Purchasing refurbished medical equipment can help your practice save significant costs while maintaining quality patient care. However, knowing what to ask when buying refurbished medical equipment ensures you make informed decisions that protect your investment and your patients.
The right questions help you evaluate equipment reliability, verify certifications, and understand the value of your purchase. This guide covers essential questions to help you navigate the refurbished equipment market with confidence.
What Warranty and Service Agreements Come With the Equipment?
Understanding warranty coverage protects your practice from unexpected repair costs and equipment downtime. Ask about the warranty length, which components the warranty covers, and whether the supplier includes labor costs in service agreements. Reputable suppliers typically offer warranties ranging from 90 days to one year on refurbished equipment.
You should also inquire about extended warranty options and ongoing maintenance plans. Clear warranty terms demonstrate a supplier's confidence in their refurbishment process and commitment to customer satisfaction. Request all warranty information in writing before finalizing your purchase.
Have You Inspected and Certified the Equipment?
Verification of inspection standards ensures the equipment meets safety and performance requirements for clinical use. Ask whether certified biomedical technicians performed the refurbishment and what testing protocols they followed. You should request documentation showing that the equipment meets OEM specifications and complies with relevant FDA regulations.
Many suppliers provide detailed inspection reports that outline replaced parts, calibration results, and functionality tests. Used equipment that lacks proper certification documentation can expose your practice to liability risks and potential regulatory violations. Legitimate suppliers of used medical equipment should willingly share inspection records and certification details.
What Is the Equipment's Service History and Age?
Understanding an equipment’s past usage gives insight into its remaining lifespan and likely performance. Ask how many hours the equipment operated, how many previous owners it had, and why the original facility stopped using it. Request maintenance records that show regular servicing and any major repairs performed throughout its lifetime.
Older equipment may face limited parts availability and compatibility issues with modern software systems. Older models can become obsolete, making it harder to find parts or keep software up to date. This information helps you compare options and determine whether the price reflects the equipment's actual condition.
Can You Provide References From Other Medical Facilities?
Speaking with other healthcare providers who purchased from the supplier gives you real-world insights into their experience and equipment performance. Ask facilities similar to yours that purchased comparable equipment for their contact information.
References can share information about delivery timelines, installation support, and how well the equipment performed after purchase. They can also discuss the supplier's responsiveness to service calls and warranty claims.
Suppliers with strong reputations provide references without hesitation. These conversations often reveal essential details about what to ask when buying refurbished medical equipment that you might otherwise overlook. Contact All States M.E.D. today to explore our selection of certified refurbished medical equipment backed by quality warranties and exceptional customer service.