For a general family practice what are the basic features that need to be considered with a medical exam table?
A general practice requires an examination table that can be used for a variety of different patients. A standard examination table is a good option as it is flexible and practical, designed to withstand years of use. However, for patient comfort and for ease of examination it may not offer all the position options necessary. A table that allows for backrest adjustment from the level to various incline positions is often considered a must in general practice exam rooms. This backrest positioning can be done with power systems or through a gas-spring type of mechanism.

In addition to being able to position the patient on the table having standard storage in the medical exam table base is also advantageous. This allows the doctor and staff to have immediate access to frequently used supplies and small equipment. Tables may be designed with drawers that open to the left or right side or some tables have drawers that can open either direction. In addition a paper dispenser and cutter that is mounted to the frame is both a time and energy saver between patients.
When practices include patients of all ages and health issues a hi-low examination table is very practical. This allows the table to be lowered to a standard chair height for patients with mobility problems to easy seat themselves on the table with minimal need for assistance. The table is then raised to the appropriate height to conduct the examination.

I see children in my practice and find an standard medical exam table is just too overwhelming for the kids. What options do I have for something more child friendly?
A pediatric table is designed to be very child friendly. These smaller sized versions have all the features that you would expect in an full sized table including paper roll holders, options for power lift features as well as storage within the base. However, unlike those standard models the tables designed for children often have a theme. This can be coordinated to match the décor of the office for very appealing look to the room.

Infant and toddle sized options will often offer a built in scale on the table. This is a space and time saver as everything needed for the medical chart can be completed right on the same table.

Are there options to build in patient comfort while on the medical exam table?
Depending on the model of medical exam table there are several different patient comfort features that may be offered. The ability to incline the backrest and position the leg rest or stirrups to the physical size of the patient provides immediate comfort. Patients also appreciate the upholstered and padded table tops that are designed to minimize the pressure on the back, shoulders and hips when on the table for longer periods of time.

Additional pillows and neck supports are offered on some models of tables. Arm rests, safety rails and IV pole attachments that re easily added to the frame of the table can be essential in keeping patients secure. The IV pole attachment prevents the need for additional equipment in the room, providing staff with additional space to move about with ease.

For OB/GYN examinations or other types of procedures some tables may also offer a warming drawer. This allows medical equipment to be kept at above room temperature to prevent shock and discomfort when it comes into contact with the patient. This little additional feature can make all the difference in the world to customer satisfaction while in the examination room.

I have a very small examination room in my practice and need medical exam tables that are space saving. What options should I consider?
Many examination rooms are small and designed to hold only the basic in equipment and supplies. Since medical exam tables may be the largest item in the room finding space saving options is essential. There are several different options to consider that can be ideal as general use tables even in limited space. One option is an adjustable length table. These are typically designed to have the head and footrest fold down, leaving just the middle section flat as the top of the table. This provides a wide range of position and options for using the table during examinations and treatments. They may or may not have the option to position the backrest to an inclined position rather than the flat position.

Many of these styles of tables are open and designed with an H-brace structure for support and safety. Other options may include a cabinet under the center section of the table that can add to storage space in the room. These cabinets have adjustable shelves for individual configuration. In addition these cabinets can be locked to prevent access to the contents by unauthorized individuals.
A chair style option is also space saving. These models are often hi-lo options, providing easy access to the chair by the patient. Once seated the entire chair is lifted and then the back reclined into the desired examination position. Leg rests and stirrups are recessed into the base of the chair and can be extended as needed.

Are there any eco-friendly medical exam tables on the market and what makes them "greener" than standard tables?More and more facilities are moving towards LEED certification and becoming more environmentally friendly. There are medical exam tables that provide eco-friendly styles and features. Wood construction is a key element which provides a warm look to the room and, with different colors of coverings, can coordinate with any décor. However the hardwood legs and frame also means that the table can be recycled and does not contain any plastics or PVCs. Natural stain and wood colors also means that there is no paint used in the manufacturing of the frame. If the frame is painted or laminated the materials used are lead free and all upholstery is fully PVC-free.
Eco-friendly medical exam tables can have a full cabinet as well. They can include 100% recyclable metal components for all hardware used in the construction of medical exam tables. In addition all wood on the table, including the laminated panels can be manufactured with no added urea-formaldehyde. These options are typically very cost effective and highly comparable to traditional styles of tables on the market.

What is the difference between medical exam chairs and examination tables and which is best?
The term examination chair is often used to describe hi-lo medical examination tables that can be placed in the upright or chair position for patient examinations. These tables are very practical in all types of settings since they are compact yet offer more positioning options than a standard table. There are different models that are designed for bariatric patients, patients transferring in and out of wheelchairs and patients with mobility problems. Since the table top or seat can be lowered and raised to the right level, patient comfort and safety is maximized.

Other option in chairs can include specialized equipment. Podiatry chairs with additional support for legs and feet combined with power backrest and tilt allow the patient to be placed in the correct position for any procedure. This allows the patient to remain in the seated and reclined position while the foot is at a level that is comfortable for the medical staff. Longer procedures are made much easier on all involved when this position option is possible.

Do power examination tables take up a lot of room in the examination room and how can this be handled in smaller clinics?

Power examination tables take up less room than standard examination tables since they can be kept in the upright seat or chair position when not in use. This also allows patients to feel comfortable in stepping into and out of the power table since there is no step up or stool that is required to get on and off of the table. The measurements of the table when in the upright position will vary slightly depending on the model but it is typically less than 60 inches, which extends to 70 inches or more when the foot rest is extended and the table is in the supine position.

This makes storing and using the power exam table easier than a traditional medical table in any size setting or examination room. For specializations such as podiatry, OB/GYN, orthopedics or geriatrics these tables are a great addition to any patient exam or consultation room. 

What is the typical range of motion and positions on power examination tables?

Most power examination tables will provide for a range of options in positioning of the backrest and the leg rest independent of each other. This allows the medical staff to place the patient exactly as needed for ease of examination or treatment. Height of the table can range from 19 inches up to 35 inches for patient safety and comfort getting on and off. The leg section can positioned to allow the patient's legs to sit at a 90 degree angle over the edge, or the leg rest can actually be elevated up to 10 degrees on some models. The backrest typically can be positioned between 0 and 75 degrees, with some variation in the elevation based on the specific model. The additional stirrups will extend out from the lower sides of the table frame providing a full range of positioning of the patient's legs as required.

What additional features come on most types of models of power examination tables?

Depending on the specific model of power exam table that you select there will be different features offered. Usually the more deluxe models offer the greatest range of features and surprisingly these tables are usually not much more than the middle range tables in price. You can also shop around and find many of the deluxe models on sale at some of the best medical supply companies online, which really helps to stretch your medical equipment budget.

Some of the features that are found on the more deluxe models of chairs include specialized foot controls that allow hands-free movement of the chair up and down. The backrest may also be fully pneumonic to provide a very smooth, natural movement to raise and lower the table backrest up to 75 degrees and back down to horizontal. Features on a power examination table may also include built in storage drawers, concealed stirrups and the option of drawers and controls on either the right or left hand side, depending on the doctor's preference and room set-up.