The advantages of using digital X-Ray are well known. Faster processing, less floor space, no chemicals or film and faster patient service has almost every medical facility that does X-Rays interested in finding a digital X-ray solution they can afford. Now a medical facility owner or manager that does a little bit of homework on CR can find the right system for their business at the right price.
There have been some major changes in digital X-ray pricing over the past two years. The fact that Direct Radiography (DR) systems have become more available and at lower prices, the Computed Radiography (CR) systems that have been used by hospitals, medical imaging centers, etc for the past decade have dropped in price to a point where almost any medical facility can afford to “go digital.”
Single plate reader CR systems that were priced in the$50,000 to $70,000 range 4 years ago are now available in the mid to low $30ks. And the many refurbished CR systems available on the market are often available for $20,000 or lower. This sharp drop in pricing has enabled medical offices that previously could not afford CR systems to make a real business case for buying one. The many finance options available for buying these systems provides buyers with an affordable monthly cost.
But those medical professionals considering buying a used/refurbished CR system should be very careful when considering such a purchase. There are many great used CRs available but there are also some models that have proved to be expensive to service. And as with any purchase, it’s important to know who you’re buying from and what level of support you can expect after installation.
One of the most dependable used systems on the market is the Fuji XG-1. This “Smart CR” is still used in many South Florida hospitals. It is dependable and offers great throughput. On the other end of the spectrum is the Kodak POC series of CRs that are often the most affordable option for buying but often end up costing a medical office a lot more in maintenance. A refurbished XG-1 can be purchased for around $18k-$20k, while a refurbished POC 140 will sell from $10k-$15k. However, a medical facility can easily end up spending thousands of dollars on service calls for the POC 140 whereas the Smart CR, if properly maintained, still has many years of service left. Knowing details like this can save a medical facility a lot of money in the long run.
Extended through the end of 2011, Section 179 of the ‘Tax Relief Act of 2010’ allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed. Now might be the best time to move forward.
