How old is your X-ray equipment? Are you still able to provide medical imaging needed for your patients? With how quickly the 
world of medicine advances, it’s important to think about whether it’s time to upgrade your equipment. While buying new equipment is expensive, sometimes it’s time to make the investment. Here are four questions you should ask yourself to help determine whether your current equipment is fine or if you need to considering upgrading it.
Is Your Current Medical Imaging Equipment Functioning Well?
Is your X-ray machine starting to malfunction? Are you experiencing downtime and inconveniencing your patients and staff? X-ray equipment wears out over time, even if you perform the required routine maintenance. Parts wear out and repairs can be expensive. If you’re experiencing a lot of downtime and paying for expensive repairs often, it might make sense to invest in newer equipment that’s more reliable.
Is Your X-ray Equipment Handling Demand?
Does it provide the high quality imaging your patients need? Can you deliver medical imaging in a timely manner? Digital radiography technology has improved radically over the past few years. Newer models can optimize workflows and provide an increased level of treatment in a wide variety of modalities. If your Portable X-Ray Equipment isn’t performing at a high level, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
Do You Have Limited Physical Storage Space?
Older equipment requires physical space to store copies of film scans. Newer digital imaging devices use PACS, which eliminate the need for designated storage space. With digital storage it’s easy to get scans on demand. Anyone accessing your computer systems can view scans anytime and anywhere. It’s more convenient and saves time.
Are Parts Still Available?
The older your medical imaging devices are, the harder it can be to find parts for repairs and replacement. Parts can also be discontinued. It can take a lot of time to search for parts, which also costs your organization money. In addition, many older X-ray machines and software simply can’t be upgraded. The newest features you’d like access to may not be achievable by older machines. This can limit the patient imaging services you can offer.
Is It Time To Replace Your Equipment?
If your current setup is functioning reliably and you don’t have issues getting parts or providing the level of patients care you want, you can put off buying new equipment. However, if your equipment isn’t performing at the level you need, it may be time to purchase new equipment. Just remember—new equipment doesn’t necessarily mean BRAND new equipment. Oftentimes used or refurbished medical imaging equipment can deliver the performance you need at a much lower cost than new. Plus, you still get impressive warranties! Talk to the medical imaging experts at Atlantis Worldwide—we’ve been helping hospitals, clinics, urgent cares, vet clinics and other medical facilities with their imaging needs for more than 28 years. We’d love to help you.
Some blogs you may have missed:
- 4 Tips on X-Ray Tubes
- CR to DR: Digital Radiographic Upgrades And Options
- The 101 On Veterinary X-Ray Equipment
- MRI Infographic: Closed Bore, Open MRI & Wide Bore
- Six Key Considerations for Radiology Equipment Selection
About the author: Vikki Harmonay
