Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Medical Providers Must Embrace Smart Resource Usage


Changes in health care laws and in population demographics will require medical service providers to make smarter choices in their purchases in coming years. When a facility needs to buy medical ventilators, it may want to consider purchasing them used, from a company that restores these devices to OEM standards. At Soma Technology, our biomedical engineers refurbish equipment and keep a generous parts inventory so medical providers can save on equipment purchases.

Patient Care Demands Expected to Increase
In the United States, the "baby boomer" demographic is approaching retirement age, and with age, demand for medical care increases. In order to provide affordable care, many medical providers are searching for ways to control costs even as demand for services increases. Used medical monitors, restored imaging equipment, and refurbished EEG machines can help with this monumental task.

When Facilities Close, They Leave Behind Valuable Equipment

When health care facilities close or undergo a merger or acquisition, there is often perfectly serviceable equipment left over. Vendors of used medical equipment restore this equipment and resell it, conserving resources and offering buyers much lower prices, with savings of over 50% in many cases. Whether you need to buy medical ventilators or AED defibrillators, it's worth your while to consider refurbished products.

The Key to Successful Reuse Is OEM-Level Refurbishment

Used medical monitors and other patient care equipment do not compromise medical care when they undergo rigorous testing and are restored to OEM condition. Top vendors of used medical and hospital equipment not only insist upon refurbishment under the supervision of trained biomedical engineers, but also ensure an adequate parts inventory is available to those purchasing the equipment, to optimize cost effectiveness.

Medical Providers Will Have to Do More with Less in Future Years

The demands on the medical profession to hold costs down while providing more care to more people will not go away any time soon. If your hospital, nursing facility, or patient care clinic needs to purchase medical equipment, you should consider purchasing used devices that have been restored to OEM condition. At Soma Technology, we bring used equipment back to new condition and help you save money on your equipment purchases.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Refurbished Equipment Can Help Your Practice Cope with Healthcare Changes


Changes in healthcare laws coupled with increasing demand worldwide for medical services is putting the squeeze on healthcare providers as they look for ways to serve more people while keeping costs contained. Choosing refurbished hospital equipment such as refurbished medical ventilators is one approach. At Soma Technology, Inc. we are an industry leader in medical equipment refurbished to OEM standards, and we're the go-to choice for many facilities that need medical equipment.

Refurbished Medical Equipment Market Is Growing
Refurbished medical equipment used to be mostly limited to developing economies, but increasingly, medical facilities in Europe and North America are choosing refurbished hospital equipment as they strive to keep healthcare costs under control while caring for an increasing number of patients every year. If your facility has not considered the used equipment market, perhaps it's time to reconsider, because the benefits are great.

More Procedures Leads to Higher Equipment Demand
In the United States, an aging population has led to higher demand for medical services. Therefore, hospitals and other healthcare facilities are expanding services, and this is leading to increased demand for medical equipment. Used equipment, such as refurbished medical ventilators, allows greater access for patients while helping providers contain costs. When medical equipment is refurbished to the highest standards, quality of care does not suffer.

The Key to Purchasing Used Equipment Is OEM Refurbishment

Make sure that your refurbished medical equipment provider refurbishes equipment to OEM standards and that its refurbishment team is supervised by trained and experienced biomedical engineers. Your used medical equipment provider should also offer a parts availability guarantee so that you will be able to easily find parts for the equipment in the future if necessary. And they should offer a comprehensive warranty and liability insurance.
Demand for Services Increases While Cost Containment Becomes More Important

By 2018, the market in refurbished medical equipment is expected to be worth $9 billion annually. This market is growing because more healthcare providers are realizing the benefits of purchasing used medical equipment refurbished to OEM standards. At Soma Technology, Inc., we lead the way in providing refurbished hospital and medical equipment, saving providers money and helping them serve more patients.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Can Health Care Costs Be Reduced through Medical Equipment Savings?


Medical facilities in every part of the United States are doing what they can to rein in health care costs and gear up for implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Purchasing used medical equipment is one way to do this. At Soma Technology, Inc., we sell new and restored medical equipment and employ a team of biomedical engineers to ensure quality control at every stage of restoration of used hospital equipment.

OEM Standards at Up to 60% Savings

Buying used hospital equipment and saving significant sums of money won't mean much if the equipment has not been restored to original equipment manufacturer specifications. If you plan to buy used medical equipment, settle for nothing less than restoration that brings the equipment back to like new condition in every aspect. This way you'll save money, but you won't worry about equipment quality causing problems.

The Key Is the Restoration Process

Restoration should be done by trained professionals under the supervision of biomedical engineering specialists. Refurbishing medical equipment should bring it back to OEM standards and should be indistinguishable from new. Know the process used to restore medical equipment when you consider buying used medical devices and make sure you get answers to all your questions about the equipment and refurbishment before you buy.

Parts Availability Is Critical

If you choose to purchase restored medical equipment, always check on parts availability. Your provider should guarantee parts availability for the equipment you choose for several years, without exception. Used equipment will be no good to you if there is a problem and you can't find parts for it. Don't be afraid to call a company's customer service line before buying to get a feel for the level of customer service you can expect.

Serve Patients Better and Reduce Capital Investment Costs

Used medical equipment makes it possible to serve more patients while keeping more control over costs, as long as you choose your medical equipment provider with care and consideration. At Soma Technology, Inc., our biomedical engineering staff ensures that used equipment is restored to full functionality, and that parts are available for the equipment before it is sold. Never settle for less.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Financial and Non-Financial Considerations for Buying Medical Equipment

If you are considering adding medical equipment to your practice, first consider capital costs - the costs of actually obtaining the equipment and having a place to put it. Your fixed costs like salaries and rent don't vary in the short term, but variable costs, like costs for supplies and extra personnel do. Consider how the equipment is expected to save you time, or enable you to serve more patients when considering cost.

Return on Investment Is Quicker with Used Medical Equipment

Containment of medical costs is a huge concern of medical providers and the U.S. population in general. Purchasing used medical equipment that has been meticulously refurbished under stringent quality control procedures can save you significantly on capital costs. If you're investing to build your practice, the return on investment is faster with used equipment due to up-front savings.

Non-Financial Aspects of Choosing Medical Equipment

If you're adding, rather than replacing medical equipment, you should first ask yourself if the investment fits with your practice's business strategy and patient care goals. List the pros and cons of investing in this particular piece of equipment, and learn about alternatives to investing in it. Such investments can be significant, so it's important that they be made after much consideration.

Can Used Medical Equipment Help Your Facility Meet Patient Needs?

Many medical practices are discovering that used medical equipment that has been carefully refurbished is a cost-effective way to meet patient care needs without the massive investment sometimes required when buying new equipment. If you haven't considered investing in used equipment, it is certainly something you should look into. Always learn about the exact processes used to refurbish medical equipment before buying.

Finally, Choose a Supplier With a Record of Exceptional Service

At Soma Technology, Inc., we have exacting procedures for refurbishing medical equipment under the direction of experienced biomedical engineers. Never settle for used equipment that has been refurbished using methods that are not disclosed to customers. By choosing your medical equipment supplier based on their track record of quality, service, and price, you maximize the investment potential of any major equipment you purchase for your practice.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Benefits of Buying Used Medical Equipment

One of the biggest costs for small medical clinics and hospitals is the cost of medical equipment needed to care for patients. As technology advances, the cost of medical equipment keeps rising, pricing a lot of smaller clinics and facilities out of the market and making it impossible for them to compete with larger providers. One way to defray the costs is for the clinic to buy used medical equipment instead of purchasing new. At Soma Technology, we specialize in selling refurbished and used hospital equipment at prices that are affordable for neighborhood clinics and smaller health care providers.

Used Medical Equipment – Is It Safe?
Purchasing used medical equipment isn’t as risky as it sounds. We source used hospital equipment from hospitals and practices that may have closed their doors, changed their services or upgraded their equipment and no longer need a particular piece of equipment. Once we acquire the machine, it will be completely inspected and tested to ensure that it meets all the necessary standards before it’s offered for sale. If necessary, trained medical equipment specialists will refurbish or repair a machine before certifying it ready for use. A facility can be assured that any used hospital equipment bought from a reputable company like Soma Technology will be in sound operating condition and safe to use for their patients and clients.

Cost Benefits of Used Hospital Equipment
A new portable ultrasound machine can cost close to $100,000. Buying the same ultrasound machine used and refurbished can save a facility more than $50,000 – almost the salary of a full-time nurse. Buy opting for used medical equipment, a small clinic can provide services for their patients that they’d otherwise have to outsource. The cost of the used ultrasound can be defrayed in numerous ways, including by charging fees for service. And because the machine costs less, the clinic can provide those services to clients for less, or pay it off sooner by charging market fees for the service.

Whether you’re a medical practice hoping to add an additional income stream while providing better services to your patients, or a small community clinic on a limited budget, you can provide top-of-the-line medical technology for your patients when you choose to buy used medical equipment from us to outfit your facility.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Evaluating Hospital Equipment for Sale in an Era of Careful Medical Spending

The job of those responsible for evaluating hospital equipment for sale is going to get tougher as health care reform accelerates. Budgets will be tight, yet expectations remain high, so those who purchase new hospital equipment will be expected to make sound choices that emphasize both quality and value. Choosing trusted suppliers for hospital equipment will be paramount in coming years.

Reimbursement Cuts Affect Hospitals

Reduced reimbursement from insurers and Medicare has a big impact on hospital operations. In an era of lower reimbursements, it is more critical than ever that professionals in charge of providing hospitals with equipment and consumables be vigilant about price, service and quality. Finding a supplier of new hospital equipment that understands these constraints helps tremendously in making the most of tight budgets.

Increased Inpatient Activity Linked to Aging Population

While inpatient activity is not expected to rise sharply over the next five years, it is expected to rise some, mostly due to an aging population. Making smart investment decisions about equipment expenditures can make the difference between making the most of a time a person spends as an inpatient and dealing with inefficiencies that lead to higher costs and worse outcomes.

Employees and Patients Driving Reform

While government legislation is one driver of healthcare spending reform, patients themselves and their employers are also driving reform. Everyone is demanding more for less, and this presents a serious challenge to hospital purchasing professionals. Staying with a supplier because "it's the way we've always done it" may not be good enough in an era of increased need and tighter spending.

Capital Expenditures Expected to Focus on Information Technology

Hospital capital expenditures are expected to concentrate on information technology over the next several years in an attempt to make the most of equipment that may be located in different hospital wings, buildings, or in different facilities altogether. Making sound choices in hospital equipment providers will be a big factor in the success of healthcare reform, so it is important for purchasing professionals to take a hard look at their suppliers and see where efficiency and cost-effectiveness can be improved.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The Responsible Choice in Medical Monitors for Sale

If you are in charge of purchasing medical equipment for a hospital or other care facility, you have to ensure the highest quality while keeping costs contained, and that isn't easy. How can you tell which medical monitors for sale give you the best performance at a competitive price? Monitors and other medical equipment have to stand up to heavy use and transport, so you should never forego quality. But there are ways to save money.

Demanding the Best from Medical Equipment

Poorly made equipment is frustrating for nurses and technicians, and can cost more in the long term due to repair costs, or the cost of replacement if the equipment is too frustrating to use. Many hospitals, medical practices, and other health care facilities are discovering the benefits of purchasing pre-owned equipment like used medical pumps, monitors, and imaging equipment.

Should You Consider Used Medical Equipment?

Used medical equipment is a great choice, as long as you choose your supplier wisely. Only purchase from suppliers that employ biomedical engineers who are highly trained and know how to restore equipment to OEM specifications. The supplier should have a detailed record of the restoration process and quality control practices that assure devices function like new.

What to Look For in a Supplier

Whether you need used medical pumps, patient monitors, or ventilators, your supplier should offer you swift shipping options, competitive prices, and great customer service. A trusted provider of used or new medical equipment must understand their products and be willing to help you find exactly what you require. Your supplier should also help you understand warranty terms should your equipment require repair later.

Excellent Patient Care, Plus Financial and Environmental Responsibility

You can't compromise on the quality of your medical equipment, yet you have to be aware of cost in an age of rapidly advancing medical technology. In many cases, refurbished medical equipment is the responsible choice, because it provides the service required for caregivers and technicians, helps hold costs down, and is kinder to the environment. Choose your supplier carefully, and you can make the best and most responsible equipment choices for patient care and monitoring.