Durable medical equipment promises its users better healthcare thanks to innovative technologies. Most hospitals and clinics tend to ask themselves when there are considerations about buying a medical device, or you should consider buying a used or new medical equipment. The answer itself to this seemingly simple request is complex, since there are many factors that need to be considered before making a decision. The following are some of the main factors that must be considered when deciding whether to purchase medical equipment:
The very first and most significant factor that can influence the decision to purchase durable medical equipment is cost. There are some important considerations that need to be made regarding the cost of equipment that goes beyond the individual price of a medical device. Thus, keeping the cost factor as constant, we can now weigh the benefits of buying new and durable medical products against those used.
New and durable medical equipment usually comes with so-called OEM, which means the guarantee of the original equipment manufacturer. OEM is the manufacturer’s warranty against any damage or defects under normal conditions of use. An OEM warranty usually extends to device software as well as hardware components and provides good assurance of complete peace of mind. Medical equipment that is used or repaired usually comes with a limited warranty provided by resellers. In most cases, this type of warranty does not cover all defects in software and hardware. Although getting an extended warranty is an affordable option, it will also lead to value added.
In addition to this, a new and durable medical facility usually comes with the added advantage of excellent postal service, in which all technical information requests are addressed directly to the original manufacturer of the device or together with a distributor of equipment. Manufacturer's technical staff has experience and proper training to provide reliable support and advice. On the other side of the coin, medical device consumers may need to contact a product reseller who may not have important technical skills and knowledge in troubleshooting product problems.
Another cause for concern is the availability of accessories and spare parts for medical facilities. These needs are most urgently acquired for new medical devices throughout the estimated life expectancy. An additional advantage is also a wider network of authorized repair centers and dealers. Used or repaired medical devices parts and accessories may be difficult to access, as they gradually cease. This event may render the device unusable.
Another important consideration when deciding whether to buy medical equipment is insurance claims. As a rule, it can be much easier for healthcare practitioners to make insurance claims when used with durable medical equipment that is operated using the latest technology.
