Deciding whether to purchase new MRI equipment or used MRI equipment can be challenging. Each option comes with unique benefits and pitfalls. You need to carefully consider how new and used equipment will fit with your facility’s budget, current needs, and future plans to make the right decision for your practice.
Buying New
Just like with automobiles, new MRI equipment comes with a significantly higher price tag than used MRI equipment. Although buying new MRI equipment will allow your facility to bring in the latest available technology, it can be costly. That’s why it’s especially critical to make sure you make the best decision for your facility.
Buying a new MRI system may include other benefits that may not come along with a used MRI equipment purchase, such as a warranty, free ongoing software upgrades, trade-in arrangements, staff training, and easy access to parts. If these benefits are important to your facility, buying new may be the right choice. Here are a few other things to consider if you are thinking about purchasing new MRI equipment:
Longevity: Does your facility prefer to upgrade MRI systems frequently, or does it tend to keep tried-and-tested equipment? If your facility plans on hanging on to its MRI equipment for the long haul, it may make sense to buy new.
Meeting current and future needs: New MRI equipment should help your facility address current needs, challenges, or concerns, but you also should think about how your new MRI equipment will meet your facility’s future needs. Before buying new MRI equipment, your facility should consider how the acquisition fits in with short-term goals, long-term goals, budgets, and plans.
Anticipate change: At the rate that imaging technology is changing and improving, your new MRI system’s latest-and-greatest status may soon be eclipsed by the next big thing. When you purchase a new MRI system, you need to be confident that the technology will continue to meet the needs of your patients even after newer models become available.
Know what you want: If you are looking for an MRI machine that has specific features to help your facility meet a goal or objective, buying new may be able to help you get exactly what you want. Not all MRI systems have the same specifications, and some older used models may lack newer or more complex features.
Buying Used
Although used MRI equipment may not boast the latest technology, it can offer great value and provide flexibility for facilities that may be looking to upgrade in the not-too-distant future. However, the lower price tag comes with a higher risk of mechanical breakdowns and less overall longevity.
Used MRI equipment generally does not come with all of the extras of purchasing new equipment, but you may still be able to get a short-term warranty or other guarantee regarding its condition. Here are a few things to consider if you are thinking about purchasing used MRI equipment:
Take it for a test drive: Your facility should have a qualified engineer look over any used MRI system to ensure that it is working properly and is in good condition. A qualified engineer may be able to give you a heads-up if a critical system component appears to be near the end of it’s life expectancy, saving you headaches as well as a bundle in future repair costs.
Check the parts: All parts on your used MRI system should meet original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. Systems and software that has been fixed using unauthorized parts or upgrades can suffer from performance problems. Also, you should make sure that you will be able to easily replace parts for your unit in the event of a breakdown.
Understand the specs, warranty, and guarantees: Although the price of used MRI equipment may be attractive, your facility should do its due diligence to make sure that the equipment has all the features you need. Also, your facility must have a clear understanding of what is included in warranty coverage (if available), as well as any guarantees the vendor is making regarding the equipment’s condition and whether it will meet accreditation requirements.
Consider installation costs: Used MRI machines may be configured differently than today’s newer models and have different installation requirements, so your facility needs to be aware of the installation costs. An MRI system at an attractive price might still be a financial mistake if the costs for installation at your facility are sky-high.
If your facility is struggling to decide whether to purchase new or used MRI equipment, you’re not alone. A third-party MRI acquisition consultant can help. Your third-party MRI acquisition consultant can help your facility weigh the pros and cons of new and used equipment and determine which would provide the most benefit your facility, today, and in the future.
If your facility is ready to acquire MRI equipment, our MRI specialists can help your facility get the most value for its money. For more information or to speak with one of our experts, please call 877.938.5665 or contact us.
