Brand new medical equipment can be very expensive, which is why many people opt for used medical equipment. If you run a medical practice, you need to make sure you do your research first before making a purchase. Here are some tips for buying used equipment.
#1: Work with a Reliable Supplier
First, work with a reliable supplier. Do not work with a company that you know nothing about. Instead, work with a company that has a good reputation. Preferably, you should work with a company that has a relationship with medical manufacturers. Many medical manufacturers will rent out or lease equipment, and then allow it to be sold after the lease terms via a partner or authorized distributor.
#2: Ask About Support
Just because you are buying the equipment used doesn't mean that it shouldn't come with some support. A respectable supplier will provide things such as training and installation for their used equipment. They may also offer a warranty on the equipment as well, even though it is used, as medical equipment can hold its value for a long time. Many used medical suppliers to offer things like financing plans and equipment exchange programs. Make sure you are getting some type of extra support form the supplier you choose to work with.
#3: Always Get the Equipment Serial Number
Similar to how you can trace the history of a vehicle with the VIN number, you can trace the history of a piece of medical equipment with the serial number. Before purchasing used medical equipment, get the serial number of the equipment. This will allow you to learn more about the device, such as when it was made, what type of software upgrades the equipment should have, as well as any recalls that were issued against the equipment.
#4: Make Sure You Can Still Get Supporting Parts
When purchasing used medical equipment, you need to make sure that you can still get the supporting parts that the equipment needs to function. For example, see if you can still purchase the disposables that the equipment requires. You should determine if you can still buy accessories that increase the function of the equipment. You are going to want to see if you can purchase spare parts as well.
When it comes time to purchase used medical equipment, work with a reliable supplier who can provide support for their equipment. Always get the serial number for the equipment, and research it. Make sure you can still get the supporting parts you need to effectively use the equipment.
Medical equipment and supplies are needed for a variety of reasons and many people rely on mobility aids to help them get from one place to another. We aren't medical professionals but we do understand the struggle that many people have with movement and that's why we've written this blog. We've done comprehensive research by reading literature, speaking with physical therapists and even interviewing people who currently use mobility aids.
It's our goal to inform everyone who relies on mobile equipment to learn all the options that are available. In this blog, you'll learn about several different types of mobility aids including wheelchairs and their optional features, walkers and mobility scooters. We hope this blog can help you or a loved one gain more independence with the assistance of the proper medical equipment and supplies.