Exam tables are employed by a wide range of medical and therapy practices around the world, facilitating simpler and more efficient medical exams for the practitioner, while helping patients to feel more comfortable and at ease as well. They generally come in many colors to suit specific office décor.
Need help deciding? The Top 5 Medical Examination and Treatment Tables
Related Articles and/or Buying Guides: Introduction
As one of the most important components of a medical examination room, exam tables or medical office exam tables are used to comfortably support patients during medical exams or treatments. Used in hospitals and medical clinics of all kinds, this common piece of a healthcare professional's office décor will definitely be the one that patients remember most. The medical exam table is what patients see first when they arrive, and where they will spend a large part of their time during the appointment. Their primary function serves to support patients in side-lying, supine or prone positions. A well-chosen exam table enables the physician to closely examine the patient, sometimes with the help of adjustable features to position patients more effectively or to help them to get on and off the table safely and easily.
How to Choose the Best Medical Exam Table for Your Professional Health Practice
Available in a multitude of sizes, styles and configurations, medical exam tables offer a wonderful range of choices, making it easy to find just the right table you've been looking for. Because manufacturers often design exam tables based on the real life diagnostic needs and convenience of the medical professionals who will be using them, most treatment tables support a vast array of diagnostic activities, clinical indications and diverse patient populations. Whether you need it for an office, clinic or hospital, considerations include the determination of specific features or functions to make your patients the most comfortable, while they also help you to better perform examinations and treatments.
If your patients include wheelchair-bound and/or disabled individuals, the common 32-inch high exam table most typically used by doctor's offices will probably not suffice. Independent transfer is very difficult at this fixed height and virtually impossible for patients in wheelchairs, so be sure to choose an exam table that is accessible for all users.
While there are many variables, the basic exam table types include standard flat exam tables, Eco-friendly exam tables, Hi-Lo exam tables and combination tables that have removable or adjustable pieces. There are also specially designed pediatric medical exam tables for younger patients, and bariatric exam tables for larger patients.
Standard/Eco-Friendly Medical Exam Tables
Simple and traditional, the standard flat exam table accommodates a wide range of modalities and patients, and can often include cabinets for extra storage capability. Sturdy and durable, these standard tables are built to hold up to the toughest use in any busy health practice. Eco-friendly options on this popular design are gaining more of a foothold in the medical community as well. Typically constructed using more sustainable hardwoods and environmentally-aware processing, Eco-friendly exam tables encourage a healthier office environment, adding warmth to the space. Standard and Eco-friendly flat exam tables come in various sizes to accommodate bariatric patients, too.
Hi-Lo Medical Exam Tables
Powered exam tables like Hi-Lo models are a great choice for any type of healthcare practice. Offering the utmost in adjustability, Hi-Lo exam tables enable the patient to be moved to a sitting position and then reclined, safely making these changes all with a simple flick of a switch. They are a great choice for elderly or disabled patients, making it easier and safer for them to transfer in and out of wheelchairs directly to and from the exam table. Many Hi-Lo designs include cabinets and drawers to save space in smaller exam rooms. Bariatric models are also available for larger individuals.
Combination Medical Exam Tables
Perfect for both exam and treatment options, the combination exam table features removable and/or foldable headrests and footrests, converting from an exam table to a treatment table quickly and easily. Offering superior function and performance, these exam tables are generally extremely durable and specifically designed for heavy use in any busy practice. Many models also highlight cabinet and drawer combinations for extra storage space, including open storage areas and locking cabinets. Various sizes and configurations additionally accommodate bariatric patients safely and comfortably.
Pediatric Medical Exam Tables
Featuring some of the most delightful designs on the planet, pediatric medical exam tables are often configured in the shapes of animals, trains, cars and other child-friendly formations to help younger patients feel more secure in a doctor's office or hospital medical examination room. Other designs include standard flat tables that feature built-in scales for weighing infants more securely and simply, and decorated models to engage youngsters as they are examined. Pediatric exam tables are specially designed to make the exam less scary, cultivating a much nicer experience for the child, the parents and the medical staff.
Rehabmart is pleased to offer a carefully selected collection of superior quality medical exam tables from such respected manufacturers as Oakworks Medical, Brewer, Clinton Industries, Bailey Manufacturing Company, Pivotal Health Solutions, Hausmann Industries and Pedia Pals.
Mike Price, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CTO
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