You take the process
of magnetic resonance imaging seriously, which is why you chose to purchase a
Vantage Titan 1.5T in the first place. When the time comes to replace a worn
component, the smart thing to do is invest in original Toshiba Vantage parts.
Here are some of the advantages that you will enjoy courtesy of your investment
in those original components.
The Parts Meet the Standards
When your Toshiba MRI equipment was manufactured, each part was constructed to
meet specific quality requirements. That’s why the machine works so well for
you and your patients. The attention to detail and function make it possible
for you to provide images that are clear, concise, and provide the information
that your patients and their physicians need to move forward with treatments.
While many third-party manufacturers will base their operations off those
original standards, not all of them will take the steps necessary to ensure the
end product possesses the same quality. They may use materials that are close
to, but not quite as good as those used for the originals. On the back end,
they may not employ the same stringent methods used by the original
manufacturer to guarantee quality. Your best bet is to stick with original
parts and avoid the risks that come with using unproven components.
You Save Money
The thing about off-brand replacement parts is that you may or may not save
money in the long run. Presumably, your rationale for trying a third-party
component was because it was priced around half of the cost of an original
part. There’s no doubt you save money on the front end, but those savings
evaporate when you end up having to replace that inferior part due to poor
quality or a breakdown over the next year. If you have ponied up the cash for
the original part, you get more years of reliable use and end up saving money.
You Have Superior Warranty Protections
You already know that the warranties on your original Toshiba parts provide a
wide range of protections. Can the same be said about parts obtained from
another producer? Not every manufacturer will offer you the same range of
benefits that you get with the original parts. That can translate into more
events that are not covered under the warranty terms and conditions. If you had
stuck with original replacement parts, getting a replacement quickly and not
having to pay another cent would be the more likely scenario.
Your Reputation Remains Positive
The reputation of your business is only as good as the results produced for
your patients. What do you think would happen if a physician administered
treatments based on the results of the images provided by your office and they
were flawed in some manner? Depending on what details those images failed to
yield, those treatments could harm the patient.
After a few flubs of this nature, you can expect physicians to start sending
patients to other imaging services. That once crowded schedule will dwindle to
the point that you wonder if anyone will be coming your way today. Along with
making sure your staff is fully competent, you must keep your imaging devices
in the best possible condition. That means investing in original replacement parts.
Don’t take chances when it comes to the quality of those images. Stick with
original Toshiba parts for your MRI equipment and you can’t go wrong.
Magnetic resonance
imaging is one of the most efficient ways to see what’s happening inside
without having to conduct exploratory surgery. Employing the use of radio
waves, it’s possible create images that give physicians a clear image of the
shape and size of organs and any unusual masses that may be present. Given the
benefits of this approach, you want to ensure that your MRI equipment is always
working at the highest level of efficiency. Here are some of the reasons that
you don’t want to put off any type of repair.
Accurate Images
Any malfunction of your MRI equipment can have an adverse effect on the quality
of the resulting images. Some part of the image may be slightly blurry or
obscured. What if the origin of the patient’s problem happens to be in that
region? Since the image was not as clear is usual, it could take weeks or
months before the underlying cause of the pain is discovered using other means.
Do you really want your patients to deal with more discomfort than necessary?
Even if the machine just seems to be a little slow, don’t take chances. Have a
professional take a look, find out what’s happening and make the necessary MRI
repairs as quickly as possible.
Faster Results
Equipment that takes a long time to do the job makes it harder for you to get
to every patient who needs testing today. That can lead to a backlog of
patients in the waiting room. Your goal is to get those tests done, ensure the
results are accurate, and then move on to the next patient. A faster response
on your part means that physicians can review the results and take whatever
steps are needed to help their patients now instead of later.
Another reason to ensure the machinery is producing results in a timely manner
is the comfort of the patient. You know from experience that some patients find
remaining still for the imaging to be difficult. It may have to do with having
an anxiety disorder or some other emotional issue. It’s in the best interests
of your patients to move them through the imaging process without any delay.
Both of you will feel less stressed by the encounter.
Preventing Breakdowns
It may seem okay to keep working even though the equipment has a slight glitch.
What happens to your patients if you come in tomorrow morning and the device
will not activate? At that point, you begin scrambling to find someone else who
can work those patients into the schedule, or you try to get the patient to
come back after you have the equipment repaired.
By choosing to take action at the first sign of a problem, the odds of
experiencing a complete breakdown are kept to a minimum. Along with not
inconveniencing your patients, you don't waste the time of your staff, and also
protect your reputation in the local medical community.
There’s no good reason to delay a call for repairs when something isn’t quite
right. Your best bet is to seek help at the first sign of trouble. In the long
run, swift action is good for you, good for your patients, and will certainly
keep you in the good graces of the rest of the medical community.
Your dedication to
making sure your patients receive the most accurate results from their MRI
tests is the reason why you only want to go with the best replacement parts for
your Hitachi system. At the same time, there’s the need to keep the spending in
line with the budget. When and as you do need replacement parts, it pays to
weigh your options carefully. Here are some possible approaches to consider.
Used Components
When there is the need to save money, opting for used MRI parts is often the
first thing that comes to mind. It’s not unusual for used components to come
with the lowest price tag on the market, even when they happen to be original
parts for the equipment you own.
Keep in mind you are assuming some risk by choosing to install used parts. Even
those that are gently worn will only have a certain amount of life left. Is it
really worth the savings if you have to replace that same component a year or
so down the road? If not, then you need to investigate other options.
Refurbished Components
Another way to go is to look into the purchase of Hitachi refurbished parts.
These will be restored to factory standards and are likely to come with some
type of limited warranty. That makes them a better option in general than used
parts, since you do have at least some protection.
In terms of saving, expect refurbished parts to cost more than their used
counterparts. Before assuming the price is really all that great, compare the
unit cost with the expense of purchasing a brand new component. Unless there is
a significant difference, you will be better off purchasing the new part.
Third Party Components
When a manufacturer ceases production on parts for certain models of imaging
equipment, it’s not unusual for a third party producer to take up the cause. In
theory, that third party will employ the same standards as the original
manufacturer.
Your best bet is to only go with this option if original parts for your imaging
equipment cannot be obtained. That includes considering the purchase of used
parts. After all, you know for a fact that the original Hitachi parts were
produced according to standards. The third party parts may or may not live up
to the originals.
New Original Components
Given the importance of accurate results, the most practical choice is to go
with new original parts made by Hitachi. This may be the most expensive
approach, but it offers advantages that you will not enjoy any other way. The
components do come with warranties that cover a broader range of possible
events, including equipment failure due to some type of factory defect. If a
certified professional cannot repair the part, your odds of getting a
replacement at no additional charge are quite high.
Remember that your first commitment is to your patients. They deserve the most
accurate readings, since that paves the way for determining the type of
treatment they need. While it may be possible to cut corners on office supplies
and in some other areas of the business, stick with original Hitachi
replacement parts for your equipment. In the long run, you’ll enjoy a higher
level of performance and your reputation in the local medical community will remain
positive.
Thanks to the magnetic
resonance imaging equipment you have on the premises, it’s possible to provide
answers for patients sooner rather than later. In order to ensure the equipment
remains in top condition, it pays to work find the MRI service company that can
provide you with the level of service and supported that you desire. Here are
some points to keep in mind when comparing the offerings of different
companies.
Range of Replacement Parts Offered
Many companies manufacture imaging equipment, but not every service company
carries parts that are compatible with all those systems. For you, it’s
important the service company you choose always has access to parts that are
ideal for your unit. Most will be happy to provide a parts list, allowing you
to determine if what they keep in stock is compatible with the system you use.
If not, then it’s time to see what a different company can provide.
Service Plans
Do you need a service plan other than the one offered by the manufacturer?
There’s a good chance that having a plan through your service company is in
your best interests. Ask about plans, and determine if the scope of support
offered would be a good fit. For example, does the plan include regular checks
and free calibrations? How much would an emergency service call set you back?
Remember that with the service plans offered by some manufacturers, you may pay
less up front, but end up paying a lot for help with the upkeep and
maintenance. By opting for a plan offered by a provider, you may be able to
avoid the higher expense on the back end. This is especially true when the
monthly fee associated with that service plan fits neatly into your operating
budget, and the agreement provides a number of services for free or at a
greatly reduced rate.
Manufacturer Accreditation
As with many types of equipment, it’s important to work with a service company
that has received accreditation from at least a few manufacturers.
Accreditation lets you know that any technicians who do work on your systems
are trained to manage the repairs in line with the standards set by the
manufacturer. Ask if the maker of the units you use certifies and accredits the
company. If so, it’s worth your time to talk with the representative about what
else the service company has to offer.
Industry Reputation
It never hurts to ask around and find out what other medical professionals have
to say about a given service company. Does the company have a reputation for
responding quickly when help is needed? How about the amount of time it takes
to obtain replacement parts and complete the repairs? Are there any hints that
the company tends to add on unexpected charges when billing time rolls around?
If what you hear is mainly positive, then the company is worth considering.
Remember that your goal is to choose the service company that will help you
keep the imaging systems in your practice in the best possible shape. Take a
close look at what is available, and never settle for less than what you need.
Doing so will ensure that you get the most returns from the original
investment, and are always ready to provide support to your patients.
