From the November 2018 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
Sites such as outpatient and freestanding imaging centers can take advantage of the lower pricing tiers of value-based single detector systems that still offer high-quality images along with standard options. For the smaller facilities and clinics, digital or digital-ready analog systems quoted by third-party vendors can also be an economical alternative to purchasing from an OEM. Dealers still play an important role in the market, consistently quoting equipment and service from multiple OEMs. Many MD Buyline customers tend to primarily purchase highly configurable value-based systems through the dealer channels.
A couple of factors to consider when purchasing a flat-panel detector are image quality and dose rate. Cesium Iodide detectors are often the panel of choice because of the better image quality and dose reduction they can offer compared to gadolinium panels. However, a gadolinium version may be practical if you are interested in upgrading to digital but need more budget-friendly pricing. Most X-ray vendors offer vendor-neutral panels or a vendor-specific retrofit for their analog technology. Many customers interested in pooling detectors are often looking for an economical option and tend to choose a vendor that can provide the best solution for their equipment requirements, which may not necessarily be the OEM.
When choosing a portable X-ray system, one consideration is a single or dual panel configuration. Larger 14x17 panels are used mainly used for exams involving the chest, hip and abdomen, while smaller 10x12 or 8x10 panels are utilized for orthopedic and pediatric exams. While versatility in a portable has become a prerequisite, keep in mind that dual panel configurations can also increase the price of the unit considerably. Another option is retaining an existing analog portable and pairing it with a digital detector to stay on budget, while offering better patient outcomes, streamlining workflow, and increasing productivity. Vendor-neutral digital retrofits are a popular choice to upgrade existing portables, which can also be utilized with other vendors' X-ray equipment.
Another consideration when purchasing digital radiography equipment is opting for a refurbished unit from a secondary market, which is a financially sound way to upgrade to a high-quality digital platform while meeting budgetary constraints. MD Buyline has seen a great deal of interest from customers in demo, refurbished, and used equipment. There are many readily available equipment options and vendors specializing in the secondary market space.
