There’s one thing that never changes about Medical Imaging: it’s always changing. If you own a clinic, hospital, health care facility it can be challenging to keep up with all the new technology and advancements, much less what it means to your business. 
Every type of medical imaging is experiencing applications advancements, which means much of the current technology is aging. Does that mean you have to buy a new system in order to stay up with emerging industry standards or physician/patient expectations?
Maybe. For example, new MRI technology is providing increased accuracy, specificity and patient benefits. Aging technology can often be updated to achieve these new levels of performance. Most technological advancements are often incremental, and it can take time before equipment becomes obsolete. So how do you know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em?
Interestingly, 50% of MRIs being installed today will have to be replaced within 11 years. And in today’s marketplace, it is estimated that 1 out of every 5 MRI systems is older than 10 years.
Here’s another consideration to put into the mix: older equipment often comes with a higher occurrence of failures or breakdowns. And when equipment is out of service, patients wait. Medical practitioners get frustrated. Medical interventions are delayed. And as the clock ticks, money is lost.
Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast answers about your current equipment and whether or not it should be replaced, updated or remain in service. Thoughtful analysis of your individual situation is required. The experts at Atlantis Worldwide have prepared a list of questions that can get you started on the process of determining what is right for you.
- How will this particular system benefit my patients?
- Will it help me reach my patient satisfaction goals?
- Does it deliver better patient comfort and care?
- Will this system help me improve my diagnostic capabilities?
- Will it improve my diagnostic confidence?
- Will it enable me to increase patient throughput?
- Can it provide me with maximum reimbursement?
- Will I see an increase in my patient/physician attraction/retention rates?
- What will my total cost of ownership be?
- Does it make financial sense?
- How long will this system fit into the needs of my practice or facility?
- Will it enable me to develop new diagnostic services?
If you and your stakeholders take the time to thoughtfully answer these questions, your decision will be easier to make. Of course, you can also talk to the experts at Atlantis Worldwide, as well. We can help you answer these and other questions, so you can determine which systems are best for you. Rather than buying a new system, you might be able to achieve your goals with a refurbished or used MRI system—and spend less money. After all, refurbished systems include impressive service, parts and warranties.
Yes, there are no quick answers. But thoughtful analysis will most definitely lead you to the right answers. Contact Us Today to evaluate your MRI needs!
Some blogs you may have missed:
- Your Image: The Importance of Upgrading Your Diagnostic Monitors
- 2016: The Year of Improving Your C-Arm
- Changing the Game: Xbox to X-Ray
- 7 Benefits of Medical Imaging File Sharing
- 3D Printing in Medical Imaging & Healthcare
Meet the author: Vikki Harmonay
