We talk a lot about cutting costs when it comes to medical equipment service contracts from service contracts to onsite personnel in charge of regular maintenance. When medical facilities rely on outsourcing medical equipment maintenance and repair it is important that you enter into a contract that makes sense for you. It is important not to pay for contract features that you will not use. These features add to an already tight budget that most facilities are already trying to maneuver. In this installment we will discuss negotiating tips between medical facilities and medical equipment maintenance and repair companies.
- Take note of the options available in service contracts from the vendor. Consider the details that layout time, materials and labor charges of the different companies you are looking into before making a contract purchase.
- New medical equipment is less likely to break down than older equipment therefore requiring a less detailed service contract. New equipment does not usually require the twenty four hour, seven day a week contract that older, essential equipment may. New equipment can most likely exist on a regular maintenance contract for the first three years. Not to mention that most new medical equipment repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Certain medical devices, such as slit lamps, don’t require service contracts from out sourced entities. Some equipment can be maintained with regular inspections and maintenance that can easily be provided by in-house equipment specialists and sometimes even the personnel in charge of running it.
- Some large scaled medical equipment will require only a limited out sourced service contract. Equipment such as ultrasounds, scanners and lasers are all fairly reliable and in house personnel can perform initial inspections and can be the first responders to issues when they arise. These pieces can often benefit from remote support which can be provided at a lesser cost basis than on service support.
- Backup equipment is another area where facilities can lessen the service contract associated with each machine. Most back up equipment does not need to be services at all hours of the day and can utilize a less stringent service contract such as a business hours only contract.
- When entering into a service contract it is crucial that you have everything in writing. Verbal commitments are often hard to uphold. When you are contracting outside medical equipment service specialist it is crucial to document everything within the contract. This protects both parties later on from miscommunication.
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