April 25th, 2021 | Updated on June 27th, 2022
Buying medical equipment for your home or business is a significant expense. Buying used medical equipment will not only save a little money, but you will also have peace of mind. However, you need to do your homework when buying used or refurbished medical equipment. Here are some things you need to consider when buying used medical equipment.
- Supplier. Avoid purchasing used medical equipment from random resellers. You need to determine whether the company is reputable. You also must know the relationship your supplier has with the manufacturer. Ask your supplier whether they are a partner or authorized distributors and whether they offer basics like training or installation. You can also ask about the warranty and extra options like exchange plans. Make sure that you only buy from a trusted medical equipment dealership.
- Serial Number. You can trace a piece of used medical equipment using a serial number. Ask your supplier to provide a serial number before purchasing the equipment. The serial number will help you learn more about the device. Check for the year of manufacture, supply channel, software upgrade, corrective actions, and recalls.
- Ask a Professional. If the equipment is older, check to see if you can still order any disposable accessories, sensors, and spare parts. The device may not use the item for long if you cannot find spare parts. If you do not know what parts to check, ask a professional. Doctors and nurses understand what used medical equipment is needed. Ask many professionals in a variety of speciality areas for their opinion before you buy the device.
- Trust your gut. If you suspect something is wrong, do not take suppliers for their word. If the manufacturer’s date is recent, compare the equipment’s age to the average period of use. Ask yourself why someone could sell a new piece of equipment. You can also check what type of refurbishing, preventive maintenance, and testing that has been performed on the equipment. Ask for the supporting documentation and do not trust the supplier’s word.
- Service. Another primary thing to consider is the availability of reliable service. Used medical equipment is at a higher risk of breaking down because some parts may be reaching the end of their life span. Ask your supplier whether they provide biomedical repair services and support or spare part coverage.
- Height and Weight. Remember to consider the height and weight of the used medical device you are about to purchase. Some devices not only take up a lot of space, but they are also heavy. As such, be cautious and ensure you have enough space to place the equipment.
- Rentals. You can also consider renting the used medical equipment. Your needs may change over time, and you no longer need the used device you bought. Many suppliers offer rentals so you can have high-quality medical equipment for times with high demand or when you temporarily need the item.
These things may seem a lot to consider, but it is essential to take such measures when making such critical purchases.
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Information provided by Newszii.com does in no way substitute for qualified medical opinion. Any text, videos or any other material provided by us should be considered as generic information only. Any health related information may vary from person to person, hence we advice you to consult specialists for more information.
