDA-cleared external solutions that tone your pelvic floor and calm your overactive bladder. Ditch the pads, stop your leaks, and feel the freedom in just 6 weeks. Elitone and Elitone URGE precisely deliver pelvic floor stimulation to effectively treat the most common types of incontinence. Whether you’re experiencing stress incontinence, an overactive bladder, or a mix of both, Elitone has the solution for you.

TINA

TINA is the world’s first comfort-first assistive aid for tampon insertion, designed so that everybody can use tampons consistently with confidence and comfort. Engineered specifically for a women’s anatomy with inclusive design for extra reach and easy grip.

Temperature Therapy Pelvic Wand

The only pelvic wand available that combines ergonomic shape with soothing temperature therapy.Clinically indicated toaddress endometriosis pain, Levator Ani Syndrome, Pelvic Floor Tension Myalgia, Vestibulodynia, Vaginismus, Vestibulodynia, and painful sex.

Adaptive Clothing

Pisces provides a variety of stylish adaptive clothing and bras.

Pisces provides a variety of stylish adaptive clothing and bras, designed to improve the comfort and independence of women with arthritis, barriers to their mobility, limited range of motion, pain, and more! These options include the Easy On Mobility Adaptive Bra and Adaptive Women’s Everyday Long Sleeve Top.

Elvie Trainer KegelExerciser

Pelvic floor problems are surprisingly common, affecting 1 in 3 women and up to 80% of expectant and new moms. Elvie Trainer is an expert-designed device that measures pelvic floor contractions, cutting the guesswork out of your workout.

Beyond National Women’s Health month, Pisces Healthcare will continue to be a partner in women’s healthcare, providing groundbreaking products that support each veteran’s specific health goals. For more innovative products, please see our Women’s Health Category.

VA Resources for Women

Women Veterans Call Center: 855-VA-WOMEN
Veteran Crisis Hotline: 988 (press 1)
Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274
VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000

Mon, Apr 8, 2024 0 APRIL IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MONTH

We are celebrating by recognizing the Occupational Therapists that are making a difference within Pisces Healthcare Solutions!

Pisces Healthcare Solutions understands the value and importance of Occupational Therapist (OT) as vital players in the healthcare industry. Did you know that Pisces has 6 practitioners that are Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistants? Our team of OTs are vastly knowledgeable in a variety of practice areas and have certifications in hand therapy, lymphedema, dementia, orthopedics, and neurological conditions just to name a few. Some of our practitioners have over a decade of clinical experience!

Pisces’s Occupational Therapists work in various capacities, including our Clinical Liaison team or directly in the Sales field as a Solutions Consultant. No matter their role, our OTs are a vital part of the Pisces Team and are here to make a difference in the lives of our Veterans to guarantee they have access to products that will promote independence and well-being in everyday life activities.

Our clinical team of Occupational Therapist research products to ensure our Veterans are provided with a complete and comprehensive product offering for their VA team to choose from. Pisces’s Occupational Therapist have extensive roles such as updating our products within the website to ensure clinical details are available for the Veteran’s clinical team to help them determine if a product fits the needs of the Veteran.

Our Occupational Therapists also research clinical equivalent substitutes to recommend for discontinued or extended back ordered products. Clinical product questions from customer service are flited to our Occupational Therapists to ensure accurate advice and questions are answered appropriately. Pisces can also provide product trainings and educational webinars to the VA that can be demonstrated by our Occupational Therapists.

Pisces is the largest distributor of medical and rehabilitation products. We stay up to date with the newest technologies on the market to meet the needs of your Veterans with the help from our Occupational Therapists.

When asking our Pisces team of Occupational Therapist what their favorite Pisces products are, they were excited to share the following with you:

Hayley DeCandia MS, OTR/L, CHT, Solutions Consultant

I have been an OT for 5 years with clinical experience in hand therapy treating various hand conditions post injury or operation through exercises, modalities and making custom hand braces.

I really like the music glove as an engaging product for helping with fine motor dexterity!
I used to use Fit Mi clinically and I like it for reaching/gross motor movements.
The Neater Arm Support ZERO is one of our best upper extremity products! I love that it can help restore independence for those post stroke, spinal cord injury, ALS, General upper extremity weakness due to deconditioning.

Colleen Garrison OTD, OTR/L, Solutions Consultant

I have been an OT for 4 years with clinical experience in advocating in the Pittsburg, PA community for individuals with disabilities, especially for Blind & Low Vision. I worked with a local nonprofit to help get some crosswalks downtown to have auditory and tactile cues for safety. I’ve always loved being an advocate for the disability’s community.

I LOVE the talking microwave & the pill planners. Especially the MedCenter one month talking pill planner! I like that it’s a one month supply, has a talking guide on how to set the alarm, and it has tactile cues for user feedback. These are so inclusive and versatile. Products like these really help to increase independence and overall quality of life!

Megan Shanahan MS, OTR/L, CLT, Solutions Consultant

I have been an OT for 9 years with clinical experience in acute care & outpatient, with specialties in burns, early mobility in the ICU, and lymphedema.

My favorite product is the Neater Arm Support Zero. From an OT perspective, a lot of my ADL sessions in acute care were hand-to-mouth treatments in regard to oral care or feeding, and the individual was able to complete the task if I stood or sat right next to them providing elbow support for gravity eliminated movements. The Neater Arm Support Zero takes away the need for a caregiver to physically be right there lifting the elbow, this device allows the individual to be more independent in their care.

Kallie Wray MS, OTR/L, Solutions Consultant

I have been an OT for 7 years with clinical experience with geriatrics in skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation. I worked with individuals post orthopedics procedures, surgeries, recovering post stroke or illness, as well as cardio-pulmonary dysfunction.

My favorite Pisces product(s) because I can't choose one: Neater Eater -- those demonstrations and set-ups have brought me to tears multiple times especially those who have been able to feed them self for the first time after 6 months of not being able to following a SCI.
The HandSteady Cup-- I always HATED giving an adult a sippy cup and having a dignity-based option to provide feels so good!
MedCline LP without question, It is just so soft, cozy and provides such great positioning! Personally, I want it in my house.

Amanda Vuocolo MS, OTR/L, Clinical Liaison

I have been an OT for 14 years with clinical experience in geriatrics and special needs adults. I have treated a vast array of conditions in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation both PM &R and SNF, community-based home care for geriatrics and special needs group homes. I have additional certifications in Fall Prevention and Dementia.

My favorite product is the SitnStand Compact Chair Lift Assist. It is a simple solution to help Veterans stand up from any siting surface whether at home or on the go. No more having a caregiver pulling on their arm to stand them up. This product maximizes safety and functional independence when sitting to/from standing with just a click of a button!
I have an extra- soft spot for the cognitively impaired and helping them embrace their daily lives safely and to be as independent as possible. Being in home care, home modifications were crucial in ensuring an individual’s safety and participation in daily life roles. The Automatic Stove/oven control can limit when the times when the oven is operable or to turn off the stove when no one is in the kitchen. Motion sensor night lights and toilet lights are great for minimizing falls at night, as well as door and window alarm can also be used on any “off-limit” areas and to alert caregivers.
I also really like the Quick Ship shower chair option for faster order fulfillment. This allows for the Veteran to get their shower chair timely and to sit comfortability while bathing and reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Jasmine Wilson COTA/L, Director of Sales Administration & Clinical Training

I have been a COTA for 14 years with clinical experience in geriatrics in long-term care, skilled nursing facilities and the neurological acute care setting. As a previous Director of Rehab, I recognize the importance for appropriate education for discharge planning and improving clinical outcomes with proper DME directly reduces re-hospitalization rates. I have also served on the MS Occupational Therapy Association Board as Public Relations Chair, as well as taught several CEU courses such as, OT Beyond Boundaries (2020); Professional IWalk Fitting Course and Certification (2020), Neuroplasticity: A repetitive & Consistent Approach (2019), Breaking the Clinical Barrier (2018). Now serving as Pisces Director of Sales Administration & Clinical Training.

My favorite product is probably the Neater Eater! I love the versatility of it! All of the little adjustments that I can tweak to make someone successful at mealtime! But also, I can use right out of the box! The switch is so easy and has pictures!
I also am very passionate about seating and positioning! Working in LTC, we really understood that poor seating and positioning posture not only limited functionality, it was a safety concern for pressure injuries! It's always a joy to help someone select their type of wheelchair and cushion and accessories fit all their clinical needs! The Drive's M3 wheelchair and the HydroGuard Gel-Foam cushion would be great products for our Veterans!

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), “Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on the things you want and need to do in your daily life. Occupational therapy intervention uses everyday life activities (occupations) to promote health, well-being, and your ability to participate in the important activities in your life.” Our large product offering and team of Occupational Therapist along with our entire Pisces team are here to do just that and more to serve those who have served us!