What we do

At Philips, we simplify healthcare by focusing on the people in the care cycle—patients and care providers.

We’re committed to developing tools that deliver value throughout the complete cycle of care—from disease prevention to screening & diagnosis, to treatment, health management & monitoring—in key areas including cardiology, oncology, critical care and women’s health.

By combining human insights and clinical expertise, we aim to develop innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes at lower overall costs.

Philips is in the following businesses:

Home Healthcare:

• Respiratory Care and Sleep Management 
  The acquisition of Respironics in Q4 2007 represents a significant step in further strengthening the Home Healthcare business of Philips Healthcare. Respironics is a global leader in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which the airways collapse repeatedly during sleep, preventing proper respiration. Acquiring Respironics gives Philips a leading position in the fast-growing areas of sleep management, respiratory care and non-invasive ventilation. In addition, the Respironics businesses complement the professional, hospital-based part of our sector, particularly in Emergency and Critical Care.

• Remote Patient Management 
  Philips Patient Telemonitoring Services (PTS) and Motiva provide the ability to monitor health at home, allowing patients to live independently with the knowledge that they are connected to care when they need it. PTS allows patients to stay connected with their healthcare providers following hospital discharge (i.e., for short term care and follow up), while Motiva is the ‘care’ bridge between the healthcare provider (e.g., the hospital, doctors, etc.) and chronically ill patients at home (i.e., for longer term care and follow up).

Professional Healthcare:

• Imaging Systems
  This business consists of X-ray, CT, MR and nuclear medicine imaging equipment, used to create images of various parts of the body in varied detail for radiologists and cardiologists.

• Clinical Care Systems
  This includes ultrasound imaging and cardiac systems.

• Information
  This includes clinical informatics, image management services and patient monitoring systems.

• Customer Services
  This includes consultancy, clinical services, education, equipment financing, asset management and equipment maintenance and repair.

Imaging Systems:

• X-Ray
  Philips is the leading supplier of cardiovascular X-ray systems, and number two in the market for general X-ray systems. Diagnostic X-ray sends a beam of radiation waves through the human body to strike a piece of photographic film on the other side to produce an image. Philips also provides software for enhanced image processing and in systems with digital archiving and telenetworking capabilities.

• Computed Tomography (CT) 
  CT is an X-ray procedure that uses a computer to produce a detailed, 2 and 3-dimensional picture of every part of the body.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  MR is a technique using a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce 2- and 3-dimensional images of body structures for radiology, cardiology and interventional applications. It is complementary to CT as it is particularly sensitive to soft tissues such as the brain and nerves.

• Nuclear Medicine and PET
  Nuclear Medicine uses agents, which localize in specific organs or tissue on the basis of their biochemical or physiological properties. These agents can be visualized using a gamma camera. Physicians use Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to assess certain cancers, cardiac diseases and brain disorders. Philips offers dedicated PET systems, as well as the only open CT-PET combination as well as a dedicated gamma camera for nuclear cardiology.

Clinical Care Systems:

• Ultrasound
  Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce 2 and 3 dimensions; images of the organs and structures of the body. General imaging, cardiology and portable systems make up Philips’ ultrasound range of products.

• Cardiac Systems
  This business consists of automated external defibrillators (including the HeartStart Home Defibrillator) and electrocardiography. Philips has secured the leading worldwide position in automated external defibrillators (AEDs) such as HeartStart, as well as a strong market position in electrocardiography. These products are targeted at healthcare providers including hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices, emergency rooms, and home-health services.

Information:

• Clinical Informatics
  Philips offers radiology information systems (RIS) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) for medical images that are generated in cardiology and radiology departments, advanced clinical imaging applications and departmental clinical management systems.

• Patient Monitoring
  Philips now has worldwide leadership in acute-care patient monitoring systems and critical-care clinical information systems. These products are targeted at healthcare providers including hospitals, outpatient clinics and emergency rooms.

Customer Services:

• Customer Support, Healthcare Consulting, Education, Clinical Services, Maintenance and Repair, and Financial/Leasing Services
  Philips supports open-ended and upgradeable medical systems so customers gain the most from their investments. The company also provides on-site training, as well as continuing education, for physicians and technologists. Consultancy services, including analysis and recommendations on clinical investments, are available to all customers. Philips offers customer financing in the United States through its Philips Medical Capital joint venture with De Lage Landen International (a subsidiary of Rabobank Group). For European customers financing is offered with Société Générale.