With shifts in reimbursement rates, regulations, and patient trends, maintaining control over your medical imaging equipment expenses and upkeep is crucial.
One area to keep a pulse on is your equipment service plan.
Implementing a service plan for your medical imaging equipment offers significant value—not only for your facility’s financial health but also for the peace of mind of your staff.
Below we will give you the top three reasons why your facility should have a service plan for your medical imaging equipment, and the most popular options available.
STABILIZE OPERATING COSTS
Keeping your operating budget steady is vital for maintaining stability and peace of mind in your facility.
Without a service plan in place, unforeseen events like system downtime, broken parts, OEM coverage issues, or expensive service calls can disrupt your operations and strain your budget.
If your day-to-day operations are running smoothly with your current budget, imagine how difficult it could be if you experience any of the above examples. By opting for a service plan, you can focus on providing patient scans while keeping your budget steady and predictable.
Instead of dealing with a large, unexpected bill when your system breaks down, you will have peace of mind knowing you have a monthly payment structure that covers these issues as they come up.
MINIMIZE RISK
A service plan minimizes the risk your facility is willing to take on should high-cost expenses come up.
Risk tolerance will be different for every facility.
In favor of keeping risk low, imagine having to suddenly pay a five-figure sum (plus labor) to replace a critical component. This type of sudden expense can be catastrophic, especially for smaller imaging centers/clinics. Versus a stable monthly amount for a service plan.
From a budgeting standpoint, a service plan is easy and offers additional major benefits.
For example, an X-ray tube for a CT scanner, without a service plan, could cost $60,000 - $90,000, not including the installation!
If these parts must come from the OEM, they cost even more. In many cases, a service contract can pay for itself with just one or two component replacements (tubes, detectors, image intensifiers, etc.).
MAXIMIZE UPTIME
To put it simply: you want your system up and functioning to benefit patients and present revenue opportunities for your facility. Operating without a service contract ups that risk factor we mentioned before. So, how exactly can a service contract maximize your systems' uptime?
A full-service contract provides maximum stability through year-round coverage, a 24/7 service hotline, parts coverage, and preventative maintenance.
If you are comfortable with some risks, a preventative maintenance service plan could also be a good option for your facility.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE VS. FULL COVERAGE SERVICE
A preventative maintenance (PM) plan for medical imaging equipment is akin to regular oil changes for your car, ensuring peak performance by addressing potential issues early.
This cost-effective plan includes routine visits from a service engineer who cleans, tests and inspects your system multiple times a year, as recommended by the OEM. You can opt for quarterly, semi-annual, or annual visits based on your needs and budget.
This proactive approach keeps your equipment running smoothly and allows you to plan for any emerging issues, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
A full-service plan for medical equipment is like having comprehensive auto insurance plus regular maintenance.
This type of plan typically covers preventative maintenance and includes parts, labor, and travel expenses for repairs, regardless of the repair costs. Additionally, it often provides 24/7 access to a service line, and a nationwide network of engineers and parts, all with flexible payment options.
Offering the most peace of mind and budget predictability, a full-service plan is a popular choice among healthcare facilities.
The Takeaway
Having a service plan for your medical imaging equipment is indispensable. It ensures operational stability, financial predictability, and reduced stress for your facility.
Whether you opt for a full-coverage plan or a preventative maintenance plan, there are several advantages like:
- Stabilized Operating Costs for Your Facility
- Minimized Future Operating Risks
- Increased System Uptime
We hope this information helped provide you with insight into medical imaging service plans and how they can help set your facility up for success.
For additional imaging resources, check out the Block Imaging Learning Center or reach out to our dedicated Service team below!
Paul Crawford: July 15, 2024
