By Frank West

In an ever changing world of increased health care costs, organizations are always on the lookout for ways to cut or cap expenses. Health care and medical organizations generally face two options when looking to repair or put equipment under contract. The first option is to work with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The second option is to utilize independent service organizations (ISOs), or third-party repair services.

But there is a third option too, which is to employ well-trained biomedical engineers in-house. The down side to this is of course the cost of additional employees as well as finding biomeds with the necessary experience to properly service all of your equipment. With this option being unrealistic for many companies, most opt to choose between the OEM or a third party. While the OEM is always a reliable option, the repair costs with an OEM are usually 50 percent higher than using a third party. Sometimes, the OEM can even be closer to 75 percent higher in parts pricing.
This means that a third party is most likely the most cost effective option, but choosing the right third party can be a challenge. Below are seven points to consider in your search for the perfect third party service provider.

1. Does the third-party repair company perform testing and calibration according to OEM guidelines to ensure your device performs to the same standard as the manufacturer's original design? Can they produce documentation and service history to ensure compliance?

2. How many biomeds or engineers does the third-party company employ? Do these include qualified service engineers that are OEM trained and have the necessary skill sets to work on equipment? This qualification could be obtained through biomed training, schools, or military training. What engineering software is used to engineer specific components and assemblies?

3. Are you able to go tour their facility? Will they allow you to interact with the engineers and technicians? Make sure the third party taking care of your medical equipment is not based out of the trunk of their car.

4. What is the typical repair turnover time? Does your third party provider offer loaners? Do they have equipment, parts, and consumables on hand to minimize repair time? Do they have an on-site team to perform repairs at your facility if necessary? Make sure you set your expectations prior to sending in your equipment for service.

5. Can the third party company prove that they do not use inferior parts and materials? Ensure they are not reusing parts that should be replaced. Also ask if all the parts are used to meet the manufacture's guidelines.

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