Belts are tightening due to budget constraints, and clinics, hospitals, and doctor’s offices are feeling the squeeze within our current economic state. However, insurance and overall healthcare costs are on the rise, and medical equipment and supplies are certainly no exception. Yes, it’s a paradox, and there seemingly aren’t many viable solutions unless some extremely wealthy donor happens to suddenly open up the purse strings! It may be very difficult, if not impossible, for some healthcare providers to equip themselves with the very latest medical devices. They still desire to be the best possible caregivers that they can be; their reputation and standing in the medical community depend on it. But they simply are not able to afford the newest state-of-the-art monitoring devices, IV supplies, infusion pumps, or other equipment necessary to perform their basic functions. Well, take heart because there actually is a solution!
Something that healthcare providers have been doing with increased frequency of late: purchasing used or refurbished medical equipment. In fact, the difference between new and used in the world of medical equipment can be pretty profound at times. For instance, a used Baxter, Sigma, or Alaris Medsystem III infusion pump system can be found for 30-, 40-, or sometimes upwards of 50-percent less than the price of “new. ” The Stigma and the Stereotype Some will cringe at the very mention of something that is “used” or “pre-owned. ” Whether it’s in the eyes of the buyer or the seller, the patient or the caregiver, there is often a negative association connected to these terms. And sometimes that attitude is warranted. There are certainly instances where an item will “slip between the cracks” and not meet standards. Also, there will always be unsavory characters in any business?or walk of life for that matter?who will “join the game” just for profit, thereby eschewing any regulations or standards or concern for the well-being of a patient.
Just a few of these types can do severe damage to reputations on all sides of the medical supply business. Additionally, reliability becomes a concern for those who are skeptical about refurbished medical equipment, as does the question of possible overuse by previous owners. Inspections, Regulations, and the OEM Since there’s been an influx of buyers and sellers entering the used medical equipment market in recent years, it has become necessary to form an organization to establish some ethics and oversight within this increasingly popular business segment. Therefore, the International Association of Medical Equipment Remarketers and Servicers (IAMERS) has been created. Moreover, there are requirements that are strongly recommended to companies that sell refurbished medical equipment. The FDA has specific recommendations that the seller of used medical equipment should be responsible for adhering to. The seller must clearly identify those responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing the equipment, and making sure it operates up to standards.
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) takes part in this process, and also directs sellers to label the equipment properly. The FDA and AAMI also recommend that the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certify the refurbished medical device, and that it meets all safety, performance, and quality requirements. This is not a warranty, mind you, but a strong recommendation to the OEM that they conduct ethical business practices in this regard. It is also critical to make sure that any replacement parts come from the OEM and not from any other source. Let’s revisit the term, “recommended. ” Companies that sell refurbished or pre-owned medical equipment do not have to be registered with the FDA. Although there are certainly standards that these companies are strongly urged to meet, technically they are not FDA-approved. Therefore, it is very important that any entity considering purchasing pre-owned, refurbished, re-worked, re-conditioned or used (different words; same definition, for the most part) medical equipment make sure that the seller is reliable and has a good record and reputation. It’s definitely worth the due diligence!
