Now is a very good time to buy used equipment
DOTmed Business News heard unanimity from the ISOs that the U.S. market for quality used ultrasound equipment is currently quite robust, which makes right now a very good time to buy. Late-model, high-end ultrasound machines are available at some of the most attractive prices in years. So facilities that have the need to upgrade - and a bottom-line to watch - should try contacting some of the ISOs mentioned in, or listed at, the end of the Report. The flipside of this, however, is that your trade-in won't be worth quite as much, but most
people will happily take this trade-off.


Gustavo Abella, Global Product Manager for Medge Platforms, Inc., headquartered in New York City, provides an alternative upgrade option - software that can take a 2D signal and produce a 3D or 4D image, "even with a 15 year old machine," according to Abella. Medge Platforms is one of small number of companies that offers this relatively new type of software product, which has primarily gained attention outside the U.S. DOTmed Business News will report on this technology in a future issue.

Should first-time buyers buy used?
According to Robin Gillespie of MedCorp, up to 50% of doctors who are buying their first ultrasound system for their private practice buy a used system. "There are a couple of good reasons this makes sense," she noted. "First, there's a significant cost savings with used equipment, so they don't have to lay out as much up front, and they can start turning a profit quicker," Gillespie observed. "Also, they can find out if they like the system, and find out if it delivers the results they expect, they can find a 'comfort zone.' Then the next time they upgrade, they might buy new - but if they had a good experience with a used system, they might buy used again."

Final word: go with someone who will be around after the sale
Chris Cone, President of Echoserve, Golden, CO, considers his company to be in the top echelon of ultrasound sales and service companies. In addition to selling fully refurbished systems, Echoserve repairs transducers, repair parts, including circuit boards, stocks a full line of parts, and offer field service in many areas of the country, providing a "one-stop" solution to any ultrasound need. "One thing to look for in a used ultrasound dealer is the dealer's stability. If you get a 1-year warranty, and you should, you want the company you bought from to be there if you need service," Cone stressed. He also
observed that many people need technical support after the sale so they can learn to efficiently use a new system, and that's something you should ask about before you buy. Cone, like all reputable ISOs, also strongly recommends getting references and referrals.

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