DOTmed Industry Sector Report: O/R Lights Sales & Service Companies

by Barbara Kram, Editor | November 13, 2007

Overall features to compare in lighting include light intensity, color temperature, heat and shadow reduction, focus, maneuverability, flexibility, and surgeons' comfort. In addition to initial cost, consider life expectancy of the equipment, and maintenance costs.

"Like any other piece of equipment, if the units are refurbished properly, refinished, and all worn parts replaced, the units should give the same life expectancy as new at about half of the cost," says Billy Dean, Manager, Sales/Marketing, Medequip Engineering Service, Inc., Central Point, OR. "The key is finding a vendor that refurbishes the units correctly and doesn't just spray paint them, test them, and send them out."

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To ensure the quality of refurbished O/R lighting, it is important to work with a reputable ISO. Here are some tips on choosing a trusted Independent Service Organization:

-Make sure they understand and can explain the constraints in choosing lighting, such as the space limitations, including ceiling height of the site.

-Make sure you are dealing with someone knowledgeable of the supporting structure and the electrical requirements of the site and equipment; someone who can coordinate with your contractor and electrician.

-If you choose refurbished lighting make sure the company supports the light, has parts and bulbs, and can troubleshoot over the phone.

-Get a warranty on the output of that light to make sure it has been measured and you know how close it is to the manufacturers' specifications.

-Check out the company on www.dotmed.com to see if they are rated or if professionals are DOTmed Certified.

"The refurbished market is like a pyramid. There are a few companies at the top that are really thorough with everything they do. Their profit margins are smaller," Kleyman said of his company. They are doing more to the equipment but can't sell it for that much more because most customers aren't willing to pay. Then as you get down to the base of that pyramid you have a thousand companies who do the bare minimum. When something goes wrong they tell the doctor to find someone local to handle it."