While veterinary equipment represents a significant financial investment, the right equipment can also mean excellent patient care and a boost in revenue. But how does a veterinarian or practice manager know when it’s the right time to invest in something new?
Here are five circumstances that could mean it’s time for an upgrade of your X-ray system…
The Latest Technology Can Interest Veterinarians and Clients Alike
Even if current equipment is still in working order, a veterinary practice may want to upgrade its X-ray unit because of an interest in new technology.
One example of this would be a veterinary practice that is currently using film radiographs but chooses a DR upgrade.
Even if their film system is working, there are many advantages to a veterinary DR upgrade. This includes automatic technique settings, high-quality images, time savings through rapid image acquisition, and applications (such as image adjustments, magnification, and measurements) that can be made right on the screen.
Another possibility is upgrading to a system that offers new capabilities in addition to standard radiographs, such as a combination 2-in-1 fluoroscopy X-ray system. That way, both standard and live video X-rays can be acquired with one machine.
Using the latest cutting-edge technology may be a factor that helps a veterinary practice stand out from the competition and attract clients (and new veterinary associates) who are interested in high-quality veterinary care.
An Upgrade in Veterinary X-Ray Equipment Can Improve Efficiency
A good example of this is a practice that elects to upgrade from CR to DR technology. While both systems create a digital X-ray image, DR is much more efficient.
When using a CR system, the plates must be sent through a reader to produce an image. Therefore, CR takes just as long as using film.
On the other hand, a DR upgrade can mean significant time savings. Images can be obtained in a matter of seconds, which also means fewer and quicker retakes.
This can improve efficiency. It can also increase the number of X-ray studies performed, and therefore increase income from this service.
Higher-Quality Images Contribute to Better Patient Care
In some cases, the X-ray unit may be technically working and producing x-ray images, but the image quality isn’t great and some images aren’t of diagnostic quality.
As new technology becomes more widely available and affordable, veterinarians may prefer to upgrade to obtain higher-quality X-ray images.
This is one way to offer a high standard of care to patients. Since high-quality images show an appropriate amount of detail—with appropriate exposure and as few distortions or artifacts as possible—better images can mean more accurate radiographic interpretations.
Software Is an Important Veterinary X-Ray Equipment Consideration
In many states, clients are legally entitled to have a copy of their pet’s medical records if they ask for it, which includes diagnostic imaging.
Having a digital copy of X-ray images can be much safer than only having film copies since a vet can keep their own digital copy. On the other hand, once films are given to a client, it may be difficult to prove what was in the image if a client has a complaint later.
Digital images require no space for storage and are far easier to search than film. They are also far easier to share with customers and specialists for consultations.
So, in addition to having X-ray equipment that is in working order, it’s important to have up-to-date software to make image storage and sharing much easier, safer, and less time-consuming.
An Upgrade Makes Sense When Upkeep Is Difficult or Too Expensive
With older veterinary X-ray equipment, there may be challenges when it comes to maintaining or repairing any component of the system.
The most obvious example is that warranties can expire, and some might not have the option of a warranty renewal. So, if the equipment gets damaged or if performance slows down, the veterinary practice must pay full price for repairs.
Another consideration is that the older the equipment is, the harder it can be to get repairs done since replacement parts might not be available. It’s common for manufacturers to focus on their newest models and, therefore, stop producing replacement parts for older equipment. Film and CR processors in particular have many moving parts that wear out over time and can become very expensive in parts and labor as they age.
Each practice will need to crunch the numbers, but in some cases, investing in new veterinary X-ray equipment makes more sense than paying the costs to upkeep old equipment.
Which Upgrade Is Right for Your Veterinary Practice?
The right answer will vary from practice to practice. But be sure to take some of the above factors into consideration.
Look into ALL components of the X-ray system (including software), ask about warranties and maintenance costs, and look for any features that can add new and unique technology to your practice—both for patient care and to stand out from the competition.
Also, think about how a new equipment investment can improve efficiency, make your life easier, and allow the practice to perform more diagnostic imaging studies. This can help your upgrade pay off.