Used Medical Equipment Discussion about reconditioned medical equipment

Among the many types of used medical equipment available today, digital mammography systems are in greater demand than ever. The reason for this may be based on patient concerns about the higher radiation exposure that comes from older mammography equipment. Plus, these machines offer a higher degree of spatial resolution and they store images more efficiently than older models. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer rates are on the rise. In their most recent published study, it was estimated that 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer would be discovered in 2009, with more than 40,000 women expected to die from the disease in that year alone. Only lung cancer was responsible for a higher number of deaths among women.

Greater awareness of the need for early detection of breast cancer has led many patients to be their own advocates. Beyond the regular mammograms recommended by their gynecologists, women are seeking out digital mammography specifically. This is especially true among women with dense breasts or a family history of breast cancer who wants to be sure their test results are accurate. Buying used digital mammography equipment is usually the best option for women’s healthcare clinics and hospitals, but there are three different technologies in use today. Before looking at used medical equipment in this area, you should know if you want a direct or indirect x-ray conversion detector, or a slot scanning system.

Images created by digital mammography systems are usually displayed on two high resolution monitors within the examination area; with a third monitor displaying patient information. Digital mammography machines are known to have a deeper dynamic range than film and/or screen imaging medical equipment, but it is important to keep in mind that pixel size is not always a good indicator of high resolution with these systems. Blurring and noise within the detector system can have a negative impact on resolution. The type of digital imaging used in mammography utilizes pattern recognition software to highlight any suspicious findings in the image, thereby bringing a potential tumor to the attention of the doctor.

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Healthcare costs have been a source of much debate in this country lately, with many citizens concerned about how recent healthcare reform legislation will impact the availability and quality of care. But even before the healthcare debate got started, hospitals were already cutting their budgets. The rising cost of malpractice insurance and a growing number of uninsured patients has caused many medical centers to either close or find a way to get by with less. Shrinking budgets for new equipment have created more demand for used medical equipment than ever.

The growth of the refurbished medical equipment market has opened up new opportunities for small hospitals to keep up with demand, while allowing larger hospitals to defray the cost of new equipment. Doctors and patients should not be concerned about the quality of used equipment. Better technology has made it possible to use most medical devices long after a newer model has been released, and trained technicians ensure that used medical equipment is in good working condition.

Even as the market for used monitors and diagnostic imaging equipment grows in the United States, it is also expanding in overseas markets. The availability of good medical care in developing countries is creating a huge overseas demand for affordable medical equipment. Many of these startup medical facilities are looking for everything from hospital beds to carts, patient monitors and EKG machines. As more US hospitals look to replenish their supply with refurbished equipment, it may take longer for them to find what they are looking for. In other words, what is available at a used medical equipment dealer today may be sold by tomorrow.
If you are seeking a reputable resource for refurbished medical devices and equipment, the best place to look is in the online marketplace; specifically with a dealer that specializes in buying and selling equipment. For nearly a decade, Absolute Medical Equipment has been providing new and reconditioned medical equipment to private practice physicians, hospitals and clinics. They stand behind their products and they guarantee the equipment they sell will perform to the manufacturer’s specifications.

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What are the differences between buying new medical equipment and getting refurbished equipment from a reputable dealer? The main difference is in the price. In many cases, buying a used EKG machine, ultrasound scanner or patient monitor will save you more than 50 percent. For hospitals and medical practices that are dealing with severe budget cuts, used medical equipment is a great way to save money without sacrificing the quality of care.

Surprisingly, most of the medical equipment that can be found new can also be purchased used, or refurbished. This includes everything from patient monitors to EKG machines, defibrillators and bone densitometers. When a piece of medical equipment is refurbished, it has been thoroughly cleaned, sterilized and tested to ensure it is fully operational and safe. In many cases, gently used medical equipment will still be under warranty.

Who refurbishes medical equipment?

Most of the equipment for sale today in the used medical equipment marketplace has been refurbished by technicians who are trained in the biomedical field. Because these technicians are aware of the exacting standards for these devices, they take great care to ensure they are in great condition.

Are there still advantages to buying new equipment? Yes. First of all, it is a lot easier to find good quality medical equipment with a warranty when you buy it new. While some used medical equipment comes with a warranty, it will not last as long as the warranty on new equipment. Also, when you need new equipment in a hurry, it can be hard to spend the time it takes to find what you’re looking for in the used and refurbished marketplace.

Ultimately, most hospitals find it much more cost-effective to buy refurbished medical equipment, saying it is worth the extra work. However, before purchasing used medical equipment from a dealer, be sure you review their credentials, return policy and quality standards.

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