“My recommendation is always to think through the healthcare experience through the eyes of the patient.”
August Boehnlein, marketing manager with Midmark Corporation’s medical division, brings an unexpected path to that work: He studied pre-med at the University of Dayton and interned with Midmark’s clinical affairs group before pursuing a career in healthcare marketing.
In this conversation with Daniel Williams, senior editor and host of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Boehnlein examines how medical practices can extend accessibility across the full patient experience, from entering the facility to transferring onto exam or procedure equipment. He also discusses evolving federal requirements for medical diagnostic equipment and practical steps practice leaders can take to identify accessibility gaps.
Top Three Takeaways
- Evaluate accessibility from the patient’s point of view
A patient may be able to enter a building and reach an exam room but still encounter an inaccessible exam table or procedure chair. Boehnlein encourages practice leaders to examine the entire visit through the eyes of a patient who uses a wheelchair, including whether the patient can move through the room, approach the equipment and transfer safely. This broader view can reveal barriers that a building-focused accessibility review may overlook. - Know what makes medical equipment accessible
Accessibility involves more than purchasing an exam chair that can move up and down. Boehnlein highlights five considerations for accessible exam and procedure equipment: seat height, transfer surface, base clearance, transfer supports and leg supports. He also explains that exam chairs and procedure chairs serve different purposes. Procedure chairs generally offer more advanced positioning options, but both types of equipment must accommodate patients with disabilities when used in their respective settings. Because federal requirements can vary by organization and funding source, Boehnlein recommends that practice leaders work with legal counsel to understand how the rules apply to their facilities. - Start with an inventory, not assumptions
Before replacing equipment, practice leaders need a clear picture of what is already in each facility and exam room. Boehnlein recommends documenting existing equipment, identifying which rooms are accessible or compliant and locating gaps that require action. Establishing this baseline can help an organization prioritize purchases, plan replacements and make accessibility part of its broader equipment strategy rather than treating it as a one-time project.
Resources
- Connect with August Boehnlein on LinkedIn
- Midmark Medical
- Midmark Examination Chairs
- U.S. Access Board
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services - Discrimination on the Basis of Disability
- MGMA DataDive Financials and Operations Data
MGMA Members: Would like to appear on an episode? Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts!
Sponsor
Founded in 1915, Midmark Corporation is the only company transforming healthcare experiences through innovative design within the medical, dental and veterinary environments. With a deep understanding of the healthcare environment, Midmark helps physicians and care teams deliver exceptional patient care through seamless room design, better equipment, smarter workflows and integrated technologies. Midmark can help improve clinical outcomes and eliminate the barriers preventing seamless, well-coordinated patient care. For more information, visit: midmark.com/medical.
