Tips for Purchasing Refurbished Medical Equipment

In today’s medical field, the refurbished equipment industry is on the rise. More medical professionals than ever before are turning to refurbished dealers for help outfitting their operating rooms with tightening budgets.

For someone who is shopping refurbished for the first time, the task can seem a little daunting. While the typically low price points of refurbishment are a benefit, it takes some knowledge to make sure equipment is of high quality.

At Avante Health Solutions, we work with customers every day to guide them through shopping for refurbished equipment and to ultimately help them find the perfect pieces for their needs. We’ve found that when it comes to refurbished medical equipment, knowledge is power.

Know the Jargon

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the word refurbished doesn’t always mean the same thing in every circumstance. In fact, most reputable companies refurbish machines at different levels. When choosing a refurbished equipment provider, it’s vital to make sure you’re speaking the same language. Here is a cheat sheet:

• Reprocessed equipment means that devices are checked to see if they meet original equipment manufacturer standards. After that, they’re cleaned, disinfected, sterilized and shipped to your door.
• Cosmetically Refurbished equipment is also tested to meet OEM specifications, but biomedical engineers paint and complete other surface modifications before it leaves the warehouse.
• Parts Refurbished equipment means the device didn’t meet OEM specifications. Biomeds will replace the necessary parts then cosmetically refurbish the equipment.
• Fully Refurbished equipment is the ultimate overhaul of a device. In these instance, biomeds replace major parts and give the equipment a full facelift to meet OEM specifications.

Quiz Your Provider

Jargon is key, but it’s equally as important to find a refurbished equipment dealer who will give you both the best deal and the best peace of mind. When you’re talking with equipment providers, here are a few things to ask:

Am I Buying from Experts?

Along with your inquiry about the particular device, you should also ask about the company’s history and refurbishment process. Does the company employ a team of biomeds to refurbish every item? Do they specialize in particular kinds of equipment?

At Avante, trained and experienced biomeds dedicate their time to testing, refurbishing and then retesting used anesthesia machines, patient monitors, ventilators and defibrillators. Our biomedical team receives additional training to keep up with the latest developments in the medical equipment industry in order to best serve customers.

For more information about Avante’s refurbished equipment offerings, call 1-800-462-8195 today. Connect with your peers on our social networks for exclusive deals and industry updates.