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Cutting Costs Without A Decrease In Quality

Medical centers are always looking for ways to cut costs when it comes to maintaining, repairing and purchasing new equipment. This article includes the top ways that hospitals and medical facilities can cut costs while continuing to improve quality care and patient outcomes.

The best way to save money in any industry is to continuing using the equipment that is already owned. It is common for medical facilities to outsource medical equipment support services. Using external service providers while having reliable support in house, otherwise known as clinical engineers, keeps equipment running at peak performance. Simple in house adjustments and simple repairs can save a tremendous amount of money. Not only are you saving on the cost of outsourced vendor services but also on the costs associated with any downtime experienced with medical equipment failure.

Support can be provided in a number of ways including in person and remote services. Instead of assuming your issue can only be resolved by having a technician come out to your facility ask about less expensive remote services. Many repairs can be accomplished through a remote technician. Through the remote session the technician can diagnosis if the equipment can be resolved with simple tweaks or if service personnel are needed on site. Most medical equipment vendors can offer support remotely twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Many times on staff clinical engineers can even repair equipment with the support of the remote operator. The nature of remote services allows the vendor to support more than one client at a time thus costing less for remote services.

Instead of working directly with the original equipment manufacturer, OEM, consider getting support from trusted third party medical equipment repair support service specialists. Working with OEMs tends to be more costly and take significantly more time then services using a third party vendor. This is a simple way to have necessary services performed on equipment while maintaining patient care.

One of the most effective ways that medical facilities can save money when it comes to large, specialized medical equipment is to make sure that regular maintenance is performed. Imaging equipment including linear accelerators and ct scanners are known for having particularly long life cycles. It is in the best interest of facilities to take advantage of this benefit. Scheduling proper maintenance and timely repairs allows facilities to get the most out of expensive medical equipment.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment. We provide high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. For more information on low cost parts for repairing Linac equipment find us at http://www.radparts.com.

Preserving Critical Medical Equipment With Regular Maintenance

There are many critical tools that are needed for doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals in order to make proper diagnosis. Healthcare professionals are better prepared for medical emergencies when supported by medical devices that are functioning as they should be. From performing in the operating room to executing properly in the emergency room if medical devices fail patient lives are put at risk.

If medical equipment fails to work correctly the patients quality of care decreases and it affects their safety. In order for medical equipment to continue to function properly it is crucial that it is accurately maintained. This is one reason that medical facilities are known to outsource preventative maintenance services for medical equipment. Below you will find concrete evidence on why regular maintenance and medical equipment repair are imperative to the health of your patients and medical practice.

Accurately Preserved Medical Equipment is Reliable

Truth be told medical equipment that is regularly maintained following manufacturer guidelines is safer and more reliable for patient care. Regular maintenance on medical equipment also helps to ensure machine operators are protected from machine failure. Potential issues can be acknowledged and resolved before causing malfunction to the equipment and personnel downtime. It is important to remember that depending on the size of your facility maintenance can be performed in house or out sourced.

Work Smarter Not Harder

All businesses are looking to work more efficiently. Providing regularly scheduled routine maintenance on medical equipment helps to allow your medical facility, no matter how big or small, to run more effectively. Being proactive in equipment repair and maintenance allows facilities to plan accordingly for equipment to be down. Unexpected downtime leads to a decrease in patient care, an increase in scheduling in interruptions and loss of productivity. Scheduling time in advance allows patient care to go uninterrupted.

Save Money and Time with Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance saves facilities a lot of money. Routine maintenance on medical equipment is significantly less than regularly replacing expensive medical equipment and supplies or paying for emergency repair services. Instead your equipment is kept operating at the top of its game leading to increased longevity and a higher return on your investment. In the long run by performing regular preventative maintenance and repairs you are helping to decrease the operating costs associated with running your medical facility.

In order to preserve the reliability of your medical equipment, work more efficiently and decrease equipment expenses it is important to perform regular maintenance. A schedule can be created online to better help your medical facility track, record and analyze data. This will help your facility increase the reliability of the medical equipment used within your facility.

Choosing a Company To Service Your Facilities Medical Equipment

There will come a time and day when all medical equipment within your facility will need to be maintained or repaired. Do you know who you will call? There are a wide range of companies available to service medical equipment. It is important to find a reputable company to work with that offers a wide range of service needs on medical equipment of all kinds including linear accelerators, ct scanners and other life saving pieces of equipment.

Look for a company that doesn’t just repair equipment; look to work with a medical equipment repair company that offers a wide range of services. Look for a company that offers the following services: installation, set-up, repairs, preventative maintenance, testing, replacement parts and new & refurbished equipment sales. Below is a detailed description of what each services entails.

Preventative Maintenance

If there is one thing that all medical facilities should do is set up regular maintenance to be performed on medical equipment. It is imperative that you follow the manufacturer’s requirements for maintaining your medical equipment to increase the longevity of each piece. It will also help save your facility money with less equipment downtime, downtime that is scheduled without interrupting scheduled patients and decreases liability issues.

Medical Equipment Installation & Set-Up

It is important to work with a company that also specializes in the set-up and installation of medical equipment. There is a specific way that medical equipment needs to be handled and set up in a medical setting that needs to be done by specialists trained in operating setup.

On Site and Off Site Repair

The company that you choose to work with should provide both on site and off site repair and maintenance services. The company should be willing to travel to your medical facility to make assessments, test and repair both operating & surgical equipment and tools on demand. There should also be a facility in which complicated repairs can be sent that offers the same quality repairs with a quick turnaround response.

Supply and Installation of Replacement Parts, Supplies & Accessories

Working with a company that maintains a large inventory of new and refurbished medical parts for replacement is the best option. You will want to make sure that they also have their own connections to receive parts and supplies that are not in stock on a moment’s notice to avoid downtime.

A company that works to combine all of the functions one may need to retain their medical equipment is preferred over hiring several individual companies to complete the tasks separately. One company providing refurbished and new equipment, maintenance, installation, set-up, repair and parts is a solid choice as it allows them to also track, analyze and make recommendations.

Proper Maintenance and Care For Medical Equipment Part Two

In this installment on maintenance and care of medical equipment we will consider aspects in medical equipment care and maintenance including: contracting medical technicians, in house maintenance and basic and extended warranties. It is crucial that facilities protect their investments especially when it comes to expensive medical equipment that is not easily replaced. Medical facilities rely on medical equipment to be reliable and in proper working order as needed. Each piece of medical equipment is responsible for accurate diagnosis. Each technician is accountable for keeping the equipment software up to date, the equipment running properly and keeping patient care at the highest level possible.

In our last installment we discussed why both proper usage and following manufacturer’s use and maintenance guidelines were crucial in increasing the longevity of medical equipment. In this installment we will further discuss ways to properly maintain and care for costly new and refurbished medical equipment.

In House Maintenance

It is crucial that the technicians operating medical equipment are not only trained in how to properly use the machine but also on how to perform regular, basic maintenance. There are certain maintenance tasks that will not be able to be performed by equipment operator however basic upkeep is possible. This will allow for immediate response if the medical equipment has a failure which reduces downtime and interruptions in patient care. It is important to be aware of the operator’s capabilities and to know when to bring in professional help.

Comprehending Equipment Warranties

With proper care, maintenance and usage there equipment will be able to run properly for an extended period of time. Problems can still occur and when that happens it is important to have an understanding of the products warranty. Failure on the facilities part to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer could void the warranty. This is why it is so important to thoroughly read and review equipment procedures and keep software regularly updated.

Hiring Professional Medical Equipment Technicians

It is vital for the longevity of the equipment in your medical facility to be regularly services by professional technicians. As with any large piece of equipment be it in your home or business regular inspections, cleanings and maintenance are required yearly to keep functions running smoothly. Service is offered in several different manners. Your medical facility could have a scheduled contract with service specialists, hire third party of vendors on an as needed basis or rely on remote assistance.

The most important element that should be taken from these installments is that with regular care and maintenance provided by in house trained equipment operators and hired professional’s the longevity of medical equipment will increase.

Proper Maintenance and Care For Medical Equipment Part One

Medical equipment is costly and often requires a great deal of budgeting to purchase. Even if the facility is able to find refurbished medical equipment it should be assumed that it will be rather pricey. Gently used medical equipment that has gone through stringent refurbishing is one way that facilities can help cut costs. It is important to remember that proper maintenance and regular care of refurbished medical equipment is as important if not more important than that of brand new equipment for medical use.

Proper maintenance and care is crucial for equipment that is used in the treatment of patients. Daily use wears equipment down quickly. In order to achieve the best results for patient care equipment must be kept functioning properly. If equipment is not maintained facilities run the risk of constant malfunctions and breakdowns leading to a decrease in customer care which makes the practice seem unreliable. Here are some valuable maintenance and care tips to help get your facility on the right track.

Appropriate Management

The way that facilities care and use medical equipment daily will predict how long the machine will last. Improper use of sensitive medical equipment on regular basis will set the machine up for malfunction and failure. Medical equipment should only be used as directed by the original manufacturer. When medical equipment is used in a way that is not recommended there is a greater risk of harm to the patient as well as to the equipment operator.

Follow Manufacturer Procedures

When medical equipment is purchased, whether it is new or refurbished it is crucial that the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use and maintenance are included. The manual will show a plan for regular diagnostics, updates to software and will advise facilities on hiring professional technicians to inspect and care for the equipment. It is important that the manufacturer’s guideline is followed. This will ensure that machine failure and snafus are kept to a minimum.

In the next installment on maintenance and care of medical equipment we will discuss contracting medical technicians, in house maintenance and warranties. It is important to protect your investment. Medical equipment is expensive and not easily replaced. With the main objective of medical facilities being reliable, affordable patient care it is crucial that each piece of medical equipment is kept up to date, running as expected, providing proper diagnostics and keeping patient care at the highest level possible.

Precise Cancer Treatment Found With Linear Accelerators

In the year 1956 the first medical linear accelerator was used in treatment for the first time in the Western Hemisphere. It was developed at Stanford. As technology continues to advance, LINAC equipment is keeping track as the most superior radiation therapy option that is obtainable today. Linear accelerators manufacture and distribute radiation with undeniable exactness that until 1956 was unavailable. Treatment using LINAC equipment is precise up to the millimeter.

Linear accelerator, with its advanced technology is used in all the most advanced radiation treatments. Working in conjunction with computers LINAC equipment can create highly sophisticated, goal oriented radiation therapy treatments including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and intra-operative radiation therapy (IORT).

Revolutionary treatments are altering the ways in which cancer is being treated. Radiation therapy is now an option for numerous types of cancers. More cancer patients than ever before can take advantage of the radiation therapies available today. Exactly what is it about radiation therapy using linear accelerator technology that makes this possible?

Radiation oncologist therapists take images using digitized technology, both two dimensional and three dimensional images, to layout where the cancerous tumors lay within the healthy surrounding tissues and organs. This allows for incredibly targeted radiation treatment for the cancerous tumor without affecting the healthy tissues and organs surrounding it. With the accuracy of linear accelerator equipment patients are only required to hold still for approximately ten minutes while they receive the targeted treatment.

Interfacing with computers, LINAC equipment can create highly developed, objective radiation therapy treatments. The computer systems are advanced enough that the technology stores information about the patients and the treatment they are receiving to help oncologists and radiation therapists chart a detailed course of action to follow.

The benefits of using linear accelerators in radiation treatment over other options are abundant. One of the most basic advantages is the benefit of comfort and personalization. To ensure that cancer patients receiving treatment are as comfortable as possible while receiving treatment they are given full sized molds that have been personalized to their exact specifications. This allows patients the ability to be stabilized during radiation therapy treatments. When treating cancers in the brain a full sized mask is fitted to the patients face to allow it to sit comfortably in the position that is the most optimal for treatment. Most facilities also allow radiation technologists sooth patients by playing music during treatment as well.

Linear Accelerators Are A Key Element In Treating Cancer

Radiation therapy using linear accelerator technology continues to offer a key element in the treatment of numerous cancers and conditions. It is crucial to note that over half of all cancer patients will receives some form of radiation therapy treatment during the course of cancer treatment. There are a number of steps that are taken to ensure patients are treated safely and as effectively as possible while receiving radiation using LINAC equipment.

One of the first steps that will be taken if your physician believes radiation therapy is to be a part of your treatment plan you will meet with a trained, professional radiation oncologist. A radiation oncologist is an expert that specializes in the treatment of cancer and other conditions requiring radiation. During this first official visit patients should expect the following:

The radiation oncologist will first meet with you, the patient, to go through your entire current and past medical history. Next the oncologist will want to discuss the family’s medical history. It is important to note any history of cancer within your family. Imaging results that were taken recently will be evaluated by the oncologist while they also do a complete physical examination. After this is complete the physician will assess the need for radiation therapy along with the outcome that can be expected after treatment. The radiation oncologist will talk to the patient and their family about the benefits and risks associated with the radiation therapy option using LINAC equipment. Finally you, the patient, will be able to ask questions that they have. This is all done during the consultation phase of treating cancer with linear accelerator machines that specialize in radiation therapy treatments.

In order to ensure that your treatment is both safe and effective the treatment has to target the exact location of the cancerous tumor verse the healthy organs and tissue. During simulation the patient is required to lie still in the same exact position they will be in during treatment and undergo CT, computed tomography, or other imaging technologies to determine where the tumor lies. At this point they may choose to mark the patient’s body to help with the accuracy of treatment. A custom device is created for immobilization such as facial masks, head rests and form fitted body molds to help keep the body in the same position throughout the entire radiation treatment session. To protect the tissue and organs that are healthy blocks and shields are created. A tool such as the multi-leaf collimator is used to shape radiation beams to target the cancerous tumor.

In the next installment we will continue to look deeper into planning, dose calculations, treatment, follow up after radiation treatment therapy and more.

Curtail Equipment Expenses While Keeping Up With The Latest Technology

Nothing is inexpensive when it comes to purchasing equipment for medical use. Medical facilities are in a constant battle to decrease expenses while maintaining quality. This is especially difficult when it comes to radiation oncology where cutting edge equipment, such as linear accelerators and CT scanners can easily cost millions of dollars. It is essential that facilities search for different ways to reduce expenses and cap costs.

In the following installment we will discuss three different options medical facilities both big and small can provide top notch services to stay competitive without sacrificing the delivery and quality of care. One way that medical facilities seek to do this is by purchasing refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners.

Medical facilities can curtail equipment expenditures while keeping up with updates in technology, improving safety, providing more precise treatments and streamline work flow by budgeting for and purchasing refurbished equipment. This is an extremely attractive alternative to purchasing brand new equipment especially when you can arrange to procure similar models to what is currently being used in your facility. Using similar model equipment to what is already in use saves money on training. It also reduces the amount of time that is usually lost when adopting to a new piece of equipment.

Refurbished equipment can offer the same performance and reliability as new equipment at a discount. Choosing a reputable supplier that specializes in radiology equipment while also offering installation and maintenance services medical facilities save a great deal of money without any sacrifice.

Before seeking to purchase new refurbished medical equipment it is imperative that the decision makers in charge of purchasing get answers to seven very important questions. These include:

Can we purchase refurbished equipment? If so, what is the process of refurbishing that the radiology oncology equipment we are seeking goes through? Are the parts thoroughly tested?
Should we be able to expect that the refurbished medical equipment, either a linear accelerator or CT scanner, perform according to the manufacturer’s original specifications?
Will the equipment comes with any warranties or guarantees covering parts and labor?
Will the supplier that the refurbished oncology equipment is purchased from also be able to perform the installation? What about future maintenance?
What has the overall reaction to this model been? Have facilities that are using this model reported any ongoing issues?
Do they have a radiation test cell? Will full beam testing be done prior to installation within the medical facility?
What is the company’s reputation in the industry? Are you able to speak with other medical facilities that have been provided refurbished equipment and services from the supplier?

In our next installment we will continue looking into ways that medical organizations can save money when looking into reducing expenses in their medical equipment budgets while keeping up-to date with advances in technology in the field of radiation oncology.

Hiring Professionals To Maintain and Repair Medical Equipment

Most individuals experience a sense of confidence when it comes to making repairs to their personal items. Some car owners enjoy doing their own automobile repairs. The same is true of many homeowners; they thrive on being capable to keep up on the maintenance and improvements that need to be made around their homes. It is important for many individuals to do this type of work on their own because of the money it saves overtime. Think about the amount of money that could be saved if you didn’t need to hire a mechanic or contractor each time something wasn’t working.

Do-it-yourself maintenance and repairs are not always so simple in other areas. Once such field that requires experts is when medical equipment needs to be maintained or repaired. In order for a professional to be trained to repair equipment throughout medical facilities such as linear accelerators and CT scanners they will need a specialized education. This can be obtained through many community college or vocational schools. Individuals that service medical equipment are referred to as biomedical equipment technicians.

Some hospitals or medical facilities will have a full time staff member that is equipped to handle all of the maintenance and repairs that need to be done throughout the facility on large scaled medical equipment. They are on staff and available to fix malfunctioning equipment immediately. However, in many circumstances hospitals and medical facilities are functioning on a budget therefore relying on biomedical equipment technicians who work on contract or are available for on call service.

Immediate response to medical equipment repairs is necessary. Patient’s lives rely in this equipment to be up and running properly for treatment and diagnosis. If machines are functioning improperly or not at all nurses and physicians risk making critical mistakes. When individual lives are at stake there is absolutely no room for any errors especially from the machines that set out to help them. In the health field, biomedical technicians and the work that they do are critical to the day to day operations of the facility.

It takes quite a few people throughout medical facilities and hospitals to keep the everyday flow running smoothly. Medical equipment that is operating properly allows radiologists to offer patients proper diagnostics and treatments. It takes many trained professionals to ensure that medical equipment is in proper working order. Routine maintenance and proper repairs made the first time around by trained professionals has a significant contribution to the overall health and wellbeing of patients.

Benefits Of Outsourcing Medical Equipment Repairs

In medical facilities there is a great debate when it comes to outsourcing and the hospitals bottom line. Leaders within the biomedical equipment repair industry agree on the overwhelming advantages that come with outsourcing. The advantages of outsourcing discussed within this article also apply to several other departments within the healthcare industry. In order to achieve long term goals amongst deep budget cuts medical facilities must create a solid foundation in asset management across the board including medical equipment service strategies.

Three Major Benefits of Outsourcing Biomedical Equipment Repair and MaintenanceStrategies

Lower Operating Expenses: This seems like an obvious benefit of outsourcing but many individuals overlook it when evaluating the concept on a whole. Outsourcing allows medical facilities to retain less personal, reducing operating expenses while increasing the results gained through experienced vendors. Without the need to hire and train these highly specialized personnel resources labor and operating costs can be reduced.

Outsourcing leaves the vendors responsible for providing highly skilled, trained individuals to repair medical equipment at a moment’s notice. These services can be paid for on an as needed basis instead of the facility being required to pay the salary and ongoing benefits that they would need to pay a full time biomedical equipment repair specialist. Thus saving the facility the expense of recruiting, training and the exceptionally expensive extras involved in maintaining a staff of professionals to maintain, care for and repair specialized equipment similar to linear accelerators and CT scanners.

Quality: With the ongoing changes and growth in the technology of medical devices it is crucial to have access to biomed service technicians that are up to date on training and available immediately. Qualified technicians are vital in keeping life saving equipment functioning properly and providing accurate test results. Outsourcing allows medical facilities to contract skilled biomed equipment repair specialists to accurately maintain, efficiently diagnosis and repair equipment in a timely manner thus keeping life saving equipment functioning properly.

Capital Budgeting: In order for all businesses to function and grow it is vital that medical facilities, large or small, manage all of their assets, including personal, in an efficient manner. It is crucial that in-house programs as well as those that are outsourced are prioritized.

There are so many ways in which it makes sense to outsource the area of biomed equipment repair services including lower operating expenses, quality technicians while assisting medical facilities of all sizes to remain vital and competitive.