Now that you’ve been prescribed a hydrophilic catheter, you need to research the best place to get them. Hydrophilic catheters are pre-lubricated and provide an optimum level of moisture to reduce pain and discomfort. While many catheters make this claim, not all catheters are created equally. Similarly, not all suppliers offer the same benefits. You want to consider ease of ordering and availability of products, customer support, and patient education. Here are our picks for the top four best sources for Hydrophilic catheters.
Top Four Best Sources for Hydrophilic Catheters
- Convatec
- 180 Medical
- Liberator Medical
- Walmart
Convatec
Convatec is an international company specializing in medical products. It is a market leader in incontinence care. With over 9,000 employees in over 100 countries, Convatec has the capability to provide world-class service and support. The company’s website offers patient education on how to use the products as well as a U.S customer support center. The website is user-friendly, however, neither ordering options nor pricing is available online. Convatec catheters are not available directly to consumers. Ask your prescribing physician for Convatec products.
Highlights
- Can’t be ordered direct by consumers
- Offers a full range of products
- Available in over 100 countries
- Has excellent online education and patient support
180 Medical
180 Medical is a U.S based company headquartered in Oklahoma. The company exclusively focuses on catheters and catheter supplies. 180 Medical’s website is user-friendly and products are easily found. However, to place an initial order, you must speak with a patient care representative. The representative will work with you to determine insurance coverage if any and to help you select the right product. They will bill your insurance company for the products you choose. 180 Medical offers free shipping and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Product information is readily available and patient specialists are available from 8 AM to 7 PM M-Th and 8 AM to 5 PM Friday.
Highlights
- Can be ordered online
- Offers a full range of products
- Has excellent online education and patient support
- Offers free shipping and insurance billing
- Has a liberal return and satisfaction policy
Liberator Medical
Liberator Medical is a direct-to-consumer catheter supply company. They offer a full range of products and catheter brands. Headquartered in Stuart, Fl, Liberator Medical is said to be one of the country’s fastest-growing medical supply companies. Ordering is done through customer care specialists who will assist you with selecting the right product and determining insurance coverage. The company provides free shipping on any private insurance or Medicaid and Medicare orders. Customers can order free samples, and the site has a great feature that enables customer service to call you if you simply click a button. Patient education isn’t as easy to find on the site as with other sites. However, if you scroll to the bottom of the page, you will find catheter blogs as well as information on incontinence. As seen on TV patient commercials are available for viewing on the site.
Highlights
- Ordering is done with customer care specialists
- Offers free shipping
- Offers most major brands of hydrophilic catheters
- Provides decent patient education
- Free insurance billing
Walmart
It has been said that everything under the sun can be found at Walmart. For lower-cost options and if you don’t need patient education, insurance billing or customer service, Walmart is an alternative that should be considered. This option is likely best for customers who already know the brand and type of hydrophilic catheter to purchase. Customers who are long-term catheter users may find the simplicity of ordering from Walmart.com advantageous. Shipping is free and products are shipped directly from the manufacturer or other medical supply company. The benefits of the mega-store’s purchasing power is reflected in the price of the catheters. Medical supply companies may require case quantities but Walmart offers prices for individual catheters.
Highlights
- Free shipping
- No expert online support
- Lower prices
Conclusion
When shopping for hydrophilic catheters, finding quality products at great prices are a top priority, and different companies offer different benefits when ordering through them. These top four sources for hydrophilic catheters offer great products at reasonable prices, along with excellent customer service and other benefits.