Belts are tightened due to budget constraints, and clinics, hospitals, and medical offices feel squeezed in our current economic condition. However, insurance and general health care costs are rising, and medical equipment and supplies are certainly no exception. Yes, this is a paradox, and it seems that there are not so many viable solutions, if suddenly some extremely rich donor suddenly opens his wallets!
For some health care providers, it may be very difficult, if not impossible, to equip with the latest medical devices. They still want to be the best trustees they can be; their reputation and position in the medical community depend on it. But they simply cannot afford the latest state-of-the-art monitoring devices, IV supplies, infusion pumps, or other equipment necessary to perform their basic functions.
Well, take it in, because in fact there is a solution! Something that medical professionals have been doing with increased frequency lately: buying used or repaired medical equipment.
In fact, the difference between new and used in the world of medical equipment can be quite significant at times. For example, the Baxter, Sigma, or Alaris Medsystem III infusion pump system used can be found for 30-, 40-, or sometimes more than 50 percent less than the price of the "new".
Stigma and stereotype
Some will cringe at the very mention of what is “used” or “owned”. Whether it is in the eyes of the buyer or the seller, the patient or the guardian, there is often a negative association associated with these conditions. And sometimes this attitude is justified. There are, of course, cases where the subject “slips between cracks” and does not meet the standards. In addition, there will always be dubious characters in any business or life path in this regard - who “joins the game” just for profit, thereby avoiding any rules or standards or concern for the patient's well-being. Only a few of these types can damage reputation on all sides of the medical supply business.
In addition, reliability is becoming a problem for those who are skeptical of reconditioned medical equipment, as well as the question of possible abuse by previous owners.
Inspection, regulations and OEM
Since in recent years the number of buyers and sellers has come to the market for used medical equipment, it has become necessary to establish an organization to establish certain ethics and supervision within this increasingly popular business segment. Thus, the International Association of Remarketing Machines and Service Devices (IAMERS) was created.
In addition, there are requirements that are strongly recommended to companies that sell repaired medical equipment. The FDA has specific recommendations that the seller of used medical equipment should be responsible for compliance. The seller must clearly identify those responsible for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing the equipment, and also ensure that it complies with the standards. The Association for the Advancement of Medical Equipment (AAMI) is involved in this process, and also directs vendors to properly label the equipment.
The FDA and AAMI also recommend that the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certify the repaired medical device and meet all safety, performance and quality requirements. This is not a guarantee, notice, but it is highly recommended that OEMs conduct ethical business practices in this regard. It is also important to ensure that any spare parts are supplied by the OEM, and not from any other source.
Let's return to the term "recommended." Companies that sell repaired or used medical equipment should not be registered with the FDA. Although there are certain standards by which these companies are strongly convinced to meet, technically they are not approved by the FDA.
It is therefore very important that anyone considering the purchase of used, repaired, recycled, re-conditioned or used (for the most part) medical equipment that is reliable and reliable, has a good reputation and reputation. It is definitely worth due diligence.
