If all this sounds too expensive, consider some hidden costs of film. "Typically there's sticker shock when people hear about pricing for the new CR systems, but they have not done their homework in terms of factoring the cost for producing one single film, let alone a study of three to four films," says Michael Lies, President, Medical Advantages, Inc., Pittsburgh PA. "In addition are costs such as courier service to doctors off-site and the cost of lost films and repeat studies [which digital solutions eliminate]. "If [customers] do their homework, they are not in shock when they hear competitive pricing for CR systems."
As hospitals and imaging centers upgrade to new CR or DR systems, the used CR systems are put to good use.

"What we are finding is hospitals are expanding the use of CR. They seem to be shuffling equipment around. They might put in a DR room but they don't get rid of their CR, they are moving it to another department or an off-site imaging center," reports Heizyk. "There is a lot of competition among hospitals to participate in the imaging center market and make it easier for their patients. We are finding they are moving CR [to imaging centers offsite] or adding another [CR unit] to an existing department."3
In other cases the used equipment becomes available on the market, providing another cost-saving opportunity. Expect to pay around $20,000 to $30,000 for refurbished single-slot CR systems and $35,000 to $40,000 for refurbished multi-slot CR. Be sure your system includes the computer hardware, software, and cassette reader and viewer; and is brought to OEM specifications and supported with a warranty. (Few used DR systems are on the market and supported with warranties.)

Time to "Go Digital"?

There's a growing consensus that it makes economic sense to convert from film to a CR systems in most cases. "Film will soon be a thing of the past with CR the low-cost solution in the market," predicts Kessler.

Here are some other suggestions from DOTmed users and industry experts: You know it's time to go digital when..."the costs of film, transportation of files, filing and storage, chemicals, duplication, lost films, plus the hassle of not having the files at the doctors' fingertips exceed the cost of the new system," says Mark Kladivo, Broker, pcCentral, Urbandale, IA.

"When you consider the direct and indirect costs of film, going filmless just makes sense," says Scott Wasson, President and CEO, Radiology Services LLC, Evansville, IN. "Practically all CR systems are more reliable than film processors."

At the same time, the decision must be driven by your particular needs and budget constraints.

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