Why Pre-Owned and Refurbished Medical Imaging Systems are becoming the first choice for start-ups healthcare centers.

By | Date posted: | Last updated: June 1, 2023
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The need for pre-owned and refurbished medical devices is increasing in almost every region in the world along with the advanced and new medical equipment found in the market. Many countries consider this type of medical equipment as a great opportunity to be able to provide high-tech medical imaging such as MRI service to their community at a fraction of a cost of the new devices which may drive the cost of healthcare high. Even though the pre-owned and refurbished medical equipment is found in rural areas, it is also a good solution for new start-up healthcare centers. Here are few beneficial facts when considering pre-owned or refurbished medical imaging systems:

Specific equipment model – This means that the certain medical services required for a community can be achieved by a specific imaging equipment and the related technology to meet the community needs and also it is cost effective. This explains why refurbishing obsolete devices are extremely cost-effective.

Cost Savings – This is one of the most obvious reasons when it comes to buying pre-owned or refurbished medical imaging devices. It is well known that this type of medical imaging system is 50 to 60% cheaper when compared to new and original equipment cost. Every alternative to save a significant amount of money has to be considered, especially when a medical professional starts a new healthcare center.

High-quality medical imaging system – It is important before purchasing a refurbished or pre-owned medical imaging system such as MRI, Nuclear Medicine Scan, Pet/CT scan etc., a due diligence and research are necessary to avoid future problems. Initially, specs, year of manufacture, age of equipment, software version and pictures will offer indication about the equipment and the manufacturer. A visit to the manufacturer/supplier of the medical item for inspection by your technical service tech and/or you should be the next step. If possible have the supplier install the equipment and do training and run some shots to insure that the equipment is functional, safe and reliable. There are a few key differences between many companies which are selling refurbished or pre-owned medical equipment. The buyer has to be sure that the chosen company is a registered re-furbisher in the market and is responsible for your overall satisfaction and future technical guidance. The staff which is employed needs to possess expert skills to work impressively with clients from the first planning level through equipping existing devices in your clinic or the hospital. You should also follow the main standards about bringing the refurbished or pre-owned medical imaging equipment in the best condition for serving the client.

Eco-friendly – Clients have to know that when they purchase a refurbished medical imaging system they reduce the stressful footprint of their medical business. If they want to have a positive impact and be eco-friendly oriented it can be sometimes difficult but this type of medical equipment is a smart and safe way to stay eco-friendly in their medical office.

The reliability of the product – Almost all medical imaging devices are having complex nature and as such sales support, quality of the medical product provided by the manufacturers and their reliability are important considerations. Believe it or not, there are some advantages in buying pre-owned products which have been in operation with a clinic or a hospital for a period of time because it indicates that the system has been reliable. When the clinician is buying the new and the latest model, he/she knows nothing about how it works and if the machine is good for the clinic and by this fact, the problems may arise. When it comes to an older model, it has had enough time to be tested in the work environment and to discover any deficiencies in the system. If such imaging system was unsafe, it would have been removed from the market. This fact makes the pre-owned and refurbished medical imaging systems a beneficial selection for a buyer compared with new system costing 50% or more.

After Sales Support – This is very important and has a direct impact on the success factors for spare parts, cost and resultant revenue stream of the clinic. When the selected company is a trusted source it may bring some positive perks for the purchaser. The main benefit is the excellent customer service one can receive. There are special market parameters for refurbished medical imaging equipment which are crucial for the seller to achieve success. When the customer has an efficient & timely service support it would also allow setting high standards for their clinic that can be relied on by their patients. The guaranteed support cannot be a reality so the relationship with more than one service tech company or the manufacture should be maintained to assure efficient and uninterrupted service by the clinic to their patients.

Affordability – In most of the cases, refurbished medical equipment cost less than half of the price of the original new machine. New hospitals sometimes, can’t afford this privilege of buying new medical devices. Accordingly, buying refurbished medical imaging equipment could have a significant impact on capital expenditure investment.

Warranty specifications – Many vendors of refurbished medical equipment offer after sale service contracts and the terms and conditions may be the same as buying a new machine.  Even paying for the after-sale routine preventive service is recommended to avoid future major breakdown and related repair expenses including loss of revenue.

Summary

It is well known that the new medical devices are very expensive and it is a big challenge starting a new medical office and associated business infrastructure. The medical industry has always more alternatives to saving money simply by planning earlier and also by making smart purchases. One of these interesting and crucial decisions is buying refurbished medical imaging equipment instead of purchasing new one. All refurbishing companies are working for the client’s satisfaction which is the most important thing to them. Every company would try to exceed the client’s expectations and would try to establish a long-term confidence and relationship with their customer.

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A cost-effective Solution to Access high-quality Medical Equipment and Healthcare in Africa

By | Date posted: | Last updated: June 1, 2023
medical-equipment

According to many scientists and medical professionals, improving the access to a better healthcare system requires a meaningful innovation. Another great thing which has to be remembered is the understanding of the complicated relationship between medical professionals, business professionals, and research scientists and their important needs to make a big difference and also help patients and society at large to get new and improved access to healthcare centers. Because of this, there are companies which are united in partnership with other health organizations, governments, or global healthcare leaders just to improve the outcomes of their efforts to provide a great value to the healthcare systems. These helpful professionals claim that the best way to enhance the people’s life is to combine the innovative healthcare options in a big tandem working together, especially well or closely with local partnerships. The great resources and help would be delivered when this system is implemented in the areas which need a healthcare revolution such as the countries in Africa. In addition to this, when a community has access and at the same time integrated health system which is focused on prevention and treatment of various diseases, the region would be more resilient and would represent a cornerstone to an ambitious development program.

According to several studies, Africa is among the under-developed continents despite its rich natural resources. In some African regions, there are major problems in the access of important human needs such as food and also healthcare. Because of this, there is a special need of delivering healthcare to those people. A cost-effective way to realize this situation is bringing doctors to these areas. Another possible option is to organize many mobile dental and medical trailers which would help this population to obtain general healthcare services and other specialty consultations educating parents and children. Because healthcare represents one of the essential requirements for human beings, many organizations work on health affordability and accessibility to those African countries.

How is technology progress influencing the healthcare field?
Many great medical workers from the African region claim that the healthcare access is still the biggest challenge. A small group of African people have regular access to the modern facilities from healthcare systems. Few medical workers believe that private-public partnerships could help in embracing the technology just to close the gap in healthcare delivery. One of the greatest problems in public health is the maintenance of the medical equipment. This is explained by the fact that the dental and/or the medical equipment is not maintained and kept up to date to prevent costly downtime for the staff putting patient’s health in jeopardy. Due to the presence of mobile clinics and devices, more African doctors are able to find out if some medication is available in any store and make it available in the medical coach as necessary. In some geographical area part of the patient population has to travel a long-distances just to get the pills they need.

However, the African government has a responsibility to answer this call and ensure that everybody has access to healthcare and hospitals.

Previously used and refurbished medical equipment as a cost-effective way to deliver healthcare in African regions
It is claimed that one of the greatest problems in the healthcare system in Africa is the insufficiently skilled and trained medical workers and inadequate supply of medical equipment as well. A good option is to find a mobile medical trailer and position it in the needed areas. This way, the underserved population would have access to general healthcare. There could be medical mobile vehicles equipped with medical laboratories, imaging centers, and many other medical options. Another thing to consider is that their budget is limited. In order to deliver high-quality medical care, the owners could buy refurbished or previously used medical equipment. This option is good for many reasons. The first and the most important one is the positive outcome of community health. The second one is the great value of this type of medical equipment and the health center can acquire it for almost half of the price of new. Another great thing is that the energy of the equipment would be used in a good way and the life of the machine would be prolonged. Well educated medical workers together with the advanced technology solutions would be a great start for improving the healthcare field in the underserved population in Africa.

Summary
An economic project should be created which will ensure an improved healthcare system in delivering high-quality, accessible, and cost-effective care. The project could be supported by the African government or some other medical or non-profit organizations including the United Nations affiliated entities. This way the percentage of diseases and mortality rates would be decreased and the health of the African people would be improved. It is well-known that some part of the African community has difficulty accessing healthcare and a positive change is needed in their system. The access to healthcare is a complicated problem which requires a multifaceted approach among the people who have a mission, personal desire, and possibilities to do something. All their actions would result in better healthcare value, improved patient’s wellbeing, better mental health for the community at large and relentless expansion of access to healthcare in their region.

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Refurbishing is a way to extend medical equipment service life from an environmental viewpoint

By | Date posted: | Last updated: June 1, 2023
medical-equipment

We are all witnesses to the healthcare changes and the fact that healthcare workers are facing with the reality of reducing costs and at the same time improving the patient’s services. This is why refurbished medical devices are becoming more and more popular and practical. The market with refurbished medical equipment is starting to contribute to the solutions to the societal challenges simply by reducing and conserving resources, offering financial benefits from extending the life value of manufactured devices, also increasing the access to healthcare and alleviating the healthcare cost pressure.

It is very important to remember that when the medical equipment is refurbished it has increased the life of the equipment negating requirement of new equipment as long as the technology is current and acceptable by the industry. This means that it is expected that these devices could be refurbished in order to maximize the useful life of the specific device in a cost-effective way. Another thing to consider is that refurbishment of these long-lived medical machines requires very different systems and processes compared with the original process of manufacturing new unit. Few medical service organizations are fully equipped to manage the refurbishment process effectively. Although GE may have stopped production of new medical imaging equipment they may benefit by using their knowledge to refurbish the older GE equipment for sale under GE warranty which is a win-win for GE, sales teams, service teams and end users.

The software used in the new medical imaging equipment are revised frequently for improved function of the unit. At the time of the resale of the medical equipment the software is included which may not be the property of the reseller requiring contacting the provider of software to enter into a new contract and possible litigations as someone has to pay extra fees for the use of the software.

Removal of the used medical imaging system also requires an expert service tech as the equipment after removal and disassembly may not work the same as when it was in the installed position. The de-installation and the re-installation needs well qualified medical technicians with years of experience.

Refurbishment represents a systematic process which brings the used equipment to the same level of specifications as when it was new or even better. This activity provides special benefits from environmental and also social perspective. When a medical device is refurbished it means that their lifetime is extended normally from 5/7 to 10/14 years and sometimes more. When refurbishment is done, it practically saves the energy and also the materials which are used to produce the new device. Beyond all these important environmental advantages, the business sectors which can develop this type of medical devices makes a robust effort to make critical medical imaging equipment available in those countries where there is a complete acceptance for utilizing advanced refurbished or used medical equipment.

However, there are several factors which have to be taken into consideration when deciding whether the medical equipment should be refurbished:

  • The cost for ongoing maintenance in the remaining life of the devices
  • The influence which refurbished process would have on quality and productivity
  • Safety, health and environmental costs which come together with the breakdown of the equipment
  • Relevant costs of the refurbished/used equipment compared to a new piece of medical equipment
  • Disposal costs
  • De-installation costs
  • Re-Installation costs
  • Costs which are incurred from the possible downtime of the equipment

Because there are so many factors which should be considered, the final decision should be made according to the data analysis.

Analyzing the real costs
Professionals should always research long term implications of buying used, refurbished or the new medical machine. When you decide to buy a new device, take into considerations the cost, the service specifications, operating costs, and also the potential salvage value. But, when the medical equipment is used or refurbished, consider the probability about its remaining service life, market value, future salvage rate, and also operating costs. From all this important information you could make an educated final decision and an annual average cost effect for each of the mentioned alternatives which would be easy to compare and determine.

Good refurbishment practice
Medical equipment which has been used is a valuable piece which needs to be preserved. This means that if the medical equipment is being re-used it has to be processed in a special way in order to avoid risk for patients, users and also for healthcare workers just to make sure that the new medical device is safe and effective as when it was new. The concept of “Good Refurbished Practice” is well known and it outlines a dedicated way just to process the used medical devices. All these companies which main domain is refurbishing have developed a standard which defines special requirements for the refurbishing protocol. This is all done to obtain tangible, clinical and also financial viewpoint.

Summary
Early replacement of the newest and advanced technology makes sense only when it is thought to be used. All medical devices are planned and created for a specific lifetime considered by the manufacturer. When the medical equipment is set up for the first time, the manufacturer guarantees for its safety and effectiveness for a certain period but only when the proper scheduled maintenance program is being used. However, refurbishment represents the economic and functional life of medical devices. At the end of the machine life period, it needs to be recycled as electronic and also an electrical waste. But, when refurbishing process to old medical equipment is done, it practically means that this process provides value to a new medical user. Commercial airlines industry uses charts to replace each functioning parts of an airplane such that in several years in the future most of the parts in this unit are replaced with the new ones.

Responsible manufacturers establish the refurbishing process as a result of their vast experience and good reliable proven processes to deliver their refurbished devices around the world. These systems are not recommended only for small hospitals and medical practices but also for leading medical centers as well.

Many Government supported medical service providers, large hospitals and medical colleges will use only the new equipment as a matter of policy. They also dispose of this new medical imaging equipment after a time specified by their organizations and are sold to the resellers again as a matter of policy and/or concerns about safety, potential injuries and undue litigations from the powerful national Lawyers conglomerates, especially in the western societies.

The software used in the new medical imaging equipment are revised frequently for improved function of the unit. At the time of the resale of the medical equipment the software is included which may not be the property of the reseller requiring contacting the providers of software to enter into a new contract. Research of the software ownership will prevent possible litigations as someone has to pay extra fees for the use of the software.

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Merits of Purchasing Pre-Owned, Refurbished or New Medical Equipment for Your Practice

By | Date posted: | Last updated: June 1, 2023
medical-equipment

When buying refurbished or pre-owned medical equipment, people often think that it is like making some kind of sacrifice on quality. But, actually, the main difference between a brand new medical device, the refurbished and the pre-owned one is the price and also how much time a buyer has to spend in order to find the right medical equipment. In some cases, half or more of the price can be saved when it comes to buying a refurbished or pre-owned medical device. This method is very popular in the medical industry especially for doctors who are starting a new business of small practice. Refurbished medical equipment is generally upgraded, parts and software replaced as necessary while pre-owned medical equipment is sold “as is” but in a working condition. As-is is a legal term used to disclaim some implied warranties for an item being sold.

It is good to know that for every medical imaging unit which is a new model, the buyer has to find a system with similar features which is pre-owned or refurbished and has a reduced price. The type of the machines may vary and may have less or more features. Another thing to consider is that refurbished medical equipment is restored by skilled technicians working in the medical field before the medical gear is released back in the store for sale.

The refurbished device when gets back in the store is fixed and the old parts are replaced as necessary with new ones or refurbished ones as needed, so the device can work as a new one and is comparable to the new model. If a buyer decides to buy refurbished or pre-owned medical equipment he has to look for a reduced price of 50% or more compared with the new equipment cost. In specific cases, people can get warranties for pre-owned medical devices. This will for sure, require an extra research and deal with the medical technicians because all the companies that sell refurbished medical devices have their unique guarantee and policies. However, if the time is worth the money then refurbished or pre-owned medical devices are a good investment for the new medical practice.

The recipe for success when buying pre-owned or refurbished medical equipment
All who wants to purchase pre-owned or refurbished medical gear should have a helping guide which would explain how to get the best outcome of the offer. Here are some useful tips for those who are in the market to buy such medical devices.

When it comes to making choice for the right medical device for your small practice, you have to know about the standardized technology of the manufacturers on the market. This includes all the financial and also clinical facts which are the main key to career opportunities.

People who plan to buy pre-owned or refurbished medical gear have to consider the fact about the software revisions. These software updates to medical units are very important because they happen fairly frequently and they could affect the way of using the device. It is very important to use the medical device correctly and precisely. Here are few questions to be asked when purchasing pre-owned or refurbished medical equipment:

  • Are you a certified and authorized distributor of this company? This is very important because when you collaborate with the real distributor you will have the right of getting technical support for your device. The aftermarket distributors can also offer installation and training.
  • Is it possible to get the serial number of the proposed device? It is also important information because you can make sure about the condition of the device in advance. Such information is also available from the seller.
  • Ask for the manufacturing date. It is good to know this because you will have an orientation for the final price. You can make an agreement depending on how old is the medical device.
  • Ask for the current software condition of the unit. Another thing to consider is to check the last update or software revision of the medical device. It is very important to know which version is associated with the system for sale.
  • Ask for the training materials or manuals for the medical unit. This is especially important because when trained you would know perfectly how to work with the device. You will be trained to obtain the best of the medical instrument.
  • Ask if the machine was recalled and if the answer is positive if the corrections were made by the original manufacturer. Another thing to consider when buying refurbished or pre-owned medical equipment. This is the most important thing to know if the corrections were made by an authorized manufacturer.
  • Ask if the medical unit would be ready to use on patients and if preventative maintenance is done before. Obviously, the refurbished equipment will have service done whereas the pre-owned equipment is sold as-is but in a working order.

There are so many questions when it comes to purchasing a refurbished or pre-owned medical equipment. But, by asking the few questions mentioned above you can get a great perspective on the condition of the chosen medical device. You will have a better idea of what you are buying and if it will meet your expectations.

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