Opening a new medical
office is exciting and a huge accomplishment for any medical professional. It's
possible to establish a strong foundation for the new medical practice by
choosing affordable and high-quality medical equipment that is going to withstand
the test of time. For medical professionals who are ready to begin finding the
equipment they need, make sure to consider the questions here first.
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| Buying Any Kind of Medical Equipment? Don't Proceed Without Asking These 7 Questions First |
1. What Medical
Equipment is Necessary for the Office?
Regardless of if a
medical office needs a high-quality hospital bed, a controlled substance cabinet,
or anything else, making a list of all the items that are needed first is
essential for ensuring an office is properly stocked for superior patient care.
Make sure to prioritize the list by putting the most important items at the top
and the non-essentials at the bottom. Make sure a comprehensive list is
created.
Some of the items
that should be on a list of equipment for any medical office include
ceiling-mounted LED lights, sterilizers with a chamber large enough to hold the
biggest instruments used, and a table for each of the treatment areas. Each
practice is going to have unique and specialized items on the list, too. The
key is to create the list to figure out what is needed for the office.
2. Is it possible to
Get All the Needed Equipment from a Single Supplier?
When buying medical equipment, there are two paths to consider. One is to source each item from a
separate provider. The second option is to purchase the needed items from a
company that specializes in offering equipment packages. Buying from a single
supplier can help any medical practice save some money on the needed equipment.
3. What Methods Can
Be Used for Tracking Equipment Costs and Expenses?
Tracking the
purchases that are made is one of the habits that a medical professional has to
develop for their office. There are several reasons that tracking these
equipment expenses is so important.
It is possible to
deduct as much as $1 million in total equipment costs according to Section 179
of the tax law. It may also be necessary to present proof of the equipment
purchase to access the warranty coverage. Maintaining a list of the purchases
that have been made is also beneficial if the medical professional wants to
upgrade or sell their equipment in the future.
4. Is There a Way to
Get a Head Start Regarding the Needed Equipment?
It's important for
medical professionals to avoid waiting until the month before they are going to
open the medical practice to start sourcing the medical equipment that is needed.
There are some medical providers that require between six and eight weeks to
process the orders. Having the items delivered may take another week or more,
depending on the office's location.
It's a good idea to
start researching the potential equipment suppliers a minimum of six months
before the office is scheduled to open. This provides enough of a bugger to
ensure the medical equipment can arrive and be set up properly before patients
are scheduled.
5. Are There Any
Upcoming Industry Trade Shows Where Special Offers May be Given?
Going to a trade show
or another type of professional meeting is an ideal way to save some money and
to see the medical equipment before actually buying it. In fact, there are
several ways a medical professional may be able to save money with this method.
For example, there
are several equipment providers that offer discounts to medical professionals
who order the items during the trade show. Also, some presenters at the trade
show may offer equipment freebies and giveaways to those who attend. It's also
possible to receive additional savings by purchasing demo equipment or floor
models.
6. Are There Any
Special Delivery Needs for the Equipment That's Ordered?
Sterilizers, x-ray
equipment, tables, and other common medical devices and equipment are very
large and often weight several hundred pounds. This creates a challenge for the
person or company hired to deliver them, especially if the office isn't easily
accessed.
There are some tips
that can help overcome these delivery challenges. One of the first things a
person should do is to let the equipment providers know if the office is not on
the bottom floor of a building. It's also a good idea to let them know if white glove service is needed or if debris haul-off services are necessary. Be sure
to let the provider know of the hours of operation in the offer to ensure there
are no failed delivery attempts due to the delivery personnel coming when the
office is closed.
7. Is it Possible to
Get the Warranty Details in Writing?
When getting prices
for the needed equipment from various providers, it's a good idea to ask to
have a written quote that includes the product warranty details. Always be
cautious when choosing a provider that won't offer the quotes in writing, even
if the prices are appealing. The equipment quote should also include an
expiration date, along with this information.
The itemized cost for
every piece of equipment that is requested along with a description of the
accessories that are included with the purchase. Other factors include the
estimated delivery costs and a summary of the warranty provided with the
product.
Getting the Right
Medical Equipment for the Right Price
While purchasing all
the medical equipment needed for a new office may seem like a huge undertaking,
it doesn't have to be. With the tips and information here it is possible to
ensure the right items are gotten for the right price. Don't rush into this
decision.
Instead, take the
time to ask the seven questions that have been listed here. Doing so is going
to ensure that the right equipment is purchased, for the right price, and that
it comes with a quality warranty that will provide peace of mind to the medical
professional who is purchasing it. Doing all this will pay off in the long run
and help ensure the success of the medical practice.
