In the healthcare industry, vital signs monitors and patient monitors are popular medical monitors. Both are required for practitioners to assess patients' general health and track medical issues.
When looking to buy for your medical business, there are some important differences to consider. In this article, we'll dissect both machines and help you determine which one is ideal for you.
What is a Vital Signs Monitor?
Vital Sign Monitors reliably and efficiently measure a patient's basic vitals. Pulse rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature are among them. Medical practitioners use vital signs monitor data to make a clear diagnosis, and prescribe medicine or treatment. [1]
- Parameters include: PR, NIBP, SPO2, Temp
- Commonly Used in: Doctor's Offices, Hospitals, Small Clinics
- Key Features: Bright & Visible Display, AC/DC, Powered with battery options, Portability, Rolling Stand & Wall Mount Capabilities, Built-In Printer
- Price range: $800-$3000
A simple vital signs monitor with NIBP and SpO2 will cost between $800 and $1795. That is, depending on the brand, age, and technological capabilities. If your facility requires tympanic or oral temperature, the price will rise by $200 to $800. That is, your average price will be between $1,095 and $2295. If your hospital requires extra features, it is recommended that you purchase a patient monitor instead.
What is a Patient Monitoring Device?
Patient monitoring devices, commonly known as Multi-Parameter Patient Monitors, track more than just vital signs. They can also capture ECG, ETCO2, SPO2, EMG, IBP, and other parameters. Their principal application is patient monitoring for those difficult and unpredictable medical needs. Patient Monitors are more adaptable than Vital Sign Monitors, but they are also more difficult to use and more expensive. [2]
- Parameters include: End-Tidal CO2, Pulse Oximetry, ECG, EMG, IBP
- Commonly Used In: Emergency/Operating Rooms, ICU, Paramedic Units & Urgent Care Facilities
- Key Features: Audible/Visual Alarms for Irregular Trends, LED Displays, EMR Connectivity, Data Storage Capabilities, Dual Temp Probe Options
- Price Range: $1,200-$6,000
WiFi (wireless data transmission), touchscreen, and CMS software for numerous rooms or monitors are some prominent available features. However, each of these capabilities will raise the price of your patient monitor.
Adding WiFi to your patient monitor can cost between $100 and $300. So, if you require a touchscreen for your patient monitor, it will cost an additional $100 - $300 or more. Finally, adding a CMS (Central Monitoring Station) will significantly raise your pricing, although, in most circumstances, a CMS is not required. If you require a CMS, plan to pay an additional $5,000 to $10,000.
All in One
If you or your facility is considering which of the two to buy, especially when you need both of the features that vital sign monitoring and patient monitoring devices have. Well, you won't have to; you can get the best of both worlds with ViSi Mobile!
FDA-approved ViSi Mobile records continuous non-invasive blood pressure, SPO2, heart rate, pulse rate, respiration rate, skin temperature, ECG, posture, arrhythmias, and even fall detection. ViSi Mobile increases patient safety by recognizing patient deterioration using machine learning from millions of hours of patient data while minimizing alarm burden and optimizing clinical efficiency. [3]
You can have a wireless, accessible, and portable complete electronic health record of your patients using ViSi Mobile.
Sources:
- https://www.venturemedical.com/blog/vital-signs-patient-monitors/
- https://www.cardiacdirect.com/vital-signs-monitor-vs-patient-monitor/#1635267957067-37e9195f-f0de
- https://cadi.com.sg/2014/11/28/sotera-visi-mobile-facilitates-timely-interventions-in-singapore-hospitals/