Used Medical Equipment Discussion about reconditioned medical equipment

One of the toughest jobs in any medical facility is controlling costs, but it is something that hospitals have started to take very seriously. Buying used medical equipment is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cut costs without compromising the quality of care. Let’s take a look at two common types of cardiac care machines that can be purchased from a used medical equipment dealer.

Cardiac Ultrasound Machines

• A used cardiac ultrasound unit can be used for echocardiography and to monitor the flow and turbulence of the heart’s arteries and blood vessels.

• Some of the more sophisticated machines can also perform stress echocardiogram tests.

• If a mobile cardiac ultrasound machine is required, be sure to look for one that is portable enough to transport from one department to another, or even to an off-site facility.

• In order to perform comprehensive cardiac studies, a fully featured ultrasound system is required.

External Pacemakers

• Used external pacemakers come in two models – single chamber and dual chamber – and most medical facilities use both.

• Both of these machines can be adjusted for heart rate, amplitude and sensitivity, but single chamber pacemakers only work on one chamber of the heart, while a dual machine can keep the pace of both chambers.

• For patients undergoing more complicated cardiac procedures, such as open-heart surgery, a dual chamber pacemaker is used, but it is not recommended to use a dual chamber unit for single chamber pacing.

• If you plan on buying a used dual chamber pacemaker, keep in mind that these medical equipment machines are more complex and will require more experience and training to be used proficiently.

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Did you know that used medical equipment is often 80 percent less expensive than purchasing a new machine? While this is true, and medical professionals are saving thousands of dollars by buying used equipment, some healthcare institutions still have concerns about buying pre-owned equipment. This is particularly the case when they are shopping online.

Here are a few of the most common questions about buying used medical equipment.

How do I know the equipment will be in good working order when it arrives?

If you plan to buy used medical equipment from an online marketplace rather than a certified dealer, this may be a legitimate concern. Unless a device has been tested by medical equipment specialists, and is guaranteed to perform according to manufacturer’s specifications, then you should shop elsewhere. However, most legitimate dealers who sell reconditioned medical equipment will stand behind their products.

Will I have access to the owner’s manual and operating instructions?

The seller should be able to give you as much information about a piece of used medical equipment as you would get when purchasing it new. This includes manufacturer’s operations manuals and easy access to knowledgeable staff if there is a problem upon delivery.

Will the equipment be guaranteed? What if I want my money back?

You should also be given an unconditional money-back guarantee, but keep in mind that the equipment may need to be returned within a certain period of time.

What type of used medical equipment can be purchased online?

The most common devices found online are patient monitors, defibrillators, EKG machines, ultrasound machines and bone densitometers; but you will also find more equipment such as Holter monitors, pulse oximeters, fetal monitors and stress test EKG machines.

Will an online retailer be able to make expert recommendations?

Most online retailers will tell you they have a staff of “qualified professionals”, but you will want to be sure they have experience with the type of medical equipment you plan to buy. The site should encourage phone calls and have an expert medical equipment representative available to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision.

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