Buying a New or Used Ultrasound Machines
Tuesday 1 March 2011 - Filed under ultrasound units
If are a doctor and own a small practice or clinic you may be in the market to upgrade ultrasound machines. These machines can be indispensable in evaluating issues with organs or monitoring a pregnancy. When choosing a new ultrasound machine there are many factors to consider, brand, features and price. You also need to decide whether you should buy a brand new unit or find a used one that suits your needs. These machines can be quite expensive so it is important to review your options before making a purchase. Here are a few things to consider:
Features – It is important to make sure your new ultrasound machine has all of the features that you need. If you primarily use the ultrasound for OB patients you will want a system that is designed for OB practices. These machines incorporate technology that produce better scans and also reduce scanning times. If OB patients make up a tiny fraction of your practice these features would be a waste of money. It is also important to verify that all of the technologies are reimbursable from the insurance companies.
Brands – There are a number of brands on the market today. GE ultrasound units are well reviewed by professionals, as are Siemens and Phillips. It is important that you do your research, investigate all of the features, read reviews and check with colleagues. Price, financing options and warranties should be taken into consideration as well.
Size – Will the ultrasound stay in one room or is portability important to you? A portable machine will usually be more expensive but it can be moved from room to room as needed. The imaging technology in a stationary machine is often much better which is a huge factor when considering a new machine.
New Vs Used – You can find plenty of websites and companies offering used Siemens ultrasound units for sale. Buying a used or reconditioned unit can be a great way to save money. A unit that is 2-3 years old can cost roughly 50-75% of a new one. Look for units that have been under a maintenance contract and serviced on a regular basis. If you can find a unit that has all of the features you want, buying used can be a great idea.
Financing – Ultrasound machines can be leased or purchased outright. If you decide to purchase, financing is normally offered. As with all contracts, read the leasing or financing agreement in full and ask questions about anything you don’t understand. If you can afford to purchase one outright, try to negotiate a discount for cash.
Warranty – The standard warranty for an ultrasound machine is 1 year. As these are very complicated machines it is often wise to purchase an additional service contract. You can buy these direct from the manufacturer or from a third party contractor. Properly maintaining your machine will lengthen its useful life and prevent downtime due to breakdown.
Buying an ultrasound machine is a big investment; take all of these factors into account before making a decision.
2011-03-01 » Episcopal Sisters of Charity