Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology

Another RSNA has come and gone and most exhibitors and attendees are back at work, returning to their daily lives.  Though the show has concluded, the lasting affects will be felt as we head into 2016. It would take forever to discuss all the happenings of the RSNA so I will limit it to the field that I specialize in: C-ARMS! 

It's the 21st Century. I've said it once and I'll say it again. Technology is constantly improving. Gone are the days of Eight Tracks and Video Tapes. We live in a digital world. A great example of this is our computer monitors. Computer Monitors used to be a big box CRT that would sit on top of the desk and take up a lot of space. Fast-forward to present day where the monitor is digital and so small that it has become handheld. 

Have you ever gone to McDonald's? Of course, that’s a silly question, since 68 million people go to a McDonald’s every day. I’m sure you have been one of those 68 million people at one point in your life. So, when you walk up to the counter, what do you ask for? Small, medium, large or super-sized fries? That usually depends on how hungry you are. And just because the fries are super-sized doesn't make them better fries, right? It just means that you get more of them. 

If you’ve visited the Atlantis Worldwide website before you may remember a blog we posted a little over 2 years ago. It focused on the risks and dangers of buying C-Arms on eBay. No, we’re not kidding some doctor’s offices have actually considered this.

Let me set the table. You’re improving your radiology capabilities and one thing has become abundantly clear; you need a C-Arm. Whether you’re building a new facility, buying a C-Arm for the first time, or you’re ready to upgrade to a newer/better model – it’s going to take a lot of work and research to make this purchase happen.

C-Arms have been around for more than 30 years, and people often view it as a “Coke and Pepsi” market: dominated by OEC C-Arms and Philips C-Arms.  Okay, and maybe Siemens C-Arms, too. But there is another fairly big player that’s often overlooked: Ziehm C-Arms. I like to think of them as the RC Cola of the C-Arm market. They've been around just as long as the big guys (1983) and the quality of their C-Arms is actually on par, as well.  (We all know RC Cola is just as good as Coke and Pepsi!) However, for some reason the Ziehm name does not carry the same appeal or recognition as OEC, Philips or Siemens. 

So you need a C-Arm. There are countless options out there and it’s an important decision you don’t want to mess up. You do your research, you take a look at your practice and the procedures you perform and you pinpoint the C-Arm that works best for you. You decide that a refurbished C-Arm will provide the performance (and price!) you need, so you call the dealer, ready to buy. Then that knowledgeable salesman asks you what kind of C-Arm table you want. What?

NEW 2021 C-Arm Price Infographic online now! Click here to see 2021 Updated prices.

Search no more; we have prices listed for the most popular C-Arms on our new Infographic or Slideshare presentation.  As a leader in refurbished and used C-Arms we want to help you with C-Arm questions and identify the best solution at the appropriate price.

Since 1993, Atlantis Worldwide has been selling the full gambit of used medical imaging equipment and during that time, we’ve heard and seen it all. Of course, we love it when a potential buyer calls us and knows exactly what they are looking for.  Or at least they think they do. But oftentimes we have to burst their bubble and let them know the downside (or pitfalls) to their choice. For example, many times clients think they want to buy a portable X-ray system when actually a stationery system will fit their needs better.  Sure, a portable system is more affordable.  It’s also a great solution for facilities without much space. But portable systems were designed specifically for bedside procedures and for use during surgery. They were not designed for every day use.

Technology is always progressing no matter what industry you are in. Radiology equipment is no different. But if there is a modality that has experienced the most rapid change in technology, it’s Mammography. In just 15 years, the mammography market has evolved from strictly analog, to digital detectors and now we are entering into the age of 3D imaging. However, keeping up with technology can be pretty expensive. That’s why many hospitals and clinics across the country choose to buy pre-owned equipment. But whether you’re buying the latest and greatest or refurbished, there are additional components you need to consider beyond the actual mammography unit. And each one of them can make digital mammography easier for you and your practice.