Bill Adkins, President of National X-Ray Corporation, Palmetto, FL, says his company was drastically affected by the problems OEC faced. "We had a large parts business until OEC had their FDA problems," explains Adkins. The 'problem' did have a rippling force on his business because the supply of used systems to part out virtually came to a halt. National X-Ray services and sells OECs and Phillips on a wholesale basis internationally, and does end-user business in Southwest Florida.

Eastern Diagnostic Imaging, Inc. (EDI), Taunton, MA, remanufactures GE/OEC C-arms. President Steve Walsh reports the company hasn't had a problem with parts because it maintains a large inventory, and purchases parts from the OEM and other parts suppliers. "This has guaranteed our supply of parts and our impeccable service support," states Walsh.

He comments that there are always factors that affect the growth or decline in the imaging business and the DRAs are the latest factor. Walsh feels that once hospitals and healthcare facilities become acclimated to new reimbursement schedules, there will be an increase in the fluoroscopic refurbishing business. "If the diagnostic result of a remanufactured product is the same as a new product, why would someone pay twice the price?" he asks. Walsh comments that economic factors driving healthcare will demand at least a look at the alternatives to new products, especially in the areas of C-arms, portable X-ray and remanufacturing procedures.

Computron Medical Corporation, Mount Prospect, IL, offers a full line of X-ray tables and their own CMC brand of digital C-arms. Mike Cozzi, Sales and Marketing Manager for CMC, reports that business was down in 2007, but the outlook is way up for 2008. Cozzi believes that increased competition from lower cost, inferior refurbishers has affected the business, but third-party services providers will survive.

Amber Diagnostics, Orlando FL, sells and services OEC, Philips, Siemens and Ziehm internationally and throughout Florida. CEO Robert Serros reports that 2008 started out as one of Amber's best years in seventeen years. "The DRA has definitely pushed people closer to deciding to go with refurbished equipment. The weak dollar has increased our exports by 40% in the past six months," notes Serros.

Darrell Kile, Equipment Sales Manager for Classic Diagnostic Imaging, Macedonia, OH, sells refurbished OEC units. Kile says that business was good in 2007 and projects a better 2008. "We have started some new projects that we will be unveiling over the next few months with the hopes of increasing our business," states Kile. One of these projects is a new professional paint booth that offers aircraft paint for more wear resistance.

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