Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fall Risk Assessment & VNG Testing
- What’s the difference between ENG and VNG?
- How long does the procedure take? How soon can I get my results?
- Who can perform the procedure?
- How much space is needed to perform the procedure?
- Can you tell me about the training?
- Is the equipment portable from one office to another?
- What’s the next step in the evaluation process?
- Do you have a local rep who can demonstrate the equipment?
- Do you have any used equipment or promotional discounts?
- What is my per-patient cost for a study?
- What other diagnostic solutions do you offer?
- Is there on-site training and how long does it last?
- What happens if I don't have any experience in interpreting VNG Data?
- What are the differences between Balance+Plus and other VNG/ENG equipment?
- What can I earn providing Fall Risk Assessment and VNG testing?
- What are the differences between Balance+Plus and other VNG/ENG equipment?
- What does this equipment cost?
1. What's the difference between VNG and ENG?
Key Features |
VNG |
ENG |
Practical Implication |
|
|
|
|
Resolution |
Resolution of about 0.1°
|
Resolution of about 1°
|
VNG can measure smaller amplitude of eye movements. |
Type of Eye Movements |
Measures and displays horizontal and vertical eye movements; only displays torsional eye movements.
No major difference in the accuracy of horizontal and vertical eye movements. |
Measures horizontal and vertical positions but cannot measure or display torsional eye movements.
Vertical eye movements are usually noisy and contaminated by eye blinks. |
VNG can visualize torsional nystagmus.
Vertical tracings are cleaner and more accurate in VNG. |
Limitations |
Under certain circumstances, it may not be possible to test patients with ptosis and similar eye abnormalities.
Some patients do not tolerate wearing goggles. |
Cannot test patients with absent corneo-retinal potential.
Many older patients develop skin reaction to electrodes. |
Have both ENG and VNG, if you can afford it. However, ENG is needed in less than 5% of patients. So, if you can only afford one…get a Balance+Plus VNG System! |
Most Important Difference |
Allows direct visualization of eye movements, uses digital image processing to measure movements of the center of the pupil electrode-free. |
Indirectly measures eye movements, uses changes in corneo-retinal potentials from surface electrodes to measure eye position. |
VNG tracings are verifiable by direct visual inspection.
They are also cleaner and drift-free whereas ENG tracings can be noisier. |
2. How long does the procedure take? How soon can I get the results?
A study takes approximately 25–30 minutes to perform. Best of all, the results can be printed immediately.
Top
3. Who can perform the procedure?
A trained technician, a nurse, a medical assistant, or a physician may perform the procedure.
Top
4. How much space is needed to perform the procedure?
Testing can be performed in any average exam room or a hallway. When not in use, the system can simply be rolled out of the way.
Top
5. Can you tell me about the training?
The initial setup, training, and follow-up training are all on-site. Ongoing phone support will be readily available.
Top
6. Is the equipment portable from one office to another?
Yes! The equipment is portable. A custom metal case is available to ensure safe transport from office to office.
Top
7. What’s the next step in the evaluation process?
We can schedule a phone conference with you and Richard Gant. During that call, he’ll answer any questions you have and explain the Demo Site Doctor opportunity. If you decide to proceed, we can help with financing.
Top
8. Do you have a local rep who can demonstrate the equipment?
We have a small staff and market nationwide, so we’re usually not available for a simple demo in your office. In some areas, however, we do have Demo Sites, where a doctor with the equipment can provide a demonstration and answer your questions.
Top
9. Do you have any used equipment or promotional discounts?
Used units are rare, and none are currently available. You do have an opportunity, however, to get the BASIC Balance+Plus Fall Assessment System FREE! If you become a Demo Site for us in your area and are willing to demonstrate the unit to other doctors who are considering purchasing, we will not only give you a Fall Assessment System at no cost, but we will also give you our $10,000 marketing program to help explain the program and attract new patients.
Top
10. What’s my per-patient cost for a study/test?
The cost per patient is negligible for prep wipes, paper, and other incidentals.
Top
11. What are the CPT Codes for this equipment?
The CPT Codes for the Fall Assessment System are either 92548 or 97750. In some areas, Medicare doesn’t honor 92548, but 97750 can be used. The CPT codes for the VNG System are 92541, 92542, 92544, 92545, and 92546. (For more details...)
Top
12. Is on-site training available, and how long does it last?
Training usually takes one-to-three days (depending on which Equipment you get) and is very comprehensive. (For more details...)
Top
13. What happens if I don’t have any experience in interpreting VNG Data? How will I learn this, and how long does it take?
A board-certified neurologist experienced in VNG interpretation will perform overreads and assist you in learning to interpret the VNG data. This generally takes about 30 days. Additionally, we have a comprehensive VNG interpretation PowerPoint presentation you can use. Lastly, for a nominal fee, our neurologist can perform ongoing interpretations for you.
Top
14. What are the differences between Balance+Plus and other VNG/ENG equipment?
Core Technology Differentiators:
Testing Differentiators:
Support / Training Differentiators:
Synopsis:
No other product or provider can match the level of service that Innovative Healthcare offers. A few “recent entries” into the market have begun selling “hardware,” promising lower prices but offer little support. The Balance+Plus program combines the best tools and proven protocols to deliver positive outcomes.
Top
15. What can I earn providing Fall Risk Assessment and VNG testing?
Your potential income depends on the needs of your patients. Based on national statistics, if you have a significant number of older patients who are at a high risk of falling, then your income could be substantial. It is most important to remember, however, that you are doing them and our insurance companies a great service by detecting a patient’s propensity for falling BEFORE they have an accident.
Top
16. What does this equipment cost?
Occasionally, doctors and practices talk with people who claim to have better equipment and better marketing or new or used equipment at a cheaper price. We know we have the best equipment, the best marketing support, and the best price (not to mention our Demo Site Program)! To back up this statement, we have a written guarantee that we give doctors who are considering purchasing fall assessment and treatment equipment to treat dizziness, vertigo, and other fall-risk problems.
If you look at the statistics related to falls and balance problems, there is no question that the service you are providing is not only necessary but also vital to the health and well-being of your patients. If you are concerned about the potential rewards of providing these services, click here to see an average projection of potential income.
[ Back ]