A veterinary DR system (digital direct radiography) is a common wish list item for veterinary practices. But how to know when it’s worth the cost? How much to invest? And what’s the best veterinary digital radiography system?
The answer will vary from practice to practice. In addition to looking at just the purchase price, here are 10 important considerations that can help a veterinary practice choose a new x-ray system that’s perfect for their needs…
Cashflow/return on investment plan
Knowing how much income a veterinary digital x-ray machine will bring in can guide the decision on how much to budget for the purchase.
Factors to consider include how busy the practice is (and expected to be in upcoming years), how much clients are willing to spend on their pets, and more. A veterinary business or financial consultant can help create a financial plan for new income and expenses and determine how much it makes sense to spend.
It’s also helpful to research different financing options
Where to purchase. Many veterinarians start by speaking to vendors they know well. This might bring extra perks, such as discounts for bundling services (say, purchasing an x-ray machine and lab services from the same provider). Just be sure to check the contract for minimum ongoing purchase requirements (such as the number of tests performed per month or per year) and see if this makes sense for your practice or not.
You might find deals from other sellers, too. Look for reviews and reputability, along with looking at the x-ray system itself. There are also many used veterinary digital x-ray machines for sale on sites such as eBay or usedvetequipment.com.
Imaging capabilities
Of course, you’ll want to make sure the machine has all the technical specifications your clinic needs, for all the patients you see. A feline-only hospital would have very different needs from a large animal mobile practice.
For small animal general practices, it’s advisable to test the machine on a cat’s limbs and a large dog’s abdomen and thorax, to make sure images stay high-quality and diagnostic at these different size ranges.
Ease of use
Although there’s a learning curve for any new veterinary equipment, some machines are much easier than others to learn.
Look for intuitive interfaces that will be easy for the team to start using right away. Presets for different types of species and x-ray studies are also very helpful, reducing errors and saving time.
Shipping and installation costs. Ask about potentially “hidden” costs such as shipping and installation, as well as electrical requirements (some require rewiring at the practice).
Support and replacement parts availability. Where is the company located? Is there a 24/7 tech support line? Also, find out about the availability of replacement parts, especially for older models.
Ongoing costs. Inquire about a warranty, including how long it lasts, what it covers, and if it can be renewed (and how much that costs).
Loaner machine
Also, look for information about service and maintenance requirements. See if a loaner machine is available if repairs will take a long time.
Digital veterinary software compatibility. It’s common to integrate DR images directly into practice management, image viewing, and sharing, or electronic medical record software. To avoid headaches and extra work, make sure the x-ray system you are purchasing is compatible with your practice’s software.
To avoid future expenses as much as possible, ask if software upgrades are included and if tech support or a guarantee is provided in case of any malfunctions.
Finally, ask about the privacy/security of the software
Any extra requirements or options. For example, maybe your clinic needs a portable system or horizontal beam capabilities. Or, maybe the practice would benefit from a digital x-ray unit that also has fluoroscopy capabilities.
Tax benefits. Sometimes, tax benefits alone can help a practice’s bottom line and justify an equipment purchase. Always consult a tax professional on this matter to file correctly, avoid pitfalls, and gain the maximum benefit.
It’s important to discuss everything with decision-makers at the practice and to consult business professionals as needed. It can also be helpful to include team members who would be using the x-ray system: they might have great ideas on what would make the practice flow go better and thus maximize the ROI on the new equipment.
Although a large equipment purchase is a significant investment, it can also be a way to bring new income to the practice—not to mention improve patient care and save staff time.
Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM
