You need to know there’s a lot of work that goes into getting started if you want to open a medical facility or practice. You must also know that no facility is complete without the right equipment to diagnose and treat patients. However, picking the right tools and machines to stock your facility can be a daunting task considering the advancements in medical science and technology. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing medical equipment if you’re feeling overwhelmed or aren’t sure what to look for.
Want vs. Need
Depending on your area of practice, some equipment is non-negotiable and others you can do without. The main question you need to ask yourself is how often you’ll need these items. For example, how often do OB/GYNs use X-ray machines? While there will be instances when having one might be convenient, it’s rarely a necessity, and you can outsource your imaging needs to other facilities. In this example, it’d be more beneficial to invest in fetal monitors, OB/GYN ultrasound machines, and other diagnostic equipment more relevant to the field. Making a list of the equipment you use most often can give you a better sense of what you need to purchase.
Cost of Maintenance
Almost every piece of equipment you buy will need servicing at one point or another, which raises two questions. What support services does the brand or supplier offer, and how much do their support services cost? Aside from services and pricing, you must also consider how complex the equipment is and how familiar you and your staff are with running and maintaining it. Additional training may be necessary if you purchase equipment with newer technology.
You may benefit from sticking with equipment that you’re familiar with and know how to troubleshoot if the extra cost of maintenance and servicing isn’t within your budget. There’s no shame in investing in more expensive and complex equipment later.
Quality and Warranty
Of course, investing in all the best high-tech equipment can be expensive and not always possible. However, you don’t want to waste your time purchasing all the cheapest equipment, either. Equipment made with low-quality parts may be more affordable in the short term, but all the maintenance, troubleshooting, downtime, and service errors will cost you more in the long run. In these cases, it’s best to shoot for middle-of-the-road pricing with equipment that comes with a solid warranty. Doing so allows you to stay within your budget, preventing you from spending an arm and a leg on good equipment. Also, you don’t have to fork out tons of cash if something does happen.
Read Reviews
While reviews should not be the only factor you consider when choosing your medical equipment, they are important. There’s no shame in reading comments or reports. While no set of reviews will be all around perfect, you should approach products with caution if they seem to have consistently negative reviews. Plus, don’t be afraid to ask practitioners in similar fields what equipment they use and how it works for them. Taking stock of what other practices use can help you narrow your search.
At Future Health Concepts, we know how important it is to buy quality medical equipment that fits your budget. That’s why we sell new and refurbished equipment from tried-and-true brands you can rely on.