Frequently Asked Questions

What is Med-Smart?

MedSmart is a breakthrough medication compliance system that organizes, reminds, and dispenses pills in accordance with your medication schedule. Audiovisual reminders can be programmed to occur from one to six times a day, and with the optional MedSmart Connect event reporting service, caregivers can stay on top of refills and long-term medication habits.
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How does it work?

After following the easy programming directions, MedSmart will remind you to take your medications and vitamins at the times you choose (up to six). The reminders can be both audible (a beeping sound) and visual (a flashing light). The alarm will stop when the pills are removed by turning the device over, releasing the pills into your hand or onto a countertop. Pills can then be taken as instructed by your physician.
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How many cells are in each tray?

MedSmart has two tray sizes (24 and 29 cells) available to accommodate our customers’ different needs. The 24-cell tray size has a larger pill capacity for larger or more complex drug regimens. We can send you a sample cell to determine what size tray works best for you.
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What is the length of the alarm?

The audible alarm will sound for up to ninety minutes. The visual alarm will continue to flash until the unit is reset.
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How long do the pills stay available?

The pills will remain available until the next alarm. If the pills are not removed before the next alarm time, the tray will advance, and the dose will be missed. Using our optional MedSmart Connect service, caregivers can be notified that the dose has been missed.
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What supplies power to Med-Smart?

To ensure continuous functioning, MedSmart relies on two sources of power. When placed in the docking base, the MedSmart unit plugs into a standard wall outlet. When removed from the docking base, the MedSmart unit runs on four AA batteries. To prolong battery life, the unit should remain in the docking station with the power light on whenever it is convenient for you. A _______ symbol will appear on the display when batteries need to be replaced.
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What if my power goes out?

MedSmart will continue to function on backup battery power. When AC power is restored, the docking station’s power indicator light will go on.
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When should the tray be re-filled?

On the part of the display marked DOSES LEFT, MedSmart will tell you how many doses are left in the tray before the tray will need to be refilled.
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Who fills the tray?

You, your caregiver or health care provider can refill your Med-Smart unit.
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Can the pills be removed before the next alarm?

YES – MedSmart contains an Early Dose button that can be pressed to advance the tray to the next dose, allowing the pills to be removed. This button can be made accessible or inaccessible.
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Why are there two Med-Trays?

MedSmart comes with two trays so that you can pre-fill one to make replacement quick and easy. When the current tray is empty, replace it with the pre-filled tray and refill the empty one at your convenience. When pre-filling a second tray, make sure you cover the pills with the supplied dust cover and store it in a safe, dry place away from children and pets.
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Are the pills secure?

Yes, MedSmart can be locked to safeguard your medications from children and visitors. If a dose is missed, the tray will advance, and the pills cannot be removed without unlocking the device.
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NO – The system dials a toll-free number, so there are no extra charges on your phone bill when using standard telephone service. Nor will there be a noticeable increase in your electric bill.
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Can I use my phone when it is connected to Response Call?

YES – Response Call will not affect your phone’s normal operation.
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What happens if I want to change my phone service carrier?

Reliable Response Call operation depends on compatible phone service. If you change your phone service at any time after the system is installed, please verify Response Call compatibility and performance by pressing your Help Activator or the HELP Button on the console unit. You’ll know everything is working well when you speak to a Response Call operator through the two-way voice console unit.
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Will the operator be able to hear me from everywhere in my home?

YES – The Response Call Console Unit uses a highly sensitive microphone to enhance communication between you and the response center operator from every room in your home.
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What kinds of personal information do you keep on file?

When you subscribe, a personal profile is created in our secure database. This profile includes medical information like allergies and impairments, as well as a list of people you want us to contact if you need help. Your profile also lists your “No Voice Contact” instructions, which indicate how you’d like us to respond in an emergency if we cannot hear you.
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What happens if I am unable to speak or the operator cannot hear me?

Even if you are unable to speak, our operators know who you are, where you live, and who to contact. The operator will follow your personalized “No Voice Contact” instructions, which should include sending immediate medical help.
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How far away will the personal activator button work?

Range varies based on environmental factors, but the activator is designed to work up to 250 feet away from the Console Unit.

What if I accidentally press the button on the console unit or activator?

Don’t worry—accidents happen. Simply inform the operator that the unit was activated by mistake.
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Who does the monitoring?

Response Call is monitored by American Medical Alert Corp. (AMAC), the designer and manufacturer of the system. A leader in medical monitoring for over 25 years, AMAC operates over seven U.S.-based medical call centers to provide vital healthcare monitoring and communication services. AMAC is publicly traded (NASDAQ: AMAC), and has been a pioneer in life safety monitoring devices and healthy aging solution technologies since 1981.
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Is the center available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

Yes, our Medical Response Center provides consistent, reliable service at all times to connect you with assistance any time of the day or night.
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Is there a long-term contract?

NO – the contract is month-to-month, and can be canceled at anytime without penalty.
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