What to charge for a Bodygem test?

I get this question all the time from independent dietitians and personal trainers. How much can I charge for the Bodygem test? Most owners of the Bodygem are charging anywhere from $50 up to $100 for the evaluation with the average being $60-$80. This is a very fair charge for an evaluation that often provides a valuable starting point for any weight management program. On a purchase of a Bodygem 40, a charge of $60 would have the unit paid for in only fifteen tests with the rest being profit. Why send your clients to other practitioners when you can be making the profit yourself??!!

Microlife Bodygem vs. Korr Metachek

As an independent distributor, I am fortunate to be able to have a choice in the companies that I represent. I had the opportunity to become a Korr distributor and after great consideration I am pleased to be a Microlife distributor. The following are some differences between the Bodygem and Metachek:

The Metachek has only been validated internally while the Bodygem has been both internally and externally validated.

The Metachek has a filter that is on the actual device and it's recommended to be changed every 100 tests. The Bodygem uses mouthpieces that have their own filter.

The O2 sensors on the Metachek should be replaced annually. The O2 sensors on the Bodygem come with a 2 year warranty and the unit is valid for up to 1000 tests.

The Metachek can take up to 18 minutes to complete a test. The Bodygem will take as little as 5 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes.

The Metachek has its own special printer for their printout. The Bodygem uses Analyzer software that is compatible with any PC.

The Metachek must be connected to their cart and printer. The Bodygem is totally portable and comes with its own carrying case.

Resting Metabolic Rate Measurement vs. Estimation

The Harris Benedict Equation for calculating BMR was developed in 1919. These equations don't factor in variables like thyroid and hormonal problems, body composition, supplementation and medications that may affect resting metabolism. Several years ago I tested two dietitians with the Medgem RMR Analzyer. They were the same height (5' 4") and same weight (115 lbs.) The difference was that one was an avid exerciser and the other was a light exerciser. There was a difference of 400 calories in their resting metabolic rate!

Let's look at this a bit further. Let's say you are a dietitian and you have two clients that both weigh 160 lbs, and are both 5'3". They both want to lose 40 pounds.  how do you know where to start them in terms of caloric intake. Perhaps you put them both on a 1400 calorie diet. Without knowing their resting metabolic rate, you might as well throw darts at a board with numbers. This is especially true if their respective metabolisms are off by 300 calories!

This is the most compelling reason for professionals to invest in the Medgem RMR Analyzer of Bodygem RMR Analyzer. With the respective Medgem Analyzer Software program and affordable Bodygem Analyzer Software program, we can leave the calculations to the early 1900's!

Bodygem 40 vs. Bodygem System Kit

One of the great things about representing the Microlife Bodygem product is the choices that the company provides for the end user. While the company has strong research behind the product, many new business owners may not be sure about investing in it. The Bodygem 40 gives the small independent business owner an affordable way to try the unit without breaking the bank. The unit comes with the capability of performing 40 tests (plus two bonus tests with the initial unit). Included in the price is Bodygem Analyzer Software, marketing materials, carrying case, power supply, two boxes of Microlife mouthpieces and an implementation CD. When you have completed the 40 tests, the unit is expired. At that time you may purchase a Bodygem 40 reorder kit. This new unit will allow the user to perform another 40 tests and will come with two boxes of Microlife mouthpieces. The price for the Bodygem 40 reorder kits will be $100 less than the original purchase of the Bodygem 40.

If the end user is confident that they will test 15-20 people per month, we would recommend a purchase of the Bodygem System Kit. This unit includes one box of mouthpieces, Bodygem Analyzer software, marketing materials, carrying case, power supply and an implementation CD. After the first box of mouthpieces are used, the end user can purchase 2 boxes of mouthpieces and get the third box free. The cost per test on the Bodygem System Kit is lower than the Bodygem 40.

For additional information, contact Health & Fitness Network at (800) SHEDFAT.

Bodygem vs. Medgem..Which is right for your business?

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Many people contact our company asking for the Medgem RMR Analyzer  when the Bodygem RMR Analyzer might be the more appropriate of the two. The following is a breakdown of the differences between the two products:

1. The Medgem is an FDA approved medical registered device that provides you both the resting metabolic rate (rmr) and oxygen uptake (O2) numerically. This product must be purchased if you are planning to attempt CPT code insurance reimbursement.

2. The Bodygem will provide the identical resting metabolic rate number as the Medgem but will not provide the oxygen uptake numerically.

Both the Medgem and Bodygem can be purchased as a pre-loaded unit with a fixed number of tests built in (40 plus 2 bonus tests). The Medgem 40 and the Bodygem 40 are the choices to make if you are expecting low volume or are not sure of your expected volume. These units come with 2 boxes of mouthpieces (21/box), Analyzer software, marketing materials and implementation CD. When you have peformed 42 tests, you may purchase either a Medgem 40 reorder kit or Bodygem 40 reorder kit. These reorder kits come with a new unit with 40 tests pre-loaded and two boxes of mouthpieces.

If you are confident that your volume will be at least 15-20 tests/month, we would recommend the system kits or the WatchWt Medgem Solutions Kit. The difference between the "Solutions Kit" and the "System Kit" is that the Solutions Kit comes with a turn key detailed implementation program and CD. This program is geared toward the medical doctor who wants to implement a weight loss clinic but doesn't have the "tools" to do it. If you already have a program that you are ready to implement but are just looking for the analyzer and its accompanying software, we would recommend the System Kit.

Please note that when you purchase the System Kit or the Solutions kit, your initial purchase comes with one box of mouthpieces to get you started. You then purchase mouthpieces separately on a "buy two boxes, get one free" program.

Please feel free to ask us any questions directly at 800-743-3328 or e-mail us at harveyharris@healthfitnet.com. We have units in stock ready for immediate shipment. Thank you and we look forward to doing business with you soon.

The Physician's Role in Weight Management

Patients, Physicians, and Weight Loss.

 

According to the National Commission for Quality Assurance (NCQA), physicians should screen overweight or obese patients using the body mass index (BMI) scale. This screening is generally completed with a simple wall chart or electronic medial record (EMR) system within most physician practices. However, even if physicians do screen a patient's BMI, most practices do little with this information.

Common practice is to advise the patient to lose weight.  Considering nearly 65% of adults are over weight 33% are obese, only 12% of patients are advised to lose weight. 

 

 When a patient is advised to lose weight, often the physician provides closed-ended messages.

• You need to exercise more.

• Stop eating at fast-food restaurants.

• Reduce your calories.

Although the advice is correct, is this really helpful? How can the physician provide a more specific plan for a patient's weight management needs? The use of indirect calorimetry using a device like the Medgem Resting Metabolic Rate Analyzer can be an effective tool in establishing a patient's caloric needs. Contact Health & Fitness Network at 800-743-3328 for more information on this product.

Generic Mouthpieces for Bodygem/Medgem?

Recently there was a company on the web who was trying to market generic mouthpieces for the Bodygem and Medgem Indirect calorimeters. They were also claiming to be authorized distributors for the Bodygem and Medgem.  Microlife Home Medical Solutions, the manufacturer of the Bodygem and Medgem was successful at getting this company to shut down its website. What makes the Microlife mouthpiece unique is the microbial filter built into each mouthpiece. Contact Health & Fitness Network for the efficacy document on the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is intended for use one time. 

Cholestech hsCRP announcement

Health & Fitness Network is sorry to announce that Alere, the manufacturer of the Cholestech LDX is discontinuing its hsCRP product. There are no plans for the manufacturer to renew this product at a future date.

We still have access to hsCRP testing through dried blood spot testing. Call us for details.

Harvey

Mouthpiece Sale

Health & Fitness Network is pleased to offer a "buy two box" get one free for Medgem and Bodygem mouthpieces. 

Harvey Harris