One year, a study in the journal Clinical Journal of the American Medical Association said that hospitals in the United States spent almost $200 billion on medical equipment. After personnel and administrative expenditures, supply costs—including those for medical devices—represent one of the highest costs for healthcare institutions. {Supply budget spending accounts for 25 to 33 percent of hospital operating costs for medicine and surgery.|These budgets are responsible for a third to 25 percent of all hospital operating costs involving medicine and surgery.
Unfortunately, even after a catastrophic illness, hospital budgets are low. Therefore, it becomes essential for healthcare centers to consider the most effective solutions to get their hands on quality medical equipment that doesn’t break the bank.
The different types of medical equipment
These are typically identified by their functions and features. The main categories for medical equipment and supplies include surgical, durable medical equipment (DME), medical imaging equipment, storage and transport. There are also a number of subcategories, too.
When a company decides to make an investment in medical equipment, it becomes vital to extend its life and maintain its value. Maintenance programs are essential to make sure that every dollar that you spend on your medical equipment investment is used wisely. But if you want to use your medical devices for a long time, it is just as important to have them repaired or serviced.
Some hospitals have the money to periodically replace and update their medical equipment. But others struggle to afford to do that. If you work with an expert repair service that offers exceptional repairs to medical equipment, you will save money by buying a used microscope or other device.
The high cost of surgical microscopes
The market for surgical microscopes is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 10.7% until 2027. Indeed, the increase in surgical procedures to treat orthopedic conditions, chronic disease, and the rising numbers of road accidents call for more availability when it comes to microscope equipment. Unfortunately, operating microscopes are expensive, leaving many healthcare centers unable to meet the level of care their patients expect.
Purchasing a quality microscope from a shop that specializes in providing reconditioned models can save a lot of money for a hospital. It can also improve the quality of the services that it offers.
Why refurbished is cheaper and better
Refurbished medical equipment enables the market to accept previously owned medical equipment. This means that the medical equipment is in good shape because it was used before, but that does not mean that it is in a condition that could affect its functionality.
Every time a microscope is reconditioned, it is carefully checked to ensure that it is still performing to its original specifications and meeting the current OEM specifications. Refurbished surgical microscopes are reported to save between 30 and 50 percent compared to buying new equipment. Every facilities are seriously thinking about purchasing refurbished medical equipment in order to save money in the future.
In this way, refurbishing a microscope is not just a case of someone doing a regular service to fix it; it is much more involved than buying a cheap replacement. When you purchase a refurbished microscope, you are guaranteed of the following:
- The microscope reutilized up to 90% of its original material, which keeps costs low
The equipment is not obsolete, as it’s been processed to meet the current OEM standards
- The microscope is under warranty, even though it isn’t a brand new item
- The purchase has a low environmental impact
When hospitals are facing high costs and high needs, reconditioned equipment such as surgical microscopes from a company like Prescott’s Inc., can help them save money and preserve important hospital functions.