A variety of medical fields use the machines.There are a number of things to consider when buying a machine for your practice or hospital.Before contacting vendors, you should think about what you will be using the machine for, the size, and your budget.
Step 1: Determine the use of the ultrasound.
The size and type of machine you buy will depend on whether you use it at your home, in your medical office or in a larger healthcare setting.Depending on the type of practice you have, you will need machines with different functions.An all-purpose probe is needed by a general practice and an OB/Gyn practice.A machine that has a phased array probe is needed by a cardiologist.You can limit your search based on the machine you need.
Step 2: Decide if you want to get a stationary or portable machine.
There are many different sized models.There are small and portable machines that can be easily carried, while there are large stationary models that take up a lot of space.Think about whether you need to move the machine between rooms or practices, and then decide if size is a limiting factor in your decision.Depending on the type of machine you need, you may be limited in the size of the models that are available.If you are making house calls, you will want a handheld and portable machine, rather than a cart-based machine.
Step 3: Should you upgrade your machine?
Your practice may have a machine that is out of date, but you are otherwise pleased with it.If the machine still meets your needs, you should buy a new model.If you buy an upgraded model, the manufacturer may offer a trade-in program that could reduce the cost.If the machine doesn't meet your needs but is still functioning and meets certification standards, consider trading it in or selling it.
Step 4: Set a budget.
You can expect to spend between $5,000 and $100,000 on a machine.The range for new cart-based machines is between $20,000 and $75,000.The cost of a used laptop is between $5,000 and $40,000.If you want to buy a new or used machine, your budget should reflect that.Black and white ultrasounds are more expensive than dop functional machines.The machine has a return on investment.If you are buying a $20,000 machine, you will need to complete and pay for 40 ultrasounds in order for the machine to pay itself off.Add the loan repayment and interest costs to your budget if you have to take out a loan to pay for the machine.
Step 5: You have to account for training and installation costs.
The cost of the machine will be the largest part of your budget, but you will need to account for installation costs and training costs.Basic installation may or may not be included in the price of the machine, so read the purchase agreement very carefully.Your staff may need specialized training in order to operate the machine.The costs for this type of training can range from $1,000 to $6,000.If your technician is familiar with the model, you don't need to pay for any additional training.
Step 6: The cost of the equipment is taken into account.
The basic equipment will likely be included in the price of the machine, but you may need to purchase additional instruments if you specialize.You may need to purchase more probes to use the machine.Standard probes are typically less than $1,000, but high-end probes for more specialized machines can cost as much as $5,000.If you want to give the pictures to the expectant mothers who visit your practice, you will need to purchase a printer.The cost depends on whether they are black and white or thermal.
Step 7: Consider renting a machine.
It is possible that your practice will decide to lease a more advanced machine than purchase it.You can take out a lease on the machine from the medical vendors.If you can't pay for a machine in cash, this might be the best option for your practice.
Step 8: You can narrow your choice by using the platforms.
There are four different types of platforms, each of which has a different function.If you are looking for a machine, you should look for one that is in one of the categories.A general.The equipment is well suited for general practitioners needs.There is a body of water called the Vascular.These machines can be used to view the arteries.This type of machine is likely to be purchased by a doctor.Women's health.The machines are designed for doctors.There is a Cardiac.They are used to view the heart.In a cardiology practice, this type of machine may be used.
Step 9: If you want to purchase a model from a medical vendor, contact them.
You should contact a few medical vendors that you know and trust.Ask others in your practice or other medical practitioners for recommendations if you are not familiar with any of the vendors.Let the vendor know that you are looking for a specific type of machine based on your budget, size requirements, and the kind of medical functions you will be using the machine for.Vendors are happy to loan your practice a machine for a week or a few days so you can see how it works.
Step 10: The model can be tested.
If you work with it, you can find out if this is the right model for your product.After the vendor gives you a basic overview of the machine, you can begin to use it.If you are going to use this machine in your practice, make sure you use it with your patients.Ask the vendor to recommend a new model if the machine doesn't meet your expectations.You can purchase a machine if you are happy with it.
Step 11: The machine has a warranty.
Depending on whether you are buying a refurbished machine or a new one, the warranty lengths and coverage will vary.At the minimum, you want to find a machine that has a one-year warranty that includes at least the replacement of one probe and battery during the year.The best warranties are between three and five years.Ensuring that the manufacturer has technicians that are able to service your machine in the event that it breaks is important.The manufacturer and retailer have return policies.You should expect a sixty-day return policy with full reimbursement.
Step 12: The service contract needs to be negotiated.
When you are comparing service contracts, you want to make sure that the vendor or manufacturer offers a technician to come to your office or hospital to inspect and perform maintenance on the machine as needed.Depending on the medical vendor, you may be able to negotiate the service portion of the sales contract.If you have a good relationship with your medical vendor and have purchased equipment from them in the past, you may be able to extend the length of your warranty.