Medical equipments like X-ray, MRI, exam tables and ultrasound machines among others are very important tools to properly carry out a variety of medical operations and provide accurate medical results. Some of these equipments are used for diagnosis and monitoring, while others are significantly needed to provide appropriate treatments for certain medical conditions. Unfortunately, with the recent global economic downturn we are experiencing, not all health care organizations and medical practitioners could afford purchasing new medical equipments since they come with hefty price tags. Just a piece of the aforesaid equipments could already cost thousands of dollars that cannot be supported by hospital budget.
Fortunately, health care institutions especially small clinics and home based care could save on their expenses by simply purchasing used medical equipment units, Used Medical Equipment which are readily available and sold in many medical device centers. Through this option, hospitals and other medical institutions are provided with affordable solutions to acquire medical tools necessary for their operation without breaking their budget. Of course, some people have critical perception when it comes to purchasing second-hand medical devices. Such negative opinion surrounding the purchase of second-hand medical supplies is rooted in their functionality, quality and reliability relative to their previous use.
It should be considered though that used medical equipment units that are up for resale are very functional and reliable. This is because they usually come from large hospitals that updated their old items to newer ones, and instead of discarding their used medical devices they put them up for sale for lower costs. Hence, there are no questions regarding the quality and functionality of these materials since they come from reliable sources. Yet, it cannot be discounted that there are black markets for second-hand medical supplies, which serve as the primary catalyst for the rise of negative perceptions surrounding these used items, and this is something that you must be cautious about.
If you intend to buy used medical equipment units to facilitate home based care, there are some considerations that you have to take so as not to fall prey against opportunistic second-hand medical apparatus sellers. To begin with, try to make a list of the medical devices that you need to purchase. As much as possible, consult with your family doctor or an equally competent medical professional about the specific medical device you need to establish a patient-friendly environment inside your home.
Anyone who is contemplating home based care should thoroughly investigate the market for second-hand medical devices. That is, select a reputable supplier of well maintained second-hand health care supplies. Try asking recommendations from your doctor’s office, nurses and home health care institutions and if possible try contacting the establishments they refer to you. Once you get a hold of these businesses inquire about the past usage of the items you intend to purchase, their power source requirements as well as their warranty coverage.
If you decide to purchase online, it is necessary that you ask for a detailed description as well as pictures of the products. If you are to buy in-person do an on-the-spot test and inspection on the units to assess their quality and ensure that they are fully functional. As with warranty coverage, your purchase may not actually be covered with the extended warranty offered by the manufacturers of the said products. However, you should get some form of protection from the business you are dealing with such as a 30 day return policy in case you found some damages on the equipments so as to make a speedy replacement, or if they don’t have a liberal return policy they must have after sales service that could respond to you in a timely and professional manner.
