Livingston Reporting - page 102

Maintaining Large Scaled Medical Equipment While Cutting Costs

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


The pressure is high for the leaders of medical facilities to keep up on the changing technology of medical equipment, improve the quality of patient care, and reduce costs of medical equipment maintenance and care. Creating a cost saving strategy in medical equipment maintenance allows facility leaders to stay ahead of their competition without budget concerns.  One way many healthcare facilities have chosen to do this is through outsourcing.  This allows medical facilities to purchase service and repair contracts from companies that specialize in the service and repair of large scaled medical equipment such as linear accelerators and CT scanners. 

Healthcare centers rely on medical equipment to provide the highest quality of care to patients at all times.  It is crucial that your facility have a system in place to manage, maintain, and repair high end, technologically advanced medical equipment like LINAC.  This can be done simply by contracting services through an OEM or third-party service provider.  Facilities must have a strategy in place that fits their exact needs including both maintenance and repair.

Considerations in Medical Equipment Service Contracts

When you are purchasing a contract, it is important to make sure you know exactly what is and what is not covered.  Full-service contracts, through an OEM or third-party provider should normally provide parts, labor, and preventative maintenance.  Analyze your facility’s medical equipment needs.  Ask yourself the following:

  • What times of the day is equipment used for patient care?
  • Are back-up systems available if the main piece of equipment is down?
  • How old is the current equipment? What is the service history of the equipment?

Ways Facilities Can Save When Contracting an OEM or Third-Party Provider

  • Choose an 8 am to 5 pm, Monday-Friday option for service and maintenance.
  • Combine equipment and facilities into a single contract.

In-House Strategies to Support Contracted Services

Even with contracted services there should be an in-house program to support it.  There are quite a few cost saving strategies including the assessment of available staff, the competency of your staff, the history of equipment, and the level of risk the hospital wants to assume.

  • Determine your staff’s availability and capability.  The staff should attend training and expectations of the level of support to be given for each piece of equipment should be determined.
  • Do a complete cost/benefit analysis between a full-service contract vs a combination of contracted services and staff maintenance.  Remember to consider the costs associated with training, parts, and additional tools/equipment that would be needed.
  • Review the historical data on the expense of labor and parts for each piece of equipment.  This will help you determine the cost of parts and labor under contract if you wouldn’t have had a contract in place vs having the contract in place.

As mentioned earlier there are a number of different medical equipment service, maintenance, and repair plans beyond full-service contracts. These include:

  • Preventive Maintenance Contract
  • Parts Only Contract
  • Biomed Support Contract

After doing research and analysis on your existing equipment you should have a good idea on which type of service contract best suits your company.  Linear accelerator maintenance, repair, service, and parts will obviously cost more than then the same services on a hospital bed.  These are the things that facility leaders need to account for when contracting with an OEM or third-party service company.

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale.  More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.



Acceletronics

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Improving Your Business With Google Ads

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


Google Ads is a form of paid advertising through the search engine, Google.  Ads are shown to users based on their searches.  The major benefit of using Google Ads is that consumers are seeing ads targeted to their searches while they are actively searching for your good or service.  Google Ads makes up for over 40% of the digital ad revenue for the entire world. 

Internet presence makes or breaks businesses throughout a number of industries.  Marketing professionals must transition from traditional marketing methods to digital marketing methods such as Google Ads to preserver. This situation makes the internet cluttered with intense competition.  Both businesses and consumers rely on the internet in making purchasing decision, product research, and more.

Benefits Google Ads Can Have on Your Business

Improved Brand Awareness

In the past brand awareness between business and consumers came from a variety of methods including newspaper, billboards, radio, and television advertisements.  This was a great method of marketing between business and consumers however left business to business advertising suffering.  Digital marketing, specifically through Google Ads, has transformed the way in which we create brand awareness within the marketplace.

Google Ads allows brands to advertise to targeted audiences that are researching specific products or services using specific keywords or keyword phrases that relate to the advertising business. Brand awareness is one of the many benefits businesses have advertising on Google Display and Search networks.

Quicker Than SEO

Google Ads works faster than search engine optimization.  SEO is a slow, methodically way in which to increase your organic presence online.  For businesses looking for a long-term presence within search engine rankings benefit from a combination of both organic and paid advertising.  Google Ads allows businesses to pay for visibility in the form of Google Ads amongst top competitors.   They allow your business to advertise directly to a target audience that is actively seeking out your products or services. 

Google Ads brings brand awareness about faster than traditional SEO methods.  There is a tremendous amount of competition with paid advertising.  The benefit however is that the business owner is in complete control of the amount they are willing to bid for top positions of their ads. A number of elements go into the amount each of the clicks on your ads will cost as well as the position at which your ad will sit on Google Search Networks or Google Display Networks.  These include: Keywords Quality Score, Ad Relevancy, Landing Page Relevancy, and Expected Click Through Rate.

Google Ads is beneficial for a number of reasons including:

  • The Ability to Outrank Competitors Ads
  • The Ability to Influence Audiences to Make a Purchase
  • The Ability to Increase Brand Visibility to a Targeted Audience
  • The Ability to Test Variations of Ads and Keywords
  • The Ability to Create Different Campaigns and Strategies Based on User Demographics
  • The Ability to Schedule Ads to Reach Targeted Audiences at the Right Time
  • The Ability to Remarket to Audiences Who Have Showed Interest

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.



Creative Programs and Systems

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Aluminum Gate Installation Made Simple

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The aluminum fence has been purchased and installation is beginning but first you must plan where to put your gate within the fence line.  We can help!

The first step after you have decided where to place the gate is to start by digging the holes for the aluminum posts for your gate. As you are digging the holes you must make sure they are wider and deeper than the holes that have been previously dug for standard posts for the line, end, and corner.   Wider, deeper holes are needed for aluminum gate posts as they will be under heavy usage.  A bigger hole will mean that more concrete can be used when securing the post itself.   When sizing the width of the hole needed for your gate be sure to make plenty of room on all sides of the post for concrete. 

The depth of the hole needs to take into consideration a number of things including the frost line, the post length, the height of the fence, and the width of the gate. Living in an area where a freeze can occur the hole for the gate post should be dug deeper than the frost line.  Having the concrete below the frost line will prevent the footers from cracking over time.  Concrete must be installed at the bottom of the hole as well as around the four sides of the aluminum gate post. 

Once the first hole has been dug it is time to move on to the second hole.  The placement of the second hole will be solely dependent on the width of the gate. Aluminum gates are meant to be opened and closed.  A gate that is four feet has a gate frame of only forty-six and a half inches, the inside measurement, post to post will be forty-eight inches. This gives room for the installation of hinges and latches. 

Next comes the placement of the gate posts and the addition of the concrete.  Concrete should be added to the bottom of the hole before the placement of the post.  This helps to create a strong bond between the concrete and the aluminum gate post. It is important to keep your tape measurer available so that you can make sure your measurements are accurate throughout the installation of the posts and walkway gate. 

Once the post distance is achieved and the posts are leveled it is now time to slowly shovel in more concrete.  This process should be done with extreme care to prevent the movement of the gate post.  Concrete should fill the hole up until you have reached about four to six inches from the top of the hole. On top of the concrete you will add in a final layer of dirt which is packed tightly around the post to create a sturdy base for your gate. Again, throughout this process it is crucial that you maintain proper measurements and that the posts remain level.  The concrete should be allowed to completely set up and dry before the final step of hanging the aluminum gate and the installation of the hardware.

The final step of aluminum gate installation is to determine the direction in which the gate will swing.  Outward swinging gates will need hardware to be installed on the outside face of the fence line.  Vice versa for gates that will be swinging inward.  Hinges will be first installed on the frame of the gate.  In order for even weight distribution measure from the top and bottom of the gate for an even distance for installation of the hardware.  Once the gate hinges are attached to the gate frame it is time to anchor the gate to the posts.  This is a two-person job, one person to pick up the gate and hold it to the post and the other to fasten it down.  Lastly install the latch and there you have it, your aluminum gate will be installed!

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial installation.  As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered.  More information can be found online at https://ifenceusa.com/.



iFenceUSA

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Can An IT Consultant Benefit Your Business?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Business of all shapes and sizes have begun to realize the importance of hiring consultants in the drive to grow their businesses.  A consultant is a person who offers expert advice for an hourly fee.  Often, they have a niche in which they specialize and can provide their expertise along with an outside perspective. Consultants give businesses opportunities to increase their productivity and expand business opportunities.  

One area many companies seek to hire consultants is the world of IT.  Information Technology has changed the way in which society as a whole operates thus its importance in business has increased as well.  IT services transform how businesses operate.  IT consultants are brought in to help businesses keep up with the latest trends in technology.  Efficiency is a key element in business.  IT consultants implement technology throughout business applications to increase effectiveness in all areas of your company.

The Benefits of Hiring IT Consultants in Business

Hiring an IT consultant allows you to focus clearly on core business functions.  There is no doubt that employees are at their best when they are allowed to focus on their intended position.  This is true no matter what industry you are in.  From Teachers to Doctors, Sanitation Specialist to Engineers, when you are allowed to concentrate on your job and only your job, you will be more successful.  Nothing is more frustrating for employees and business owners alike to be distracted from what they are supposed to be doing to focus on a task that is not relevant to them such as technology repair or upgrades.  Hiring an IT consultant allows associates to focus on their core job which increases your bottom line.

Hiring an IT consultant allows you to benefit from a specialist.  Yes, having an IT department does have benefits, when your printer stops printing there is someone on site to instantly handle the issue.  However, the same person that knows how to fix your printer, reboot your computer, and can handle the ins and outs of your current system are not the same as a consultant that comes in, evaluates the overall system and based on experience recommends more efficient solutions to common, everyday operations.  Experienced IT consulting services have likely helped many companies in similar situations to yours.  Having an industry expert guiding your business increases your success while offering you peace of mind.

Hiring an IT consultant allows you to get an outside perspective on your business functions.  We all get stuck in doing things the way in which we have always done them.  For years you may have tracked inventory using pen and paper then inputting it into a program.  This doesn’t mean that this is the most efficient method or even a method that keeps up with the way in which businesses are operating today.  An outside consultant views your business from a whole new perspective than individuals who are immersed in it daily and used to doing things a set way.

Hiring an IT consultant is cost effective. The main “job” of any consultant is to reduce costs and increase efficiency.  Full-time employees are expensive and require a full-time salary, benefits, a work space, and so on.  Consultants on the other hand, are normally hired when a known problem exists and needs to be solved within a very specific time frame which is more cost effective and a better use of employee time.

The list of benefits that come from hiring an IT consultant can go on and on.  If you find that your business has become stagnant and you are looking for growth, hiring a consultant may be just what your business needs.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.



Creative Programs and Systems

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Key Benefits in Android App Development

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated


There are a number of operating systems that drive mobile devices. When working with clients, mobile app developers must determine what platform to target their app towards unless of course, they have the resources to develop for multiple platforms simultaneously.  The operating systems that your app is programmed for will determine the success or failure of your app.  Android, iOS Apple, Windows, and Blackberry operating systems are all popular platforms.  In this installment we will look into the benefits of programming for Android app development. 

Portability

Android Apps are developed using Java language in program.  Java is a language that can easily be ported to additional mobile operating systems such as Chrome OS, Ubuntu, Symbian, Windows 10 and Blackberry. 

Android Studio

The Android Studio is superb software application that is offers comprehensive services to programmers.  It is specifically designed for Android development and allows for quick and efficient set up of Android Apps.

Java

As mentioned above Android Apps are developed using Java. Java is a programming language that is used in a number of operating systems and a variety of devices.  Programming in Java allows Apps to easily be integrated on other operating systems such as Windows and Linux whereas iOS development is done in Objective C or Swift.

Google Play

Google Android Apps are easily deployed to the Google Play store.  On most occasions they are able to be downloaded by users in hours after being put on Google Play.  Another feature of the Google Play store is nice is that developers are able to release apps as an alpha and/or beta release. Doing this allows the app to be released only to select members or a group of testers. 

Ease of Entry

Android App development can be done on Windows, Mac, and Linux.  A one-time fee of $25 allows individuals to register as an app developer on the Google Play Store whereas development on the Apple App store requires a yearly fee of $99. 

Profitable

Both Android and iPhone Apps are profitable, and both offer the ability for users to make the initial app purchase and in-app purchases. 

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.



Creative Programs and Systems

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Benefits of Installing Refurbished Equipment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In a manufacturing facility there are many different pieces of equipment working in conjunction with one another to ensure the process runs smoothly.  When one of the pieces breaks down and needs to be repaired or replaced time is of the essence in keeping downtime to a minimal.  The goal for most facilities is to repair equipment as purchasing new equipment is timely, availability is often scarce, and it is not always cost effective.  When large scaled manufacturing equipment cannot be repaired, and new equipment is not readily available the next logical step is to consider refurbished equipment. 

Why Refurbished May Be Best Option

Refurbished equipment is often considered better than brand new equipment for a number of reasons.  First, older equipment that has gone through the refurbishment process are sure to have the “new equipment” bugs worked out.  Equipment that has been refurbished is beneficial because it often costs less.  The equipment you can purchase refurbished is often of a higher quality than would be purchased new at the same cost.  Lastly, each piece of refurbished electrical equipment goes through a strict testing process.  It is almost guaranteed you will not experience downtime due to equipment failure soon after refurbished components are installed at your facility. 

The Refurbishing Process

During the refurbishing process equipment is completely disassembled.  Parts within the piece are inspected and if needed replaced with new or refurbished electrical components to ensure the safety of each piece.  Once the components are all tested and put back together equipment must go through and pass rigorous testing.  The reconditioning process consists of disassembling, testing, cleaning, inspecting, replacing or repairing the piece from the inside out. 

Refurbished equipment is readily available.  It is possible to find the same system you have been working with for years refurbished which makes replacement as simple as disconnecting malfunctioning equipment and replacing it with the refurbished unit.  Often when installing new equipment there will need to be some reconfiguration of systems already in place to make room the layout of the new equipment. 

Refurbished Parts Are Readily Available

Another major benefit of installing refurbished equipment is the availability of components if something does break down.  New equipment is often harder to access parts for as they are new to the market and manufacturers are not prepared for the need for parts for repair.  Many suppliers of reconditioned equipment also have warehouses of new, obsolete, and refurbished components that are readily available if a repair is needed.  Again, improving downtime due to equipment failure.

There are many myths out there surrounding the purchase and use of refurbished equipment and components in equipment repair.  It is important to do research before purchasing any equipment from suppliers that you are unfamiliar with.  Developing a relationship with a supplier of new, refurbished, & obsolete components and equipment helps prevent downtime in production.  Companies like J and P also offer services including asset recovery, plant clean out, and refurbishing which is beneficial in the removal of equipment should the need arise.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers.  More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com



J & P Electrical Company

Lasik vs Contacts For Correcting Vision

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Are you or a loved on interested in LASIK?  Have you thought about how your life would change if you could see clearly without the use of glasses or contacts?  Laser vision correction may be a popular option for you to consider.  The first step in the process is to have a thorough eye exam that will help to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery. 

LASIK eye surgery is most often done to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatisms.  Laser surgery involves reshaping the cornea in order for light entering the eye can focus properly on the retina which allows for clearer vision.  For most people their vision is improved within a matter of twenty-four hours after surgery.  If you are looking for clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts, LASIK can offer you that. 

There are a few things to remember when preparing for LASIK surgery including:

  • Laser vision surgery can be done in both eyes during the same appointment.
  • LASIK takes approximately ten to fifteen minutes per eye.
  • Patients must be over the age of 18 to qualify for LASIK.
  • Many LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision and no longer require the use of contacts or glasses.
  • Recovering from LASIK often requires anywhere between a few days and a few weeks for your vision to return to normal.

For some patients LASIK can seem quite daunting and they will decide to trade in their glasses for contacts instead of laser vision correction.  Contacts are an ideal solution for patients who aren’t ready to commit to LASIK but no longer are interested in wearing glasses.  Most contact lenses are silicone hydrogel lenses which are a type of soft lens that can be worn daily.  Some contact lenses are known as extended wear lenses and can be worn overnight or continuously for thirty days.

There are a few things to remember when preparing to wear contacts:

  • Contact lenses need to be replaced often to decrease the chance of contamination
  • There are several types of contacts available to correct various vision issues
  • Contact lenses can be customized for eyes that are difficult to fit
  • Options in lenses include colored lenses, lenses for dry eyes, lenses with bifocals, UV reducing lenses, and even prosthetic lenses

Both LASIK and contacts are safe.  There are risks of infection with both if care is not taken but side effects are rare. 

Both LASIK and contacts are effective.  Vision is improved with both laser correction surgery and the use of contact lenses.  Adjusting for vision changes is easier with contacts however, LASIK patients can also adjust for vision changes with the use of glasses for reading or nighttime driving.

Both LASIK and contacts are affordable.  Laser vision correction ranges between $1,500 to $2,500 per eye.  Contacts are cost about $300 a year.  The only downside is that the cost of contacts never disappears.  You will need to purchase new contacts yearly.

Obviously, LASIK is a great option for correcting your vision on a permanent basis however, surgery is not for everyone.  Contacts are a wonderful change for individuals who want a change from wearing glasses to improve their vision.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Michigan Lasik

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Determining If Your Home Needs A New Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


Do you think you could tell if your roof only needed some repairs or if it was time to replace your homes roof?  There are quite a few flags to look for before calling in a professional roofing contractor. You don’t necessarily need a brand-new roof just because you have spotted a leak in the ceiling.   The leak could have occurred due to a number of different problems.  There are a number of factors to determine whether the problem with your roof requires repair or replacement which can be found below. 

The Age of Your Homes Roof

Consider the age of your existing roof.  Roof contractors estimate that asphalt shingle roofs can last upwards of twenty-five years especially when well maintained.  A properly ventilated roof is important in the roof’s longevity as well.  If a shingle roof was installed over another layer of shingle roofing and is over twenty years old, there are chances you will need a new roof sooner than later.

Curling and Buckling of Asphalt Shingles

If you notice the shingles on your roof are buckled or starting to curl it may be a sign that you need a new roof.  To get a good look take a look at the shingles in the direct sunlight.  If you notice they are curling, losing granules, or are buckling it often means that your shingles have exceeded their life expectancy.  When this occurs in older roofs it is a sure sign that you need to replace your roof. 

Missing Shingles

If your roof is falling apart or shingles are missing, there is a good chance you may be looking at a new roof.  It is important to keep an eye on the valleys of your roof.  Snow and rain need to flow freely through the valleys into the roof’s gutters.  If this valley area in your roof is compromised the roof will be susceptible to leaks. 

Granules in the Gutters

When cleaning out your gutters if you notice that are loaded with the granules that are on shingles you could be looking at replacing your roof within the coming months.  Shingles lose more granules when the life cycle of the shingle is near the end.  If you start to notice darker colored areas on the shingles or an inconsistent color on the roof that is most likely because the granules have worn away over time.  This is a sure sign that a new roof is needed soon. 

Sponge Like Roof Boards

If you are inspecting your homes roof from above and notice that it feels bouncy or spongy it means that the underlying decking has become weak from moisture.  If left untreated you will start to notice daylight shining through the roof boards and moisture in your insulation.  These are both sure signs that your home needs a new roof as soon as possible.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.



Kearns Brothers

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Ways To Improve Your Homes Water Quality

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


Homeowners that are looking to improve the quality of the water in their homes are often confused between the available water treatment options.  There is a big difference in how you treat your homes water based on the issues it has.  Your water may contain containments, be high in harmful minerals, or may just smell and taste off; depending on the exact issue you can determine what type of water treatment system will bring the highest quality water to your family.

A Look into Water Softeners and Reverse Osmosis Water Systems

Reverse osmosis is described simply as a system that provides filtration.  RO water filtration units are extremely popular amongst homeowners as they provide a point of use system that brings better tasting, healthier water.  RO systems are especially popular amongst homeowners with wells.  A reverse osmosis water treatment system removes the contaminants and dissolved minerals in your water by forcing them through a filter.  Benefits of including either a point of use RO or whole home RO include:

  • Flavorless Water: A RO system will remove the funny taste in your homes water by eliminating the source of the taste within the water.
  • Doesn’t Use Chemicals: Reverse osmosis water treatment systems are environmentally friendly as they do not use chemicals to filter water.
  • Soft Water: Minerals cause hard water; reverse osmosis systems filter and remove the minerals in the water that cause hard water.  Whole house reverse osmosis systems can eliminate corrosion in pipes.
  • Odor and Color Removal: Occasionally contaminants and dissolved minerals in the water will cause a strange smell and odor.  RO systems work to filter these pollutants and minerals giving you a higher quality water supply.

The quality of your homes well water is often improved with the installation of a RO filtration systems.  Whether you install a whole house or point of use reverse osmosis unit your homes water will taste and smell better. 

Water softeners are often described as water conditioners.  Unlike a RO in which a filter physically removes contaminants and dissolved minerals from the homes water, a water softener processes water through an ionization process that replaces magnesium and calcium ions with sodium ions. 

Hard water is known to contain increased levels of dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium.  The water softening unit softens the water by exchanging these minerals with sodium, a less destructive mineral.  Hard water can cause a great deal of problems in the home and water softeners help to mitigate them.  If you notice plumbing corrosion because of hard water a water softening unit can help.  It is important to note however that a water softener is not a filtration system and does not remove other contaminants.  Benefits of water softened using a water softener include:

  • Natural Tasting Water
  • Stain Free, Brighter Laundry
  • Spot Free Cleaner Dishes
  • Longer Lasting Appliances
  • Fewer Clogged Pipes

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more.  More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.



Reynolds Water

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Purchasing vs. Repairing Medical Equipment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


Many medical facilities and healthcare clinics find themselves mauling over questions regarding repairing or replacing medical equipment. Questions may include ones such as the following:

  • What is the typical lifespan of the equipment?
  • Are we near the end or at the beginning of the equipment’s lifecycle?
  • Is it going to be cheaper to replace the piece now or to repair it?
  • Are repairs feasible and if so, are they cost effective?
  • When repaired will the equipment still be able to provide the high patient care standards we desire?
  • What is the cost of removing the old equipment?
  • Do we see maintenance costs of the older equipment increasing?

Often the choice to purchase a new piece of equipment verse repairing an older piece of equipment has to do with the cost of maintaining the older unit.  Medical facilities and clinics figure if they are spending a couple of thousand dollars to maintain it then it is most likely better to replace it with a new piece.  When it gets too expensive to maintain it is time to purchase a new piece of equipment. 

For larger pieces of equipment like linear accelerators, CT scanners, and other radiation therapy equipment parts may start to become obsolete.  When this occurs, parts for older equipment LINAC become quite scarce.  It is important for facilities to ensure there are enough replacement parts available to maintain their equipment because the parts won’t be available any longer. It doesn’t mean that facilities need to plan for new equipment in the next year but that they should start planning for alternative part sources and planning for new equipment.

Make sure you are totaling up the annual costs of medical equipment repairs. Costs for parts and repairs can change as parts become scarce.  Obviously, manufacturers of large scaled equipment want you to buy new sooner rather than later while the finance people within your facility want you to maintain the equipment as long as possible, especially when technology has not changed a great deal.  Obviously, the goal is to make sure you are not spending valuable resources unnecessarily. 

Medical facilities should find various resources in which to seek opinions on equipment and whether it should be replaced or not.  Finding a solid medical repair and maintenance partner, such as Acceletronics and Radparts when determining whether to replace or repair an item, as well as what to do with older pieces when purchasing new ones.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  Radparts provides high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.



RadParts

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