Computed tomography (CT) seems to be gaining in popularity in veterinary medicine, since the diagnostic scans are beneficial in the workup and care of many patients. As the technology continues to advance, with more affordable options being marketed to veterinarians, CT scanners are even becoming available to non-referral or general practices.
Although veterinarians now have more CT models to choose from, is the price tag worth it? How much do CT systems actually cost, and can a veterinary practice make a profit by offering this service?
How Much Do Veterinary CT Scanners Cost?
As with any big-ticket equipment purchase, costs can vary greatly depending on the type of CT scanner, the model and manufacturer, deals from the vendor, whether it’s new or used or refurbished, and other factors. CT investments tend to cost more than a standard veterinary digital x-ray system. But the good news is, some newer models are certainly less expensive than previous ones.
According to Sound a new standard (fan-beam) CT machine can cost upwards of $500,000 or more, depending on the number of slices the machine produces. Manufacturer-refurbished models can run in the $100,000-200,000 range, or possibly significantly less if refurbished by a third party.
Portable models are listed from the high $100,000s to $500,000 or more—again, depending on the number of slices and whether the model is new or refurbished.
Cone-beam CT, on average, tends to be less of a financial investment than standard CT. That’s one of the reasons it has become popular, in addition to other factors such as taking up less space and producing better images for certain studies (particularly for skull/head studies and certain musculoskeletal conditions). According to Sound, a new cone-beam CT system can cost between $180,000-$250,000, whereas refurbished ones might start around $150,000.
While this smaller price tag is inviting, cone-beam does have its limitations. A veterinary practice must consider the pros and cons of each type of CT scanner and decide what they need for the patients they see and the types of studies they plan to perform.
What Additional Costs Should Be Expected?
Although the purchase price of a veterinary CT system is important, it’s certainly not the only number that factors into a purchase decision. Here are a few more to think about…
Shipping and installation. Check to see if these costs are included. However, keep in mind that some installation costs and logistics can’t be covered solely by the manufacturer or vendor.
Specifically, think about lead lining or shielding that the machine requires, as well as electrical requirements. For certain CT models, consultations with licensed physicists/radiation experts and electricians may be required, as well as remodeling of the CT suite, to accommodate the machine and meet local radiation safety regulations.
Ongoing maintenance and repairs. See if a warranty is included. Service and maintenance plans can also be a great option for many types of veterinary equipment.
However, service plans do tend to be on the pricier side for CT machines. Consider the cost of the plan, as well as the average cost of repairs, to see whether it makes more sense to pay for the plan or simply set aside some cash for unexpected repairs.
Consulting with a veterinary radiologist, or even the radiology department of a human hospital, may be helpful to determine which repairs are most common and how much they tend to cost.
Software. All digital imaging technology requires appropriate software to process, view, share, and store images. Since CT scanners take a lot of images per study, the file storage can be quite large. Make sure hardware and software can accommodate these files.
Explore which financing option makes the most sense for your practice. Consult a tax professional to determine which tax benefits you may receive from the purchase. And perhaps most importantly, contact a boarded veterinary radiologist for advice.
Think about the return on your investment. How much would your practice charge for a CT study? Are clients likely to say ‘yes’ to this price, including anesthesia costs? And how many studies could the practice realistically expect to perform in a week or a month? As much as a veterinary practice would love to provide every possible service to their patients, the business must make sure the purchase fits into their financial plan.
Veterinary CT systems represent an amazing and useful technology that can benefit many patients. Knowing the numbers, talking to experts, and having a plan in place can help a veterinary practice profit financially while also providing excellent patient care.
Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM
