One of the biggest expenses healthcare organizations face is the cost of repairing their medical equipment. Most organizations have two options, making repairs in-house or contracting out to a third-party.

For many, doing all repairs in-house is not feasible. It can often hard to find an employee who is trained and qualified to service and repair all of the facility’s equipment. Therefore, the option of outsourcing to a third-party is the most affordable and practical application for most.

But, how do you determine which third-party is going to best meet your needs? Here are a few points to consider when you are searching for a biomedical equipment service company.

• Does the third-party provider perform testing and calibration in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the device performs at the same standard as the original design? Can they provide documentation that illustrates they have a history of compliance?
• How many engineers are employed by the third-party service company? Are their employees equipped with the skills necessary to work on equipment?
• What is the typical turn-around time for repairs? Do they offer you loaners while they are working to repair your equipment? Do they keep a wide range of equipment, parts, and consumables on hand, allowing them to repair equipment in a timely manner?
• Can they prove they only use quality parts and materials?
• Check to make sure that the third-party service company has adequate liability and property insurance. The last thing you want to happen while your equipment is getting repaired is for the third-party service company to lose it or further damage. This insurance is also going to be vital because it can cover your organization if a patient is harmed because of an equipment malfunction.

While hiring out your repair needs to a third-party biomedical equipment service company can be beneficial and affordable, it is important to do your homework first. Research different options and find the one that has the skills and experience needed to effectively meet your equipment needs.