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Shielding Plan Consideration

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A shielding plan is a document that details the materials and designs used to isolate radiation in an area. It outlines which materials should be used, where they should be placed, and how effectively they prevent radiation from entering or leaving the room. Shielding plans can also specify additional safety protocols for radiation-related activities, such as using appropriate clothing and protective equipment. Each state has its own set of regulations and guidelines for shielding plans, so it’s essential to understand the specific details of your location.

The ImagPros Promise

ImagPros is proud to offer a customized consulting program tailored to Turn-key solutions when purchasing our equipment. Our team of experts will help you create an effective shielding plan compliant with state regulations. We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to—our five-step process allows us to provide you with a detailed list of rules that need to be followed, along with suggestions on which materials will provide the best protection. Every X-ray and fluoroscopy sale comes with a free shielding plan that will be state compliant—we won’t leave you alone to figure it out on your own. We strive to provide the best protection for our customers and their businesses.

Our Customized Plans

Each business is unique, and we design your shielding plan based on the size and layout of your facility. We consider traffic patterns, room dimensions, and materials used in construction to create a plan that meets your needs. If any changes need to be made to an existing structure or activity spaces, we’ll provide detailed recommendations for implementing these. We also consider the radiation in your area and create shielding plans that protect staff and customers from unnecessary exposure.

What Do We Need for Requirements?

We need specific information about your facility to create a shielding plan, including the room’s layout and windows. We’ll also need to know the floor you’re on and the material used between floors (typically steel beam with 2 inches of concrete). Finally, we’ll need to know how many procedures you expect to be performed each week and the amount of fluoroscopy/x-ray time per patient.

1. Drawing of the room (with Length x Width)5. Anything above/below?
2. What is on each side of the wall?6. What is the material between floors (typical material is steel beam with 2 inches of concrete)
3. Any Windows?7. How many procedures expected per week?
4. What floor are you on?8. How much fluoro time per patient?

Shielding Plan

We also consider lead thickness requirements. For Fluoroscopic Procedure Rooms, 1/32 inch lead is the general requirement. For typical Diagnostic Stationary X-ray Rooms, 1/16 inch lead may be needed. We offer a Lead Door with reinforced hinges to support the door’s weight and can supply alternative options in our Action Plan. Our lead can be purchased in 4 feet by 7 feet sheets for installation in wall construction.

We look forward to helping you protect your employees and customers in the most effective way possible.

 

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C-Arm Cost of Ownership: The 5-Year Breakdown

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A C-Arm, also known as fluoroscopy, is a medical imaging device that provides real-time imaging of patients during surgery. These are used in various settings, including pain management facilities, outpatient surgery centers, orthopedic clinics, and more. If you’re considering purchasing a C-Arm, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is how much it will cost. It’s not as simple as the upfront cost.

With medical imaging systems, the initial purchase price is only a small part of the overall cost. We’re here to dive deep into the full 5-YEAR COST OF OWNERSHIP with you! We’ll examine the costs associated with the initial purchase, maintenance, warranty, and financing.

You have three choices when purchasing a C-Arm: new, used, or refurbished. New/refurbished systems typically only have a one-year warranty. This leads to buying an extended contract ranging anywhere from $8K – $15K per year. Whereas some brands, such as the Skan-C, come with a five-year warranty, while used systems do not.

You can purchase used/refurbished systems for as little as $40,000 to over $100,000. In contrast, a new system could cost $70,000 to over $200,000, depending on the size and features. New and refurbished systems are often equipped with a one-year standard warranty. Either route, owners are left with the choice to purchase a yearly contract to cover parts and labor.

C-Arm Cost of Ownership: The 5-Year Breakdown

Example- Refurbished vs. New

  • $40,000 for a four-year warranty on a 15-year-old refurbished system. With an original purchase price of $55,000, the five-year cost of ownership is $95,000.
  • $50,000 for a four-year warranty on a new system, with an original purchase price of $150,000, and the five-year cost of ownership is $200,000. 

Always make sure to factor in the repair cost and any downtime associated with those repairs. Even with proper maintenance, unexpected failures can occur. Although some broken parts may be covered under warranty, many are not. Downtime = patient cancellation, unsatisfied customers, and loss of revenue. Customers under service contracts take precedence and have guaranteed response times over customers who aren’t under warranty.

For example, the glassware, which includes the x-ray tube, image intensifier, and camera, are among the most expensive parts. These are typically prorated with most warranties which put the cost of repair burden back onto the end user. Review your warranty before purchasing to ensure you understand what is and is not covered.

Preventative maintenance is critical and can elongate the life of your system. Each state is different, so make sure to check your local state regulations to find out how many PMs are required per year for your fluoroscopy machine. PMs range anywhere between $850 to $2,000 per visit. 

When it comes to paying for your C-Arm, there are many options to consider. Do you pay cash, or do you finance? Most of our doctors find that financing is the way to go. 

This way, you can keep the cash in your bank to run and operate your business effectively. Financing offers deferred payments, which allows you to get the system in the door making revenue before worrying about any payments. Please also make sure that your financing solution qualifies for IRS Rule 179. 

This will typically put between 30%-35% of your purchase price back into your bottom line at the end of the year. There Are good finance programs and bad finance programs. Be sure to ask about pre-payment penalties, rates, and loan terms. 

By now, I’m sure you’ve come to realize that the cost of owning a C-Arm system goes far beyond the initial purchase price. When budgeting, you need to consider installation, maintenance, repair, and warranties. Considering these factors, you can decide whether a new or refurbished system makes the most financial sense for your organization.

Do you want to learn more about a C-Arm and get expert advice for your company? Contact Imagpros today. We offer new and refurbished C-Arms at affordable prices with excellent financing options. Our imaging experts can help you find the perfect system for your needs. Call us at 248-951-9020 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

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