FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Back^

Catheters - Frequently Asked Questions

How does one know if the catheter has entered the bladder? Back^

A clear indication of this is that your urine will start flowing out of the catheter. A caution here is that once urine starts to flow out it will not stop until the bladder is completely empty. When the urine stops flowing out, it is indicative that the catheter should be removed, unless it is a long term use catheter. Care should be taken however, to not over-insert a catheter. It is rare but not unheard of..

How should a catheter be cleaned and sterilized? Back^

As mentioned above, catheters are either disposable or reusable. Disposable catheters are for single time use only and should not be reused.  Reusable catheters on the other hand do not require being sterile. All you need to do is to clean them with water and a little soap. After this, if possible rinse them with ordinary rubbing alcohol and leave them to dry.

What does it feel like after I have removed the catheter? Back^

There may be a slight residual urge that will quickly pass. There might be a slight burning sensation. The first time you urinate after having used a catheter there might be a brief mild burning sensation. With time and practice you will feel nothing unusual and catheter use will become a non-event.

Where can I find out more about catheters? Back^

Ask your doctor or call us for a personal consultation. 

How do I find a doctor who will prescribe catheters? Back^

Talk to your primary doctor or call around to various urologists in your community. It seems that about 50% of the urologists will readily agree to teach you how to use catheters and the other 50% will adamantly refuse to help you. So call around before making an appointment. Ask to speak with the nurse. Explain that you will want to be taught how to do intermittent self-catheterization. Ask if the doctor is likely to agree to teach that to you. Do not agree to any expensive tests until you obtain a commitment that you will be taught how to use catheters.

How much practice does it take to properly use catheters? Back^

It all depends on you. Some people are more squeamish than others or more sensitive internally. We recommend that you practice at home a few times before going out into situations where you may need the catheter. But if you or your assistant miss the urethra with a smooth insert, please start over with a fresh catheter to minimize chance of UTI.

How often can I use catheters? Back^

Most people use them infrequently, as an emergency aid when they cannot find a place where they can empty their bladder. Usually, catheters might be used once or twice during a trip, visit, or event. It is OK to use them more regularly.

How to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections? Back^

Yes, there is an infection risk. But, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Men can use disposable iodine or other disinfectant wipes to cleanse the glans penis before inserting the catheter, and perhaps wear disposable sterile gloves. Drink plenty of fluids at the first opportunity after using a catheter, when you know you will be able to safely use a toilet. Empty your bladder frequently. Perhaps drink especially cranberry juice. Perhaps take cranberry pills that are sold over the counter.

There are both over the counter and prescription medicines that can help prevent infections or treat infections. Usually it is not necessary to take these though it is a good idea to have them on hand. Your physician can help you decide what to use.

What is the duration of emptying a bladder with a catheter? Back^

This estimate depends upon how large the diameter of the catheter being used is. Going by usual standards, a few seconds to a maximum of a minute is normal. In fact, catheter insertion (including lubrication) also takes only a minute or less.

HIPAA NOTIFICATION Back^

HIPAA NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
As required by the Privacy Regulations Promulgated Pursuant to the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
Donaco Medical Supply LLC
Marietta, Georgia
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND
DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT
CAREFULLY.
This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how we may use and disclose your protected health information
(PHI) to carry out treatment, payment or health care operations (TPO) and for other purposes that are
permitted or required by law. It also describes your rights to access and control your protected health
information. “Protected health information” is information about you, including demographic information,
that may identify you and that relates to your past, present or future physical or mental health or condition
and related health care services.
Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information: Your protected health information may be used
and disclosed by our organization, our office staff and others outside of our office that are involved in your
care and treatment for the purpose of providing health care services to you, to pay your health care bills, to
support the operation of the organization, and any other use required by law.
Treatment: We will use and disclose your protected health information to provide, coordinate, or manage
your health care and any related services. This includes the coordination or management of your health
care with a third party. For example, we would disclose your protected health information, as necessary, to
a home health agency that provides care to you. For example, your protected health information may be
provided to a physician to whom you have been referred to ensure that the physician has the necessary
information to diagnose or treat you.
Payment: Your protected health information will be used, as needed, to obtain payment for your health
care services. For example, obtaining approval for equipment or supplies coverage may require that your
relevant protected health information be disclosed to the health plan to obtain approval for coverage.
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support the business activities of our organization. These activities include, but are not limited to, quality
assessment activities, employee review activities, accreditation activities, and conducting or arranging for
other business activities. For example, we may disclose your protected health information to accrediting
agencies as part of an accreditation survey. We may also call you by name while you are at our facility. We
may use or disclose your protected health information, as necessary, to contact you to check the status of
your equipment.
We may use or disclose your protected health information in the following situations without your
authorization. These situations include: as Required By Law, Public Health issues as required by law,
Communicable Diseases, Health Oversight, Abuse or Neglect, Food and Drug Administration requirements,
Legal Proceedings, Law Enforcement, Criminal Activity, inmates, Military Activity, National Security, and
Workers’ Compensation. Required Uses and Disclosures: Under the law, we must make disclosures to you
and when required by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate or
determine our compliance with the requirements of Section 164.500.
Other permitted and required uses and disclosures will be made only with your consent, authorization or
opportunity to object unless required by law.
You may revoke this authorization, at any time, in writing, except to the extent that your physician or this
organization has taken an action in reliance on the use or disclosure indicated in the authorization.
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You have the right to inspect and copy your protected health information. Under federal law, however,
you may not inspect or copy the following records; psychotherapy notes; information compiled in reasonable
anticipation of, or use in, a civil, criminal, or administrative action or proceeding, and protected health
information that is subject to law that prohibits access to protected health information.
You have the right to request a restriction of your protected health information. This means you may
ask us not to use or disclose any part of your protected health information for the purposes of treatment,
payment or healthcare operations. You may also request that any part of your protected health information
not be disclosed to family members pr friends who may be involved in your care or for notification purposes
as described in this Notice of Privacy Practices. Your request must state the specific restriction requested
and to whom you want the restriction to apply.
Our organization is not required to agree to a restriction that you may request. If our organization believes
it is in your best interest to permit use and disclosure of your protected health information, your protected
health information will not be restricted. You then have the right to use another Healthcare Professional.
You have the right to request to receive confidential communications from us by alternative means
or at an alternative location. You have the right to obtain a paper copy of this notice from us, upon
request, even if you have agreed to accept this notice alternatively (i.e., electronically).
You may have the right to have our organization amend your protected health information. If we
deny your request for amendment, you have the right to file a statement of disagreement with us and we
may prepare a rebuttal to your statement and will provide you with a copy of any such rebuttal.
You have the right to receive an accounting of certain disclosures we have made, if any, of your
protected health information.
We reserve the right to change the terms of this notice and will inform you by mail of any changes. You
then have the right to object or withdraw as provided in this notice.
Complaints: You may complain to us or to the Secretary of Health and Human Services if you believe your
privacy rights have been violated by us. You may file a complaint with us by notifying our privacy contact
of your complaint. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
This notice was published and becomes effective on/or before April 14, 2003
We are required by law to maintain the privacy of, and provide individuals with, this notice of our legal
duties and privacy practices with respect to protected health information, if you have any questions
concerning or objections to this form, please ask to speak with our HIPAA Compliance Officer (General
Manager) in person or by phone at 404-312-8659.
Your signature below acknowledges that you have received a copy of this Notice of our Privacy Practices.
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