Top tips to buy right ultrasound machine for your requirements!
It’s important to get your homework done before you move to spend a fortune on something. In this article, we are going to discuss is the ultrasound machine.
Ultrasound machines are devices that project ultrasound waves to measure and acquire images of the blood flow or soft tissues in the human body. Every healthcare facility has a different patient volume for which they use a certain type of ultrasound machine. Apart from patient volume, the location you serve in, the usage, and many other things significantly affect your purchase. Experts recommend including a few things in your checklist before you hit the market to purchase it.
Let’s check them out.
Checklist to buy ultrasound machine:
What’s your budget?
You may already have some numbers decided on your mind, but here are a few things that will make you ponder upon it again.
Have you decided on buying a brand-new ultrasound machine, or are you considering taking a look at the refurbished or pre-owned ultrasound machine ones too? If you are seeking to upgrade technology, then why waste money on a new machine. A refurbished one will save you a lot. A portable ultrasound machine is also an option on the list if you are looking to reach out to patients off-site.
Apart from the purchasing cost, you should consider saving an extra portion for indirect expenses. It includes maintenance, repairs, parts, and other costs that may hit you uninvited.
Lastly, ensure that you buy what fulfills your need. You may come across ample models from basic to high-end ones that may lure you to a great extent. But, stay focussed and get what’s the best for you in your budget.
Does ultrasound machine include the required key features?
Cross-checking the technical specifications in your required ultrasound machine is a must. You can’t compromise on any of it if it’s limiting your work in any way.
There are software and features available in various models of ultrasound machines that are good for enhancing diagnosis ability, some targeting at vascular, speckle reduction imaging, elastography, and likewise. Considering the purpose of your purchase, you can sort out your options.
Many times, a particular model offers a great set of functionalities, but these may not find use at your place. It’s advisable to evaluate your practice’s clinical requirements and focus on purchasing equipment that offers you the best return on investment.
How much are you going to use ultrasound machine?
It is one of the biggest questions of all time to consider before spending. Until and unless you have potential money to make from your investment in the machine, it’s not a wise decision to buy it.
Also, look out how many patients you receive at your facility, who will be operating the ultrasound machine or ultrasound equipment, the number of scans you run in a day, and likewise. It will help you get a list of things to consider, like ultrasound machine models, product features, and so on.
Which brands do you have on the list?
Four major brands offer ultrasound machines in the market. These are Siemens, Canon (formerly Toshiba), GE, and Philips. Some others in the market that you can find popular are Samsung, Sonosite, Esaote, and others.
In the Siemens line of ultrasound machines, the Acuson X-series is best for the basic and mid-range segments. X300, X700, and others are some of the best models to give a check. In the GE ultrasound series, the models are divided as per their applications and are renowned as Voluson, Logiq, and Vivid. In the Philips ultrasound series, the models of the equipment are categorized as per their performance. There are many more that you can explore as per your healthcare needs.
Who is going to operate it?
Considering the ultrasound machine, you are choosing to buy, ensure that you have technicians with the required skills to operate it. While investing in an advanced model of an ultrasound machine, there will be additional training costs that you need to add up to your budget. It is necessary to make sure that your expensive equipment is in the right hands and is taken well care of every day.
Many ultrasound machine providers also offer complimentary training to their customers. You can choose for on-site, off-site, or online training as per your need.
What’s included in the service contracts?
While purchasing your ultrasound machine, check for the manufacturer’s warranty duration as well as the auto-renewal clauses. It may differ for every provider, so have a deeper look into the contract terms, service conditions, and at what cost they are being provided.
Cancellation fees, parts costs, guaranteed response time are some other boxes you would want to check and tick before signing the contract. However, if you feel overwhelmed with all the information in the contract, it’s advisable to seek the advice of an expert.
Tip: Leverage the time before signing the contract to ensure that you are making the most out of it. Because once the contract is signed, you will lose your negotiating leverage.
Conclusion
Healthcare equipment purchase digs a hole in the pocket of every buyer. However, it can be made worthy, if you have all the right questions on your list. With all said above, you can drop the stress and move on to make an investment that will yield profits only. If you are willing to seek our experts support, we will help you assist with the professional knowledge and skill set that we have earned over the years.
KB Consulting provides a full line of ultrasound machines for sale. Get in touch with us to buy ultrasound machine at the best price.
To get further information on availability, price, specification, and condition, please feel free to call us at +1 586 917 0245 or email us at sales@kbdentalconsulting.com.