How Much Does an Ultrasound Machine Cost?
You are looking to purchase an ultrasound machine, but you see different prices. How much does an ultrasound machine cost? The price range for an ultrasound machine varies depending on multiple factors. The good thing is that there is an ultrasound machine for every budget. Keep on reading to learn more about what influences an ultrasound machine’s cost.
Type of System
First of all, the type of system will have the most impact on an ultrasound’s price. Ultrasound machines are categorized by the following: point of care, shared service, and application-specific units. Here is a breakdown of each system with its specific specialty.
Point of care ultrasound machines help medical professionals diagnose an issue no matter where it is. Point of care ultrasound machines emphasize portability and workflow efficiencies. They are also most commonly found in an emergency room, ambulance, or doctor’s office. It is a valued machine that helps treat patients quickly and accurately.
Shared Service ultrasound machines are adaptable units as the software is designed for multiple applications. If you work at a health clinic, a hospital, or an imaging center, these systems can handle the routine scans across obstetrics, cardiology, general radiology, and vascular. Within the family tree of ultrasounds, you can find entry-level systems to conduct the necessary studies. In addition to this, you can find premium units that can tackle even the most demanding procedures.
Application-Specific ultrasounds have software features and probes customized to produce high quality and detailed diagnostic images. The ultrasound machine can be utilized for cardiology, urology, and OB/GYN.
Condition
The second factor to influence an ultrasound machine’s price is the overall condition. It may fall under the following three categories; new, refurbished, and used. For new systems they are exclusively sold from the manufacturer. These are sold at market price and generally include a one-year warranty. In contrast, refurbished ultrasound machines are used and have been inspected thoroughly and fixed up by trained technicians. These inspections are necessary because they ensure the machines are in good condition.
The extent of refurbishment may vary, with the general process including a functional refurbishment and some level of cosmetic maintenance. A refurbished ultrasound machine’s cost is typically 40-60% less than the price of a brand-new ultrasound machine. Used ultrasound machines are sold “as is,” and the buyer will have to decide if the item’s condition is good enough to purchase. The main benefit of a used system is the price. Used ultrasound machines are sold at the lowest possible price because no additional costs are added to the overall sale.
Here are the price ranges for refurbished ultrasound machines:
- Entry-level ($) ultrasounds $15,000 – $35,000
- Mid-range ($$) ultrasounds $35,000 – $50,000
- Premium ($$$) ultrasounds $50,000 – $75,000
- Flagship ($$$$) ultrasounds $75,000 and up
Maintenance
Maintenance, also known as a service contract, is a policy that covers the equipment in case of malfunction. The options include time & material, parts only, and full-service agreements. Time & material agreements include annual preventative maintenance (PM), meaning a pre-agreed rate for service with replacement parts. A parts-only contract includes annual PM and features needed to repair the machine, but the labor is billed separately. A full parts & labor contract covers all expenses related to servicing the device, including the PM. The cost of maintenance is determined by the service level and type of machine. A good estimation is that maintenance care will run 10-15% of the purchase price.
Lastly, the factors that come into play to determine an ultrasound machine’s price are application training, setup, and delivery. It is essential to learn how to operate the system for your patients and keep the machine running efficiently. So, be sure to consider these when buying an ultrasound machine. While there are various options, we are here to assist and service you. If you are looking to purchase an ultrasound machine, please schedule an appointment with us today!
