"On an operator side," Smith added, "we deal with entrepreneurs for example, that might buy an MRI, put it in a trailer and find hospitals to contract with to make money. But unfortunately, the level of reimbursement is reduced to a point where it's very difficult to break even; it all depends on throughput."

Outfitting the Trailer


Medical trailers enjoy a distinct advantage over the fixed technology business model since many types of medical modalities can be installed €- not just scanners for diagnostic imaging.

"Four years ago, we were only doing PET/CT and MRIs. Because of the economy, we now build mobile OR or mammography units," said Michael Hardesty, sales manager, Calutech Mobile Solutions, Hammond, Ind. "Because of our experience, we can do non-traditional applications."

The company is providing a mobile OR for a health care organization that is undergoing construction. "As they remodel the hospital, a trailer will pull up with an OR and up to three recovery rooms, all self-contained with medical gases, and [Joint Commission] approved."




As another example of non-traditional uses for trailers, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles is providing a mobile primary care treatment facility for GE at the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. The multi-purpose unit also includes surgery and recovery. (For more information about GE's mobile medical services at the games, go to DOTmed.com and enter DM 10501 into any search box. You can also read about TomoTherapy's new mobile radiation therapy unit online at DM 10579.)

Another successful application for mobile medical trailers is to transport lithotripters used to blast kidney stones.

"Lithotripters can be bounced between hospitals and it makes sense economically to share that equipment," said Chaz Beadling, owner of American X-Ray Equipment Sales & Service, Cumberland, Md.

Call a Specialist

A new trailer to house a medical application can cost $300,000 to $400,000 -and that's without the imaging scanner or medical equipment loaded into it.

"These are sophisticated machines going into the mobile units whether it is PET/CT, CT or MRI, or mammography. They are very sensitive in terms of vibration dampening, shock absorption, temperature control, humidity, power control and other factors," said Ellis. "We manufacture the trailer from the ground up, starting with a twin I-beam chassis. The MRI trailers are unique, highly specialized, purpose-built (not conversion units), and sensitive. Whether it's rainy or sunny, cloudy or windy - all of that affects image quality. You can have ghosting or poor image quality if the MRI system is not isolated properly with magnetic and radio-tight RF shielding as well as adherence to proper site protocol."

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