Sunday, June 1, 2014

Why Rent Medical Equipment Instead Of Buying

By Lila Bryant


In the past, the business world has been conflicted on whether to rent or purchase equipment. Both options have pros and cons that any business entity should consider. In the medical field, there are more advantages in renting than purchasing. In that regard, there are several reasons to rent medical equipment.

A healthcare facility is usually equipped with a number of machines. The most popular ones include; ultrasound, X-ray, CT scanners, heart monitors and MRI's among other sophisticated equipment. These machines are very costly and many hospitals may not be able to afford even one. In such a case, renting is the most appropriate option.

Besides purchasing medical appliances, other means of procuring these machines are available. Equipment financing is a very popular option. Big corporate bodies and financiers have the ability to step in and assist medical institutions to purchase the necessary machines. Hire purchase is also another viable option, but a healthcare facility may have insufficient funding to carter for the monthly charges. Purchasing second hand appliances is also a good option since they are usually cheaper.

When renting something, you are required to pay rent on a monthly basis, quarterly or annually. As long as you continue paying the money, you can use the rented machine as you please. The rental period varies depending on the expected lifespan of the device or the needs of the renter. Before signing the rental agreement, it is important to negotiate these terms.

Different service providers have different service rates. Therefore, a potential customer has to work extra hard to learn more about the rates offered by different lease companies. It is expensive to rent new appliances compared to second-hand machines. The good news is that they can still work as efficiently as new ones. Prior to renting a used appliance, it is important to consult with experts so that you can make an informed decision.

Because the Internet is widely available, leasing companies can be found with ease. The Internet is full of information available on social media, blogs, online forums, company websites and many other sites. You may need to run a quick search to identify the most appropriate company. Potential customers should read the reviews including the available offers in order to make informed decisions. Ideally, lease companies that charge the lowest rates and have good reputation should be considered.

Before a prospective client considers renting second hand or new machine, there are a number of things that need to be kept in mind. For instance, second hand items give the desired results just as a new machines. However, the healthcare facility needs to consult with experts to ensure that the machine actually works before procuring it.

Any machine that is rented should be insured since there are risks associated with using and possessing these high value items. A reputable insurer will cover the machine against loss, damage or theft. In case of any of these occurrences, both parties to the contract will be compensated by the insurance company. The premiums quoted by insurers for this type of coverage should be compared to ensure that the most affordable insurer is chosen.




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