The idea of reusing anything in healthcare is objectionable, even deadly considering the risks, yet many hospitals are doing just that for things like minimally invasive surgery or imaging. The market for refurbished medical equipment has boomed, particularly across Europe, as the economy forces hospitals to shrink budgets and cut costs. Companies selling refurbished equipment in Europe pulled in $417 million in 2012 and that number is projected to reach $582 million by 2019.
Any discomfort may come from a misunderstanding of what exactly refurbishment is. Think of it as similar to the way steel medical instruments are sanitized to bring them back to fresh-from-the-box cleanliness. The one question I always receive when suggesting a refurbished piece of equipment to a family member is “But how do I know it will work?” In the medical realm that’s particularly valid since you really want your diagnostic and imaging equipment to be accurate.
Buying refurbished equipment doesn’t mean you’re buying something lesser rate – the broken cookies from the bakery – its equipment that, for a variety of reasons has been sent back to the manufacturer, repaired, tested and put out for sale. Essentially it’s the same thing that happens off the assembly line; equipment is made, tested, sent back for repair if it doesn’t work, retested and sold. It could even be equipment that was previously purchased and returned by the buyer completely unused. The benefit of refurbishment is that the equipment has been factory tested and is almost always guaranteed free of defects. If it doesn’t come with that guarantee, don’t buy it.
Some countries are still protecting patients and ensuring they know if they’re being diagnosed with refurbished equipment. France only allows providers to be paid at half their normal rate for a service using refurbished equipment more than five years old, and some regions restrict state monies from being used to purchase refurbished equipment. If the equipment proves itself in the field those laws may be relaxed.
As with any purchase the standard is always buyer beware. Though refurbished equipment is considered the next best thing to new, it’s important to buy from reputable companies that are transparent about their processes. With medical equipment they should be more than forthcoming with the procedures of recertification for the equipment and allow for an inspection and possibly a trial period. Saving a few bucks is never a good deal if the result ruins a company’s reputation or, in this case, risks a life.
Edited by
Cassandra Tucker
