The decision to install a new x-ray room or retrofit an existing one can be difficult. There are many variables that go into the decision, and it's not always clear which is the best option for your facility. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of installing a new x-ray room so you can make an informed choice about what to do with your facilities.
The first question in your journey to find the right product is to understand what you will need for your practice. There are two different options:
1. If you are starting a new practice, opening another location or replacing an old x-ray system that is on its last legs. You'll likely be looking to purchase a completely new digital x-ray system.2. If you have a working x-ray system and are wanting to move away from film and chemicals or have older digital technology like a CR or older DR panel. In that case you will want to retrofit your existing x-ray system.
Benefits of installing a New X-ray room
There are many benefits to installing a new x-ray system. First off, you'll have the latest digital equipment which will provide better quality images than old film technology. Another benefit is that having an all digital x-ray machine means it's easier for technicians and doctors to save their work and back up their images and patient records. The machine is also more efficient and easier to maintain in a new x-ray room.
It's possible to have the x-ray room custom designed for your facility. This could mean you're able to choose a location that is more convenient, improve access or increase efficiency by adding specific features like space and/or special equipment storage.
The cost can vary depending on many factors including design, materials and whether or not there are any professional services involved such as architectural engineering or construction management. So while some new builds will come with a high upfront price tag, others may be cheaper because they don't require installation costs and are paid for separately by professionals who specialize in these types of projects (such as architects). It's important to keep this in mind before going in with a high upfront cost.
Benefits of retrofitting an x-ray room
Retrofits are often times cheaper because they don't need to incur the same installation costs mentioned above and can be completed faster as well, without any gaps in service for your patients - though of course it will depend on what is being done to the x-ray room during the process.
The new build option may take longer than a retrofit but there's also an opportunity for additional features that would not have been possible before such as space or equipment storage. When considering all these factors together, choosing whether or not to install a new or retrofitted x-ray room will likely come down to a decision based on budget and financing.
Upgrading your existing x-ray system
Finally, there is one other variation which is important to consider. Customers may have an existing x-ray system which is producing bad images or not getting high quality images on larger patients. We have seen customers buy all new and replace the whole x-ray system. However, that old x-ray system might still have a lot of life in it and might only need certain parts of the x-ray replaced to make it perform better.
In many cases the structure of the x-ray system is in good condition, and by replacing the tube, cables and generator you can supercharge your x-ray system for a fraction of the cost of purchasing all new. If you add a new DR panel, then you can have a complete digital x-ray system.
These types of situations will require some investigation to determine what parts would need to be replaced, so if you find yourself in this scenario please reach out to our team and we can learn more about your x-ray system and provide advice on what the best options are.
