Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology

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.

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!

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.

So your clinic, hospital or practice needs a new C-Arm. And you’ve figured out which type you want, but you don’t know which model or manufacturer will fit your needs.  How do you know which one is right for you?  What’s the real difference between an OEC  9800 and OEC 9900? Which C-Arm is a real workhorse, and which one won’t stand up to day-in and day-out use? And is it better to buy a new one? Or can you get way more bang for your buck—and a great warranty—by buying a refurbished one? Popular Siemens C-Arms, Philips C-Arms and GE OEC C-Arms compared!

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. 

New is great. Everybody loves new. If it were up to me, I would ONLY have new everything—from cars and cell phones to homes and imaging devices. But let’s be real.  New is expensive. And if you’re talking about medical imaging devices, new is REALLY expensive. Let’s say you wanted to buy a new OEC, Philips or Siemens C-Arm. You’re looking at more than $100,000.00. Ouch. So it’s no wonder Atlantis Worldwide has been so successful.  We’ve helped clinics, hospitals and other health care entities get the medical imaging equipment they want and need, but at a used or refurbished price.

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.