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What to Consider When Buying a C-Arm

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If you’re in the market for a new C-Arm, there are some essential things to consider before making a purchase. It’s not just about the initial cost. Other factors include the 5-year cost of ownership, financing, warranty, radiation exposure, room setup, applications training, and mobility. Here we will discuss these considerations in detail so you can make an informed decision when selecting the right C-Arm for your medical practice.

5-Year Cost of Ownership

Looking at the total cost of owning and operating a C-Arm over five years is essential. This includes the initial purchase price and associated expenses, such as service contracts and repair costs, that may arise during this period. At ImagPros, we offer extended warranties and service contracts that cover parts and labor for up to five years after purchase, giving you peace of mind with your equipment investment. Learn more about the 5-year cost of ownership between a new and refurbished C-Arm here.

Warranty

The warranty changes depending on the model of the C-Arm you are considering and whether it’s new or refurbished. For example, a new Skan-C C-Arm comes with 5-year parts and a 1-year labor warranty, while a refurbished C-Arms comes with a 1-year part and labor warranty. It’s essential to understand what the warranty covers and for how long before purchasing. 

Radiation Exposure

Radiation exposure is essential when considering which type of C-Arm to buy. For example, the Skan-C C-Arm has a patented radiation technology that reduces exposure. This is beneficial for all practices that use fluoroscopy on a weekly basis. 

Other considerations include a lead vest and thyroid collars (two included with every C-Arm purchase at ImagPros). In addition, it’s also a requirement to wear radiation badges that are monitored on a monthly basis. These badges monitor radiation exposure for your doctors and rad techs to make sure they aren’t being overexposed.

Room Setup

It is important to ensure you have enough space in your room to accommodate your C-Arm during procedures. For example, room layouts should be 10×10 minimum, 10×12 is better, and 12×12 or larger is best. Typically these rooms are required to be lead-lined, but requirements differ from state to state.

With each C-Arm purchase, ImagPros offers a free shielding plan, which helps protect staff, patients, and the environment, and keeps your practice in compliance. To learn more about our customized shielding plan click here.

Your room should have a 110v 20 amp dedicated outlet ideally an ethernet cord to plug into the monitor cart, if a large monitor on the wall is desired then having a plug on the wall is needed. Also, if possible having a recessed plug on the floor for the table is nice for reducing trip hazards but not required.

Applications Training

C-arm

When purchasing any type of medical imaging equipment, you must have access to proper training and education to get maximum use out of your device. For example, the Skan-C and OEC C-Arm have comprehensive training packages that include in-person applications training, live cases, online courses, instructional videos, and live webinars. When you partner with ImagPros, our knowledgeable team of professionals can answer any questions about proper use and maintenance.

Moveability

The moveability of the C-Arm is another vital factor to consider before buying. Skan-C has a 40°over-rotation, while the OEC has 25° unless it’s the Super-C, and these models are hard to find. The over-rotation is important for being able to move the device around to meet your needs. For example, the more over-rotation you have in your C-Arm, the less you have to move the patient around.                

Financing

Do you pay cash out of pocket or do you finance? Most of our doctors find that financing is the way to go. This way you’re able to keep the cash in your bank to run and operate your business effectively. Financing offers deferred payments which allow 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. 

These are only some of the C-arm options with various features and advantages. By working with a company that specializes in connecting customers with the right medical imaging equipment, you can be sure to find the perfect fit for your practice.

ImagPros provides a wide selection of C-arm systems from the top brands in the industry, as well as installation and maintenance services. Contact us today at 248-951-9020 to find the perfect C-arm for your needs.

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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