Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology

Orlando is the home of Disney, Epcot, Universal Studios –and the perfect location for last week’s ASCA Conference! The Marriott Orlando World Center was a great place to stay again. The convention center was conveniently located there at the hotel, which had multiple different pathways, pools and gathering areas which made it easy to get around. If you were in the mood to rise before 6am on Friday there was also the 5k to run or walk the golf course trail.

Are you thinking about replacing your CT Scanner in order to meet increased demand? Are you considering the addition of a new CT Scanner to offer a different imaging modality to your practice?  Before you make a final decision, one of the most important considerations is the number of data slices you need—or think you need.

We were reminded this week, unfortunately, that MRIs are not just for people any more. One of our co-workers has a beautiful six-year-old brindle bullmastiff that began having seizures—and not just one now and then, but multiple times a day.  A trip to the neurologist resulted in an order for a brain MRI. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was not good—a brain tumor that was large and inoperable.  While our friend is heartbroken, she’s also relieved that she knows exactly what’s wrong, what to expect, and roughly how much time she has left with Poudre.

MRI systems, CT scanners, C-Arms, and all other radiology systems are essential for diagnosing the full gambit of medical conditions. These systems are both large and expensive, and obtaining them issometimes cost-prohibitive, especially for smaller hospitals and medical clinics. Buying used and refurbished medical imaging equipment doesn't only save money, but it also saves the environment by keeping these devices from going into landfills.

Wanted: straight answers. 

Creating standards. Improving reporting. Lowering dose to better the health and safety of patients and staff. These are laudable goals, and the new Standard XR-29-2013 from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s (NEMA’s) Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) is taking them on.

Have you ever had an MRI? As for me, I didn’t mind it at all.  But for some folks, it ranks right up there with the dreaded colonoscopy. The idea of having to stay completely (ok, deathly) still while listening to that annoying and incredibly loud banging noise sends them screaming to the nearest tranquilizer. In fact, I’ve known a few who actually left before having the procedure!

On February 18th, 2015 General Electric announced a recall that may include your GE MRI system.  This “field corrective action” covers it total install base of 12,968 MRI systems installed worldwide. 

When it comes to sales of refurbished medical equipment, Latin America is getting on the bandwagon.  Rising employment levels and economic growth, greater access to healthcare insurance, chronic disease incidence and heath care reforms are just a few of the factors behind this.  Let’s take a quick look at the factors in specific Latin American countries.

Seems like every time we turn around, science fiction is becoming a reality. There’s talk of a drone that can explore Mars. Cars can park themselves. And yes, now there’s a CT scanner that can show users animated 4D (yup, more than 3D) models of organs, blood vessels, soft tissues, muscles, vascular structures and bones. In real time. Thank you, GE Healthcare.