If you are a medical facility owner, getting the best deals on medical equipment will be one of your primary responsibilities. Often, what appears to be a good deal of used medical equipment may not be feasible. Hence you must do your research before buying used medical equipment from a medical supply store in Melbourne, as there is no room for compromise regarding the safety of your patients.
First, create a comprehensive list of your needs by allocating priority to each. Budget effectively to avoid overspending, prioritize items on your shopping list as per their importance, and consider the patient's needs above everything.
Pick The Right Supplier
Avoid buying used medical equipment from random resellers. Choose a medical supply store in Melbourne that is reputable. Find out their relationship with the manufacturer, whether they are partners or authorized distributors. See if they offer essential basics like installation and training and extra options like warranties, exchange programs and financing plans. If you are buying in bulk, there is a possibility that you may get discounts. Also, some facilities have stringent delivery requirements. So you must ensure that your supplier is aware of any specialized needs. Also, find out about the warranties, as they protect you from unforeseen issues.
Know The Serial Number
Used medical equipment can be traced to the manufacturer using its serial number. So ask the supplier to provide the serial number before purchasing. The serial number will allow you to learn as much as possible about the device. Also, pay close attention to the year of manufacture, supply channel, software upgrades, recalls, use locations, and corrective actions.
Trust Your Intuition
Don't take the supplier's word, especially if you feel something is off. If the manufacturing date is recent, you can compare the equipment's age to the average period of use for this type of device at a medical facility.
Inquire About the Reconditioning and Refurbishing Process
Make sure you find out precisely what kind of reconditioning, refurbishing, and preventive maintenance and testing has been performed on the device. Also, check if the supporting documentation is available.
Focus On The Small Things
If it is old equipment, check whether any disposables, sensors, accessories or spare parts can still be ordered. If these items are unavailable or discontinued, there would be no point in buying the device.
Ask About The Servicing
Check for the availability of reliable servicing facilities, as it is one of the most important factors to consider. Determine if your supplier provides biomedical repair services and support and offers any service programs and spare part coverage. Remember that used medical equipment has a higher risk of repairs as some components may be nearing the end of their service life.
Concluding
These are a few things that should be considered when buying used medical equipment. You must take these precautions, as buying used medical equipment can be critical to give your patients the best care and support.