From the July 2022 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
Vendors
GE Healthcare: In the women’s health market, symplr has seen clients’ interest in the GE Voluson series account for over 80% of ultrasound equipment considered for purchase in the last 12 months. GE offers three models each in the Expert and Signature series, with average purchase price ranging from $58,000 to $155,000 based on model and system configuration. Purchases include a wide-band convex probe and a wide-band micro convex endocavitary volume probe 70% of the time. The innovative design is ergonomic, enhances contrast resolution, and improves processing speeds and frame rates. These systems come with a standard one-year warranty, and extended warranties are available for purchase. GE has begun offering seven-year remote technical and clinical support on models. This added support bolsters customer loyalty and limits competition, which also dampens the ability to negotiate for higher discounting in purchases.
Philips Medical: Another vendor, Philips, has accounted for over 10% of symplr client purchase considerations in the last 12 months in this market with the EPIQ Elite and Affiniti models in purchases ranging in average price from $38,000 to $173,000 based on model and configuration. Purchase considerations include broadband PureWave transducers 60% of the time. Broadband transducers provide deeper penetration with improved resolution without the clinician having to change transducers during the exam. This is combined with PureWave technology that improves electromechanical coupling and strain levels. These systems also come with a standard one-year warranty.
Other vendors: The remainder of the OB/GYN ultrasound market includes Samsung NeuroLogica for the HS50 and Hera W10 systems, and Siemens Healthineers for the Acuson NX3 system. For facilities that do not have dedicated systems for OB/GYN or that require systems to be used across specialties, vendors such as Canon (with its Aplio i-series) offer software packages and allow for purchases of specialized transducers to meet customer needs by adding to system configurations.
Point-of-care ultrasound
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has continued to grow and is expected to rise at a CAGR of 14.3% from 2020 to 2026. The leader in this market, Fujifilm Sonosite, offers one OB-dedicated configuration bundle for the SII system. GE offers a Voluson P series that may offer competition in the OB/GYN compact portable market. Philips also offers an OB/GYN compact portable system, the CX50 WHC.
