How much does an ultrasound machine cost? The price range for ultrasound machines varies depending on a number of factors. The good news is that there is an ultrasound machine for every budget! We have put together the guide below to help break down the factors that influence the price of the various systems.
First and foremost, the type of system will have the most impact on price. Ultrasounds are generally categorized by the following specialties: Point of Care, Shared Service, and Application Specific units. Within each specialty there is a number of systems with varying price points. Systems are classified as entry-level ($), mid-range ($$), premium ($$$), and flagship ($$$$).
- Point of Care ultrasound machines are cost-effective systems that help medical professionals diagnose an issue no matter the location of a patient. These ultrasound machines emphasize portability and workflow efficiencies. Most commonly found in an emergency room, ambulance, or doctor’s office, a Point of Care ultrasound is a valuable machine to treat patients quicker and more accurately.
- Shared Service ultrasound machines are versatile units as the hardware and software is designed for multiple applications and service lines. If you work at a multi-specialty clinic, a hospital, or an imaging center, these systems can handle the routine scans across OB, cardiac, general radiology, vascular, and more. Within the shared services family of ultrasounds you can find entry-level systems to handle basic studies or premium units that can tackle the most demanding procedures.
- Application Specific ultrasounds are designed for specialty practices. These ultrasound machines will have software features and probes customized to produce highly detailed diagnostic images. Applications typically include: cardiology, urology, OB/GYN and breast.
Condition is the second factor to influence an ultrasound machine's cost. The three categories relating to condition are: new, refurbished, and used. New systems are sold exclusively from the manufacturer or authorized distributor. These systems are sold at market price and generally include a 1-year warranty. Refurbished ultrasound machines are used systems that have been thoroughly inspected and reconditioned by trained technicians. These inspections are critical because they ensure the machines operate in accordance to the specifications set forth by the original manufacturer. The extent of refurbishment may vary, with the general process including a functional refurbishment and some level of cosmetic maintenance. The cost of a refurbished ultrasound machine is typically 40-60% less than the price of a new ultrasound machine. The last condition type is "used equipment”. Used machines are sold "as is" and the buyer decides if the item's condition is adequate for purchase. Keeping that in mind, the clear 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 sale.
Circling back to refurbished systems, we classify each machine as entry-level ($), mid-range ($$), premium ($$$), and flagship ($$$$). Here are the price ranges for each segment:
- Entry-level ($) ultrasounds $15,000 - $35,000
- Mid-range ($$) ultrasounds $35,000 - $50,000
- Premium ($$$) ultrasounds $50,000 - $75,000
- Flagship ($$$$) ultrasounds $75,000 and up
The last components that are determinant of the ultrasound machine’s price are: maintenance, applications training, setup, and delivery. Due to the necessity of learning how to operate the system for your patients and keeping the machine running efficiently, you should consider these cost-factors into your budget.
Maintenance, also known as a service contract, is a policy which covers the equipment in case of malfunction. The options include: time & material, parts only, and full-service agreements. Time & material agreements include an annual preventative maintenance (PM), meaning a pre-agreed rate for service with replacement parts sold at market rates. A parts only contract includes a PM and any parts necessary to repair the machine but the labor is billed separately. A full parts & labor contract covers all expenses related to servicing the machine, including the PM. The cost of maintenance is determined by the service level and type of machine. A basic T&M contract with preventative maintenance can be as low as $1,500 for the year while a full parts & labor warranty on a premium system may cost $15,000. A good estimation is that maintenance will run 10-15% of the purchase price.
Applications training is one of the best investments you can make with the purchase of a new or refurbished system because it is investing in your people. Applications training is completed in person or through remote broadcast with a certified trainer. These trainers work with your team to educate your employees on the features, functions and operation of the new system. One day of onsite applications training starts around $2,750 while a remote session can be as little as $750.
Delivery has many definitions across the industry. For our purposes, delivery is the shipment of the equipment from our facility to yours. Setup is connecting the equipment onto the network and PACS. When possible, an ultrasound machine can be pre-configured so it is a plug and play, but in the event that onsite networking is required, a field visit by an engineer may cost around $1,500. While not common, it’s good to know this is often an additional fee.
While there are a lot of options, we are here to help. The experts at Meridian Leasing will assist you in customizing the perfect lease on new or refurbished systems or supply you with a high quality refurbished ultrasound machine for your facility or practice. Call +1 (855) 980-4578 or send an email to [email protected] for more details or to speak with a medical equipment specialist.