FAQ

What is UrAssist?
UrAssist is a non-invasive, pump-assisted urine collection device. It is an alternative to some catheters, urinals, diapers and bedpans for patients who have control over their bladders, or are under limited ambulation orders.

What are the benefits of pump-assisted technology?
The fluid pump drains the urine from the collection cup into the collection bag reducing unwanted moisture, spills, and leakage which can cause rashes, infections as well as frequently soiled bed linens.

How do health care institutions incorporate UrAssist into their facility?
UrAssist attaches to either side of hospital/facility bedrails. The device is portable and can easily be repositioned for patient care.

How do patients use UrAssist?
The patient urinates into a non-invasive collection cup. A fluid pump drains the urine from the collection cup through the tubing and into a collection bag.

How do caregivers use UrAssist?
The collection bag is visible with a fluid observation window to monitor patient output. Visual and audible alerts indicate when the collection bag is full and requires emptying. The bag is emptied easily by releasing a drain valve over the toilet.

Who is UrAssist for?
UrAssist is suitable for:

• Patients with limited mobility
• Post-operative surgery patients
• The elderly (ages 65+) with "urge incontinence" needs
• Spinal cord injury ("SCI") patients
• Disabled/chronic condition patients who are non- or partially ambulatory.

What does UrAssist weigh?
UrAssist measures about the size of a laptop and weighs approximately 5 lbs empty and 6 lbs when full.

How much urine does the collection bag hold?
UrAssist stores up to 1100 ml of urine.

What makes UrAssist a good solution for my facility?
UrAssist may minimize the risk of slip and fall accidents by eliminating the need for patients to get up to go to the bathroom. Patient satisfaction is improved and nursing personnel saves time as resources are maximized and patients can independently urinate without calling for assistance. UrAssist may reduce the risk of a urinary tract infections infection by decreasing reliance on catheterization.

What supplies are needed?
A cup/tubing assembly, and a collection bag.

What are the costs for supplies?
Approximately $12.00 MSRP for each set of supplies.

What are the monthly costs for supplies?
People can expect to pay approximately $30 per month for supplies.

What accessories does UrAssist come with?
UrAssist comes with a battery, quick charge adaptor, and carry case with handle and storage pockets.

How long does the battery last?
When charged it will go about 300 hours before needing recharging. It recharges in about 3 hours.

Is UrAssist cleared by the FDA?
Yes, UrAssist received its FDA 510(k) in October, 2006.

Can patients use UrAssist at home once they have been discharged?
UrAssist is available for the entire continuum of care offering solutions for people who are elderly, disabled and debilitated with limited mobility or bladder control issues.

What is the warranty?
UrAssist offers institutions a six month warranty.

Is UrAssist covered by Medicare?
UrAssist is not currently covered by Medicare. PMD intends to seek coverage in the spring of 2007 in accordance with Medicare's application requirements.

Is UrAssist covered by insurance companies?
UrAssist is not currently covered by insurance companies. PMD is currently in contact with a number of commercial insurers to pursue coverage.

How do I order UrAssist for my facility?
Please visit our Contact Us page to send us an e-mail or for the telephone number to access a distributor near you.

How will a hospital or nursing home be able to bill for the unit or replacement parts?
The care facilities would be paying for the devices and using them to decrease their costs under their capital billings per patient case. In some cases in skilled or assisted living centers, the patient may be responsible for insurance coverage on the unit.

Where will a care facility or individual be able to obtain replacement parts?
Supplies will be purchased from the hospital's dealer that sold them UrAssist. If the unit fails, it will be handled by PMD, with the dealer being kept informed during the process.

How does one know when it's time to replace parts?
The collection cup, tubing and drain bag will be replaced as determined by the hospital, or, between patients' (the average stay is 4.8 days).

How is the unit cleaned or sanitized by the institution?
The unit will be sanitized using standard hospital procedures. The disposable supplies will be replaced, and the bag can either be cleaned with a bio-cleanser, or replaced with a new one.

How will UrAssist save money for care facility? Is there a return on investment?
Comparing the cost of UrAssist to the amount of time per day a nurse tends to a patient's urine collection in a urinal multiplied by a nurse's hourly wage, UrAssist can be shown to pay for itself in about one week. One hospital recently claimed that up to 1.5 hours are spent emptying bedpans and urinals per nurse/per shift.