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.

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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