4 Things to Consider When Buying Refurbished Medical Equipment

A wide range of medical devices can be used to treat or diagnose a large number of patients. When hospital equipment is properly cared for and cleaned, hospitals can stay within their budgets while still providing the best possible care to their patients.

There are many misconceptions and stigmas about purchasing used or refurbished medical equipment for hospitals and clinics. We live in a time when many of our attitudes toward products are based on the premise that “if it isn’t brand new, it must be bad.”

We’ve compiled a list of common misconceptions and preconceived notions about the sale of refurbished medical equipment:

1. Refurbished vs. Used Medical Equipment

Is there a distinction? Yes, indeed! There most certainly is. Used equipment is generally defined as being in “as-is” condition or as having “worked when removed from the facility.” This means that the device may not be ready for patient use or may not be in “patient ready condition.”

When you buy from Paxamedical, you can choose between refurbished and patient-ready equipment. With all equipment, we provide proof of functionality as well as a preventative maintenance (PM) certificate. This PM certificate certifies that the medical device has been thoroughly cleaned, tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, that any parts have recently been replaced or repaired, and that the device is patient ready.

2. Newer equipment is always preferable.

This may be true in some cases, but most medical equipment is built to last and has a life cycle of 7-10 years, if not longer. Manufacturers typically do not make significant design changes to their products on a regular basis due to the high costs and time-consuming process of getting them tested and approved by the FDA.

Medical equipment does not have the same sensitive life cycle as consumer electronics such as cell phones or computers; they are designed to last with the occasional software update to improve performance. Because the equipment is built to last, purchasing refurbished units helps to reduce the cost and depreciation that occurs when purchasing new equipment.

3. Once purchased, there is no support for the refurbished equipment.

When purchasing refurbished medical equipment, it is critical to receive support from the vendor from whom it was purchased. Parts may need to be replaced due to normal wear or software updates. Many places where used medical equipment can be purchased do not provide biomed or customer service after the sale.

4. Not knowing where the device has been or what maintenance has been performed on it.

When purchasing used equipment, there is always a risk because there is no guarantee of knowing where the equipment was or what maintenance, if any, was performed during its time in service.

The equipment sold by Paxamedical is essentially “one owner quality.” We do not buy from mystery auctions like many other dealers. The majority of the equipment we sell was purchased and financed by Paxamedical.

Finally, here are some pointers for hospitals and clinics looking to buy medical equipment for their facility:

1. Locate a reputable vendor. Be wary of second-hand websites offering “too good to be true” deals. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Following the purchase of the equipment, inquire with the seller about warranty and support. Are they willing to assist you with support after you make a purchase? Most reputable vendors will ensure that the equipment is patient-ready when it is shipped and will provide support even after the purchase has been made.

3. Don’t be afraid of the term “renovated.”