Here are clear, evidence-based reasons why bariatric doctors, dietitians, hospitals and universities should consider purchasing a Microlife MedGem Portable Indirect Calorimeter:
🔬 Clinical Accuracy & Gold-Standard Metabolic Assessment
The MedGem is an FDA 510(k)-cleared, Class II medical device that accurately measures resting metabolic rate (RMR) by directly assessing oxygen consumption (VOâ‚‚).
This is considered the gold standard for metabolic assessment, far superior to predictive equations (like Harris-Benedict or Mifflin-St Jeor), which can be off by 20% or more especially in clinical, obese, or post-surgical patients.
đź©ş Improved Clinical Outcomes & Individualized Care
For bariatric patients and weight management programs, actual RMR data enables truly personalized calorie prescriptions — helping explain stalled weight loss, avoid over- or under-feeding, and improve long-term success.
Dietitians can tailor nutrition therapy and meal plans based on physiology, not estimations.
This precision also benefits disease management (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, malnutrition, trauma recovery) because nutrition dosing influences recovery and metabolic adaptation.
🏥 Fast, Simple, & Clinic-Efficient
Tests take 5–10 minutes, are non-invasive, and easy for staff to administer — enabling integration into busy clinical workflows without complex setup or costly metabolic carts.
The handheld, portable design makes it suitable for ambulatory, bariatric, outpatient, research, and university lab settings.
đź’ˇ Educational & Research Value (Especially for Universities)
Universities benefit from hands-on experience with a validated metabolic assessment tool used in clinical practice and research.
Students in nutrition, exercise science, physiology and medical programs can learn metabolic physiology with real patient data rather than old formula.
đź’Ľ Reimbursement & Revenue Opportunities
Because it’s FDA-cleared, clinicians (including bariatric doctors and RDs) can bill metabolic assessment services using CPT code 94690, with typical reimbursements between $60–$85. This can create a billable service line for practices and hospitals.
Offering individualized metabolic testing can improve patient satisfaction and increase retention and referrals in private practice and university clinics.
đź“Š Actionable Reports & Software Integration
With MedGem Analyzer software (included with many kits), clinics can generate custom nutrition and activity plans, patient education reports, and clinician summaries — useful for electronic medical records (EMR), teaching, and research.
🧠Competitive & Institutional Value
For Bariatric Programs:
âś” Differentiates your care with objective metabolic testing
âś” Enhances weight-loss protocols and patient counseling
For Dietitians:
âś” Provides evidence to support tailored meal plans
âś” Improves patient understanding and compliance
For Hospitals:
âś” Supports clinical nutrition assessment, critical care pathways, and discharge planning
For Universities:
âś” Offers research-grade metabolic data for studies
âś” Teaches future clinicians essential diagnostic skills
đź“Ś Bottom Line
Investing in a MedGem indirect calorimeter provides:
Clinically validated metabolic data instead of estimates
Faster, simpler testing than traditional calorimetry
Revenue generation through billable metabolic assessments
Educational and research utility for training and evidence generation
Improved patient outcomes and personalized care
The MedGem turns nutrition conversations into objective, data-driven discussions, increasing adherence and reducing frustration.
The MedGem indirect calorimetry device is a clinically-validated and FDA 510K-cleared, class II, medical device for measurement of patient resting metabolic rate (RMR).
The MedGem is an easy-to-use, handheld device that accurately measures oxygen consumption (VO2) to determine resting metabolic rate (RMR)*.
Measurements made with the MedGem are easy to administer and provide accurate results in only a few minutes.
Microlife’s WatchWT MedGem device was used to assess metabolic changes in The Biggest Loser™ contestants. “We chose to use the MedGem device based on its accuracy in comparison to other indirect calorimeters.” said Dr. Robert Huizenga, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at UCLA and Medical Advisor to The Biggest Loser.
CONTACT US:
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This new book shows you how to use RMR to help clients have long lasting weight management success.
Resting Metabolic Rate is a critical factor for weight management and overall health.
RMR equations can be off by 20-30%.
This new book shows you how to use RMR to help clients have long lasting weight management success.
CLICK HERE TO SEE A TABLE OF CONTENTS.