The X-Ray Equipment

1.Availability of Capital - The x-ray equipment market is in a somewhat perplexing state of flux at this time. The introduction of digital imaging, CR, and dry processing has increased the potential customer's options dramatically. While it is certain that all of the new imaging options above could be designed into a cost effective solution under the right circumstances, it is also true that a good understanding of the facilities workflow and unique requirements is required to reach that goal. It is likewise true, that these new options have now fallen in price to the point where they should be considered at every opportunity. Digital solutions remain more expensive to purchase than conventional ones, but the return on investment is so attractive that they are most often the most cost effective choice.

The most important influence on the cost of your equipment will be whether it is new, used, or refurbished. New equipment obviously costs more, but comes with better warranties and a longer life expectancy. "Refurbished" is a term that is loosely used in the equipment market. Truly refurbished equipment can be expected to have all worn parts replaced and to be refinished, repainted, etc.

Frequently, "refurbished" simply means repaired, cleaned, and reinstalled. Obviously, the buyer should expect more value, and more cost, when buying truly refurbished equipment. Good quality, relatively current, used equipment can often provide real value to its owner. Perhaps the most frequently overlooked option for the customer seeking to replace his current unit, is to simply replace the generator and tube, and some other key high wear components. This can generally be done for less than half the cost of a new system, and will yield a similar result albeit with a somewhat shorter expected product life due to potential future parts shortages.

In summary, the type of work you intend to do, and your plans to eventually convert to electronic imaging heavily influences the choice between new, refurbished, and used equipment. If you are planning on doing the same exam types as you do today, updating may be most cost effective. If you need more features, buying new will yield the best return.

2. Expected Workload - Determining the types of exams that will be performed on the system is a key factor in equipment selection. If the user buys equipment that is not completely compatible with his exam mix it will adversely impact productivity and volume. If a unit with too many extraneous bells and whistles is purchased it will increase maintenance costs and downtime. Lower quality systems that are less expensive may be fine for low patient volumes, but tend to fail when high volumes are realized.

3.Pateint Demographics - Systems with smaller generators may prove adequate for smaller patients and limited applications. A large patient population, or a practice that plans on doing more strenuous exams (lateral lumbars for example) will reduce costs by purchasing a more powerful system.

4. Availability of Parts and Service- Even if your original purchase was a "great deal," it will not prove cost effective unless it can be readily maintained. The prospective buyer should be sure to check for the availability of parts (critical if buying used equipment) and the quality of the perspective service team.

Key items to investigate with the perspective vendor are:

Critical parts availability

Telephone and on-site service guarantees

Size of the vendors service organization

Evidence of technical currency and credibility

Availability, structure, and flexibility of service contracts

Tips for Selecting Appropriate X-Ray Systems

Determine the Correct Input Power:

1. Single Phase - This is basically obsolete but acceptable for situations where power requirements are minimal if purchased used at a very attractive price.

2. Single Phase High Frequency - This is recommended for all clinical settings with low to moderately high volume. It features reduced system wear and service costs.

3.Three Phase - This is recommended only for very high volume or hospital settings where the constant potential features will increase productivity. The electrical requirements for this choice can be very expensive.

Determine the Correct Generator Size:

1. 30Kw or 37.5kw generators are recommended for most clinical practice applications. For high volume, hospital settings, or locations where a significant number of patients are expected to be larger than normal require generators of 50kw or greater. Be sure any generator over 50kw is equipped with a high speed starter to maximize the units benefits.

Choosing the Right Bucky:

1. Avoid standard grid cabinets. Select oscillating buckies for all applications. The result will be improved quality and reduced repeats.

Selecting the Right Tube:

1. Specify a tube at least 100,000 heats units above the standard recommendation. This will extend tube life and productivity.

Determine the Appropriate Degree of Automation:

1. Automatic exposure control is a relatively inexpensive option that will pay for itself over time in reduced repeats, improved quality and image standardization.

Automatic collimation is recommended for high volume or hospital settings where it can be cost justified by the increased productivity it provides.

Comp-Ray, Inc. Service Capabilities

At Comp-Ray, our service team brings over 430 years of combined service experience to the task of meeting our customers service requirements. Our service representatives are strategically located throughout the state in order to enable us to provide unmatched response times. Due to our policies of maintaining reasonable overhead cost and providing exclusively local service, we are able to service our customers at 50 to 65% of the fees charged by the original equipment manufacturers. Comp-Ray maintains an 8000 square foot warehouse devoted to used and refurbished x-ray parts and components. This often enables us to provide critical parts faster, and at markedly less expense than other service companies.

Comp-Ray can tailor a cost effective service contract to meet your needs, or provide service on a time and materials basis. Ask you Comp-Ray Representative for more details.