by Wayne Webster
This report originally appeared in the April 2009 issue of DOTmed Business News

Along with his association with Miss Piggy this song made Kermit the Frog famous in the 1980's. When Kermit was belting this one out, it really wasn't so easy being green. Today, things are easier. There are ways to help the environment and your pocketbook at the same time.


For most, just reducing the carbon footprint won't be enough incentive. To make greening work in a medical imaging facility there needs to be a financial reward for changing habits. Today's medical imaging facility can do much to reduce the use of consumables and the cost of capital goods. Imaging is transitioning to digital and as it does, the film and the chemicals for processing are greatly reduced. The dilemma faced by the facility manager is balancing the long term environmental benefit with the short-term capital budget. In any financial environment it's difficult to justify replacing equipment just to eliminate a disposable. Today's uncertain economy makes it even harder. If you're in the process of planning the replacement of old medical equipment with new, give some thought to where the old equipment will go. It's often easier to trade-in the old equipment rather than try to sell it yourself so that's the route many take. But, just like when you trade-in your car for a new one, you don't know what you're receiving for your trade-in or where it's going.

Even if your equipment is still useable and in good condition, depending on age there's a good chance that once traded-in it will just head for the scrap yard. With this equipment out of the inventory another new medical device will need to be manufactured to replace it. The outcome isn't good for the environment or your wallet.

When considering the replacement of a piece of equipment with new, contact a company that can buy your old equipment for refurbishing and resale. I work with many of these companies. They are anxious to work with you. You'll most likely get a better value for the old equipment and conserve resources by eliminating
the need to produce a new instrument to take its place. If you don't know who to contact, you can use DOTmed to list the equipment and the requirements you have for purchase and removal. The listing is free. A company dealing in pre-owned
medical equipment or someone wanting to acquire and make use of your equipment will contact you.

Taking charge of the disposition of equipment you plan to replace can help green the environment and put a little extra green into your budget.

Wayne Webster is a consultant in Medical Imaging Business Development. You can send your comments or questions to W.Webster@Proactics.net.

More Focus on Performance

More Voices