Used Medical Equipment Discussion about reconditioned medical equipment

Due to the influx of the aging baby boom generation, hospital workers and facilities will soon find themselves urgently challenged in the upcoming decade. To enhance the performance and accuracy of routine diagnostic procedures, hospitals can ultimately benefit from using quality medical equipment. Premium equipment enhances the way a health facility operates and allows medical professionals to use their time more efficiently. Purchasing newer medical equipment provides health care workers with efficient solutions that offer more consistent performance, longer durability and fewer inaccuracies, which significantly improves overall patient care. The two factors that most negatively affect hospital technology purchases are fragmentation and funding.

Several factors influence the choices that are made when it comes to the purchase of medical equipment and technology. With an abundance of choices of medical equipment and information technology (IT), there are both economic and ethical challenges for health care facilities to consider. First and foremost, the health industry is currently fragmented primarily because it is regulated by reimbursement and coverage policies that are largely dictated by private insurance companies and the CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). Therefore, the decisions of insurance companies and CMS frequently influence what technologies hospitals adopt.

In addition, medical equipment and technology purchases can also be swayed by physician preferences, patient demand, and by local competition of neighboring hospitals. One of the major setbacks of this method is the tendency to make isolated and impulsive decisions without considering the long-term impact of these decisions. To prevent this from happening, a nonprofit organization known as Health Tech was established in 2000 to research the potential impact of new medical technology in healthcare. Since the development of Health Tech, several for-profit organizations have emerged that are marketing similar forecasting information for the medical industry.

All medical establishments should have clearly identified purchasing goals. Hospitals and medical facility treatment centers that implement proper assessment, planning, and collaboration can wisely invest in innovative medical technology that will enhance the quality of medical care dramatically in upcoming years.

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Wireless technology is more prevalent today in hospitals than it ever was before and hospital personnel are quickly realizing that electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency (RF) can adversely affect various types of medical equipment that is commonly utilized in hospitals and increase the hospital’s liability. Therefore, wireless communication devices, that are routinely used in hospitals, such as Bluetooth, laptop computers, tablets, pagers, cell phones, and two-way radios have become a valid concern in the medical field due to the fact that they can pose many problems, including misdiagnosis, which inevitably leads to improper treatment and can cause patient injury.

In the early stages of wireless technology, cell phones were the primary concern of interference with specific types of medical equipment. Initially, cellular phones were operated on an analog system which used extensive radio frequency outputs. This system caused certain types of medical equipment, such as cardiac pacemakers, anesthesia equipment, and electric wheelchairs to be extremely vulnerable to interference. When wireless technology was relatively new and not commonly used in medical equipment, this particular issue was easily resolved by asking visitors and staff to refrain from cell phone use while they were in the hospital.

However, today, with the widespread use of portable medical equipment devices that are being used to treat patients, it is more difficult to avoid some type of interference. Consequently, technology is continuously evolving to design standards for medical equipment that incorporate more advanced systems that will ultimately provide intense protection from electromagnetic fields. A common solution to the problem is to shield certain devices in plastic or metal boxes and paint them with a protective coating. In addition to shielding, other typical RF immunization strategies include the grounding and filtering of devices.

The American Medical Association (AMA) strongly recommends that medical treatment facilities replace older medical equipment with newer medical equipment since the older devices were constructed with a type of shielding that operates inadequately when exposed to EMI. Fortunately, these techniques are both beneficial and cost effective when they are incorporated into the initial manufacturing of the medical equipment.

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In an economy that is plagued with financial debt, the medical community and profession, like every other business is not immune to the challenges of rising costs and shrinking budgets. While clipping coupons for grocery shopping is an effective way to offset a consumer’s food bill, medical establishments and personnel are continuously searching for viable solutions to offer patients affordable, quality medical care and treatment without “breaking the piggy bank”. As a result, those who are responsible for purchasing supplies have found a favorable solution to this particular dilemma buy buying used medical equipment.

With many smaller hospitals and medical facilities filing for bankruptcy protection, liquidating medical equipment and supplies is quickly becoming an unfortunate but, common routine practice. Medical facilities that used to merge and grow their practices are now down-sizing rather than expanding. This is increasingly leading to an over-surplus of used medical equipment that is in good condition and is currently available to be sold to interested and qualified buyers at a desirable cost. While the circumstances of facilities closing are regrettable, it is also an advantageous financial opportunity for medical facilities that need to stay current and want to save money.

Those who are interested in purchasing used medical equipment can rest assured that it can be a simple and safe alternative to control purchasing costs; however it is important to have access to a trustworthy source to assist with the process that is well educated with the products and the process.

Buying used medical equipment from a reputable online source is a two-fold savings opportunity. It enables one to save costs and save the environment by recycling equipment and parts rather than creating more waste in an already unacceptably wasteful society.

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Hospitals that are considering purchasing a medical emergency helicopter need to consider their budgets and evaluate their specific needs before embarking on this large financial commitment. For larger hospitals in urban areas, or hospitals that are located in rural locations, it may well be worth the cost. Hospitals that have burn units, trauma units, or offer prestigious cardiology or transplant treatment may increase their patient load when an emergency transport system is implemented. Estimates show that a hospital’s admitted patient numbers can increase by 3-4 people a day when a medical helicopter is being utilized. On other hand, for a smaller hospital, that is located in the vicinity of a larger hospital, a more realistic and economical option might be to contract through a local vendor or dismiss the idea altogether.

Purchasing a fully equipped medical helicopter can cost hospitals in the range of $600,000 dollars. In addition to purchasing the helicopter, the hospital will need to have or acquire a landing pad along with a fueling facility, purchase radio equipment, and provide wages for pilots, trained in-flight medics, and qualified mechanics to service the aircraft medical equipment. Another issue that must be considered is liability insurance to protect the hospital from any misconduct or negligence on behalf of the helicopter service.

Standard medical equipment for a medical evacuation helicopter typically includes, the same emergency monitoring units that are used in an ambulance, and equipment that can help to maintain emergency transplant, cardiac, and burn patients. Medical equipment that is needed aboard the helicopter includes:

o Blood pressure monitors

o IV infusion pumps

o Ventilation equipment

o Defibrillators and cardiac monitors

o Intra-aortic balloon pump

Some aircraft used in medical emergency transportation are equipped with navigation systems that allow them to be flown in dire weather conditions. A typical medical aircraft can carry a maximum of two patients, four medical flight personnel, and one pilot. Regulations require that there be at least one physician and one nurse on all flights.

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The new trend of buying refurbished medical equipment on the internet is on the rise. These days, consumers aren’t the only ones buying pre-owned, high-end goods.  Hospitals and medical offices are dealing with dramatic budget cuts too, and are forced to embrace new ways of saving money.  With so many new, state-of-the-art machines on the market, you may be wondering why hospitals would settle for a machine that has been used and refurbished.   Because, it is smart decision making, that’s why.With economic vulnerability looming over everyone, fewer people are hastily spending money.  Long-term affordability is a concern that is weighing on the minds of hospital administrators daily, especially after so many hospitals have been forced to close.

Cost-cutting in a medical facility is not always an easy thing to do. However, with smaller budgets to work with, health professionals are reassessing their priorities. They understand that maintaining qualified medical staff is just as essential to providing quality medical care as owning quality medical equipment.  With rising unemployment rates, the bottom line is that cost-effective supply budgets can preserve jobs.Purchasing pre-owned medical equipment is comparable to buying a used automobile. Brand new medical equipment depreciates as soon as the equipment is shipped, just as a car does once it is driven off the lot. Today, hospitals and medical offices are trying to cope with skyrocketing costs and shrinking budgets. This situation is creating an enormous and competitive demand for refurbished medical equipment.

When purchasing used medical equipment from an online vendor, it is wise to deal with an organization that is reputable and will guarantee that the equipment meets the American Medical Association’s (AMA) highest specifications. One benefit in choosing to purchase used medical equipment over new is that the technology of the slightly older machine has proven to be effective and reliable over the years.   Buying used equipment can provide doctors with confidence that they are getting a “good buy”; because they’re getting a solid and familiar product, at a good price, which has withstood the test of time. Some refurbished equipment comes with a warranty and when making a purchase, be sure to inquire about the return policy.

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According to several articles that broke last month throughout the scientific and medical communities, the risk for cancer among some heart patients may be greater than previously expected. This is primarily because they are subjected to so many tests that emit low doses of radiation. Like any other radiation-based diagnostic imaging test, frequent CT scans and cardiac imaging done are causing an increased risk of cancer, but according to a study that was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, this problem is more worrisome among heart patients.

The medical community is understandably concerned whenever a patient who already has one chronic illness becomes more susceptible to another. But has heart disease has increased in the United States, so has the use of procedures that use radiation. Not every test for heart disease is unsafe however. EKG testing and EKG machine stress tests have no known side effects, nor do an echocardiograms, or ultrasounds of the heart.

Coronary angiography is another popular procedure for heart patients, and also uses a low dose of ionizing radiation. The link found by researchers at McGill University’s health center, in conjunction with Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital, showed specific evidence of higher cancer risk among patients who suffered a severe heart attack. Over 82,000 patients were included in this study. According to the researchers, it is incumbent upon physicians and patients to keep this fact in mind when undergoing procedures where ionizing radiation is used. Some hospitals have started to replace older medical equipment, particularly CT scanners, for newer machines that emit less radiation.

Of the 12,000+ cases of cancer that were diagnosed in patients studied, all of whom had suffered a heart attack, most were located in the areas around the pelvis and abdomen, which also speaks to the possibility of radiation exposure as the cause.

Technorati Tags: ECG, ECG Machines, ekg, EKG Machines, Used 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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For hospitals and medical offices, the purchase of used medical equipment can seem like a risky idea at first, especially when the use of such equipment requires a lot of specialized or technical information.

The most important aspect of buying used medical equipment online is the assurance that the reseller or auction site that sold it will stand behind their merchandise with ongoing support and product info. For this reason, most buyers look for a dedicated medical equipment site rather than a more generic online auction.

A dedicated used medical equipment site will do more than just sell you a machine; they will hook you up with the product catalogs and recommend training options for staff. They will also help you with selling your used medical equipment when the time is right.

If all you need are generic items or testing supplies, then an online auction can work well, but look to a niche medical equipment web site for high-end equipment such as EKG machines, laboratory equipment, bone densitometers and patient monitors.

Looking for a very specific machine should be easy if you are on the right web site. For example, you should be able to search by keyword, product category or brand name, and inquire about the products directly on the web site via email or instant chat. The supplier should also be able to provide accurate shipping rates, return policies, guarantees, and other pertinent information up front.

When you call the Customer Service department for the site, you should be able to get more information about the medical equipment you want. The site’s staff should be able to provide you with detailed information about the product before expecting you to spend several thousand dollars on it.

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Looking for a good deal on a portable ultrasound machine? The GE Logiqbook XP is certain to please even the most discerning practitioner. Boasting a sharp 10.4 Hi-res color screen and weighing in at just 10lbs, the logiq book is truly portable. Don’t let its portability fool you though, the image quality on this portable ultrasound machine rivals many of its larger counterparts! Absolute Medical is selling this fine piece of used medical equipment for $15,999 including two transducers of your choice.

Key Specifiactions of the Logiqbook XP

• Studies available: Abdominal, Cardiac, Obstetrical, Gynecological, Musculoskeletal, Vascular, Urological, Small Parts and Superficial,Pediatric and Neonatal and Intraoperative.
• Modes: B Mode, M Mode, Color Flow, Power Doppler Imaging (PDI), Pulse Wave Doppler(PWD), Triplex, Harmonic
• The Logiqbook is based on the Windows Xp platform and allows for networking and wireless networking.
• 30gb hardrive, allows you to archive over 4000 images and cine loops.
• Battery operated; use in the office, on the road, or even in the barn (yes, this a perfect vetinary machine as well!)
• Available Transducers: Linear Vascular, Phased Array Cardiac, Convex Abdominal, Microconvex, Intraoperative Linear, Endocavity, Transvaginal

Be sure to call us today at 1.888.267.2966  to learn more or click here to buy the GE Logiqbook XP