When considering the cost of an ultrasound machine, purchasers may gravitate toward the idea of purchasing a used or refurbished system.1 There are many reasons why clinicians may want to buy a pre-owned unit. These systems often have a significantly lower cost than their new counterparts. As a result, they're a viable option for first-time buyers, healthcare organizations with limited resources, or any care provider looking to gradually integrate ultrasound into their scope of services without making too large of an upfront investment.
Like any other pre-owned item, however, there are many variables to consider when choosing between a new and refurbished ultrasound machine. Used systems can come with a host of inherent and worrisome liabilities. Some of these concerns are common in all healthcare procurement decisions; others will be unique to your organization's needs and realities. When buying your first or next ultrasound device, consider these pros and cons of choosing a refurbished system.
Pros of refurbished ultrasound:
Lower up-front cost
The price of equipment is one of the main barriers to ultrasound integration in primary care.2 A used or refurbished ultrasound machine is often a fraction of the cost of a new system. For organizations with more constrained budgets or those considering buying a system for the first time, this cost differential can be the ultimate decider as to whether or not they go through with the purchase.
Demonstrated efficacy and performance
One of the lesser-discussed advantages of a refurbished ultrasound unit is that you know what it's capable of when it's fully operational. If it's still in operation, you can surmise that it was effective in its past life, and you can ask questions about its strengths, improbable areas, previous home, frequency of use, and other salient points. Refurbished systems should be stringently tested before being put on the market.
A chance to build up your ultrasound arsenal
A refurbished ultrasound can be an excellent backup option if your practice or organization expands, you need a second system for patient overflow, or any other eventuality. Whether you want to keep a spare unit around in case of emergency, are experiencing a surge in caseload, or are purchasing equipment for a satellite location, a refurbished unit can help you maximize your resources without investing more capital than your organization may be comfortable with.
A chance to sharpen your ultrasound skills
Pre-owned systems may be a more affordable jumping-off point for general practitioners with limited experience. While primary care physicians have increasingly adopted ultrasound, lack of training continues to be one of the primary barriers to full immersion and proficiency.3 Healthcare organizations aiming to integrate ultrasound into their services, either as a trial or as a gradual adoption, can make a much smaller investment by having their clinicians start on a pre-owned system.
Cons of refurbished ultrasound:
Potentially higher long-term costs
Sometimes, a lower initial price tag is where the savings end with refurbished units. For many systems, the gradual need for more frequent repairs combined with more restrictive protections and warranty agreements can increase the time and money your organization spends on repair and maintenance. Although many refurbished ultrasound units come with a warranty agreement, they are generally shorter and less comprehensive than warranties for new systems.
You don't know the machine's entire history
Although you can determine the year, usage hours, and general condition, you may not be able to identify every wear-and-tear and operational anomaly on a refurbished system. It may be hard to tell how the system was used on a daily basis, how often or to what degree it was properly maintained, or what kind of operational anomalies it may have. Pre-owned systems may also require service or repair soon after you purchase them, which their limited service agreements may not cover.
They may not have the latest features and technology
Ultrasound technology is evolving at a rapid pace, to the point where there may be a significant difference between each generation of products. Features like automated image optimization, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled workflow tools, dynamic presets, and customized scan protocols are relatively recent to the landscape. Technology and software updates are not always available on refurbished or older systems. Even a system that was top-of-the-line just a few years ago may be on the verge of becoming obsolete because of its comparatively limited functionality.
Additionally, used or refurbished systems may not link up or coordinate with other elements of your healthcare infrastructure, making scan processes more challenging and fragmented. Be sure the system you're considering has the required features to meet your organization's needs successfully.
Older systems may be less user-friendly
Many older or refurbished units may be more challenging to learn because they don't have the intuitive, user-friendly features of the latest generation of products. Be sure the system you're considering is easy to learn, so it can help guide entry-level users toward expertise. Older systems may also offer less education and training than newer options, creating an additional learning barrier.
Food for thought: You may not need a refurbished system thought
A newer ultrasound system may be more accessible than you assume. With more affordable tiers of products entering the market and offering flexible financing options and robust warranty agreements, your organization may have more buying power than it realizes.
If you decide to purchase a refurbished system, it's important to choose a reputable and established vendor that will thoroughly test the system, offer the best warranty available, and provide the training and education your staff needs to hit the ground running. In the case of a refurbished system, it's vital to purchase your system directly from the manufacturer to help guarantee quality and performance.
The bottom line
Although refurbished ultrasound systems may have been the only solution in the past, more affordable systems with the latest imaging performance and more intuitive functionality have reduced the need for their consideration. This means that organizations with more limited budgets and less experienced staff are freer to explore new systems than ever before.
Learn more about GE HealthCare’s family of affordable ultrasound systems.
REFERENCES:
1. Market Research Future. Refurbished Medical Devices Market Size, Forecast, Report 2032. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/refurbished-medical-devices-market-1282
Accessed February 14, 2024.
2. Carrera, K. G., Hassen, G., Camacho-Leon, et al. The benefits and barriers of using Point-of-Care ultrasound in primary healthcare in the United States. Cureus. 2022; 14(8): e28373. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.28373
3. Wong, J., Montague, S., Wallace, P., et al.. Barriers to learning and using point-of-care ultrasound: a survey of practicing internists in six North American institutions. The Ultrasound Journal. 2020; 12(1): 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13089-020-00167-6
