ADA compliance is becoming a central priority for hospitals and clinics across the United States. Providing equal access to healthcare is no longer just a best practice—it is a legal and ethical responsibility. For hospitals and clinics, complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is essential to ensure that all patients, regardless of physical or neurological limitations, can receive accurate diagnosis and quality care. At the same time, ADA compliance is driving demand for medical technology that is truly accessible.
For healthcare organizations, investing in accessible medical devices is one of the most effective ways to meet ADA requirements while improving clinical outcomes. This is where SCHILLER cardiopulmonary medical devices stand out as a smart, future-proof investment.
By América Torres
What Is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a U.S. civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and guarantees equal access to everyday activities and public services, including healthcare.
For hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers, the ADA requires more than accessible buildings. It also mandates that medical services and diagnostic tests must be accessible, so patients with disabilities can undergo examinations safely, comfortably, and effectively.
Why ADA compliance matters in healthcare
Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, yet many patients with disabilities still face barriers when attempting to complete routine diagnostic tests. Inaccessible equipment, rigid testing protocols, or environments not designed for limited mobility can prevent proper evaluation.
These challenges often arise because some disabilities are immediately visible, while others are not. The ADA addresses this gap by requiring healthcare providers to:
- Remove physical and procedural barriers
- Make reasonable accommodations for patients with disabilities
- Ensure equal access to diagnostic and preventive services
When healthcare organizations take ADA compliance seriously, they not only reduce legal and operational risk, but also improve the patient experience, diagnostic accuracy, and overall quality of care.
How the ADA defines disabilities that require accommodation
The ADA applies to individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more everyday life activities. These activities include, but are not limited to:
- Walking or standing
- Breathing
- Neurological or motor function
- Communication or cognition
Importantly, the ADA also recognizes that some disabilities are not always visible. The law extends protection to individuals living with conditions that may not be immediately apparent but can significantly affect daily functioning, including:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- HIV
- Autism
- Intellectual disabilities
- Major depressive disorder
This distinction is especially critical in healthcare. It underscores why accessible diagnostic equipment and inclusive testing protocols are not optional. Without them, patients with substantially limiting conditions may face barriers to essential diagnostic tests, leading to delayed or incomplete care.
The Final Rule to Improve Access to Medical Care for People with Disabilities
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is structured into five titles, each defining requirements for different types of organizations. On August 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice published the Final Rule to Improve Access to Medical Care for People with Disabilities (Title II) with specific requirements for accessible medical diagnostic equipment (MDE).
This update addresses ongoing barriers faced by people with disabilities due to inaccessible MDE—barriers that lead to unequal access to routine and preventive care and contribute to poorer health outcomes.
As a result, hospitals and clinics are increasingly required to invest in diagnostic solutions that:
- Are usable by patients with reduced mobility
- Adapt to neurological and physical limitations
- Deliver accurate clinical data without excluding patients
The role of accessible medical devices in ADA compliance
Accessible medical devices play a central role in helping healthcare providers comply with ADA requirements. Equipment that is easy to use, adaptable to different patient needs, and designed for inclusivity allows clinicians to deliver equitable care without compromising efficiency. This is where SCHILLER medical devices offer clear value.
SCHILLER solutions designed for accessible diagnostics
PowerCube Body+: barrier-free lung function testing
Whole body plethysmography is the gold standard for measuring lung volumes, and SCHILLER takes this capability to the next level with the PowerCube Body+ Whole Body plethysmograph. As pioneers in pulmonary diagnostics, we developed the first body plethysmograph to use ultrasonic technology (SharpFlow) for measuring respiratory flow. This device delivers highly precise and reliable data, supporting the early detection of complex respiratory diseases in all types of patients.
Because SharpFlow delivers high accuracy at low flow rates, the PowerCube Body+ goes beyond whole body plethysmography by enabling spirometry, body plethysmography, and diffusion measurements within a single platform powered by LFX software.
This technological foundation also enables a truly barrier-free design. Unlike many competing systems, the PowerCube Body+ is available in accessible configurations, ensuring full accessibility for all patients. We offer versions with ramps and standard or XL dimensions, providing greater flexibility and comfort for patients with reduced mobility. The design allows accurate lung function assessments to be performed directly from a wheelchair, delivering a seamless and comfortable experience without compromising precision or reliability.
Together, these features enable patients with disabilities to lung functions tests with dignity, while helping hospitals and clinics meet ADA compliance requirements.
tremoflo®, lung function testing without forced maneuvers
Although spirometry is the gold standard for diagnosing asthma, it requires forced breathing maneuvers that can be difficult or impossible for patients with neurological disabilities or for those unable to follow complex instructions. In these cases, the tremoflo® airwave oscillometry system is the option for accurately diagnosing asthma in both adult and pediatric patients who cannot perform spirometry.
The tremoflo® measures lung function during normal tidal breathing, eliminating the need for forced spirometry maneuvers. This makes pulmonary testing more accessible for:
- Patients with neurological conditions
- Elderly patients
- Pediatric patients that can not follow instructions
- Individuals with cognitive or coordination challenges
The result is inclusive testing without sacrificing clinical reliability.
ERG 911 Hand: exercise testing for patients with impaired mobility
The SCHILLER ERG 911 Hand is a state-of-the-art hand crank ergometer designed specifically for patients with impaired mobility.
Key accessibility features include:
- Use with a chair or wheelchair docking system
- Flexible positioning to accommodate different patient needs
- Precise workload control for safe and effective cardiovascular testing
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This solution enables standardized exercise testing for patients who cannot use treadmills or cycle ergometers.
ADA compliance as a strategic healthcare investment
Investing in accessible medical devices is no longer just a regulatory requirement—it is a strategic decision that directly impacts quality of care, operational efficiency, and patient trust. For hospitals and clinics, accessibility-driven investments help to:
- Meet ADA regulatory requirements with confidence
- Reduce legal, operational, and reputational risk
- Expand access to diagnostic services for underserved and high-risk patient populations
- Deliver more accurate diagnostics while improving the overall patient experience
With SCHILLER cardiopulmonary solutions, accessibility and clinical excellence go hand in hand. Barrier-free designs, advanced diagnostic technologies, and patient-centered testing workflows enable healthcare providers to comply with ADA standards while elevating the quality, inclusivity, and efficiency of care. The result is not only regulatory compliance, but better clinical outcomes and higher patient satisfaction—making SCHILLER a smart, long-term investment for modern healthcare organizations
Request more information about accessible SCHILLER devices
If you would like to learn how PowerCube Body+, tremoflo®, or ERG 911 Hand can help your organization support ADA compliance and deliver inclusive diagnostic care, we invite you to request more information today.
ADA Compliance and Accessible Diagnostic Equipment: Frequently Asked Questions
What does ADA compliance mean for hospitals and clinics?
ADA compliance means that hospitals and clinics must ensure people with disabilities have equal access to healthcare services, including diagnostic tests. This involves accessible facilities, adaptable medical equipment, and reasonable modifications to procedures so patients with physical, neurological, or cognitive disabilities can receive the same standard of care as others.
Why are accessible medical devices important for ADA compliance?
Accessible medical devices are essential because ADA compliance extends beyond building access to how medical tests are performed. Equipment must accommodate patients with reduced mobility or other limitations so diagnostic exams can be completed safely, accurately, and with dignity—without excluding certain patient populations.
How do SCHILLER medical devices support ADA compliance in healthcare?
SCHILLER medical devices support ADA compliance through barrier-free designs, adaptable testing configurations, and patient-centered technology. Solutions such as wheelchair-accessible body plethysmography, tidal breathing lung function testing, and hand crank ergometers enable inclusive diagnostics while maintaining clinical accuracy.
Can patients in wheelchairs complete lung function tests with SCHILLER equipment?
Yes. SCHILLER solutions like the PowerCube Body+ allow accurate lung function testing directly from a wheelchair, thanks to barrier-free configurations, integrated ramps, and spacious testing environments designed for patients with reduced mobility.
How does ADA-compliant diagnostic equipment improve patient satisfaction?
ADA-compliant diagnostic equipment improves patient satisfaction by reducing physical and emotional stress during testing, ensuring comfort, and allowing patients to complete exams with dignity. Accessible diagnostics also lead to more accurate results, shorter delays, and a more positive overall healthcare experience.