Choosing the Right Medical Equipment Provider with Clayton Sustala
When it comes to sourcing the best medical equipment for your clients, patients or practices, Clayton Sustala — an industry veteran with over 10 years of experience — knows it can get complicated. There are many factors to consider, from quality, to up-front costs, to follow-up service.
A good medical equipment provider should be a partner that you can trust in the long-term. Here are some factors that Clayton Sustala says you must consider when choosing the right medical equipment provider.
Knowledge of The Equipment
With the continuing rise of technology in medical equipment, you need to seek out a provider that’s following the latest advancements and knows the equipment inside and out. That will come in handy when you have questions about how to access all the features of the equipment and how best to maintain it.
A supplier that knows the technical specs of equipment can also help you make the best decision of what to buy based on your needs. This alone can save you time and money from the start.
Access to Follow-Up Service
The machine may have all the latest bells and whistles, but Clay Sustala notes if the provider can’t help you troubleshoot a problem in a timely fashion or quickly provide replacement parts, then it’s probably not much good to your organization.
The supplier should make it clear how to get follow-up help if needed. That will typically be in the form of a particular representative or a dedicated customer service line. If a supplier sets you adrift after making the purchase, it could end up costing you money if equipment goes down (and your revenue goes down with it.)
Providing Equipment Warranties
If the equipment that a supplier is selling is top-notch, they won’t be afraid to back it with a solid warranty. If the warranty is weak or nonexistent, it could be a red flag that it’s not the best quality and not worth saving a few bucks over. In fact, Clay adds that a good supplier should be able to advise you about how to arrange financing for the best equipment or if it’s out of your budget.
Good quality equipment has more than a warranty. It should be reliable and durable, and meet ISO standards. Investing in quality equipment can help you deliver the best care to patients, as well as maintain your positive reputation.
Making The Purchase Easier
When you’re shopping for medical equipment, the supplier should be able to provide a range of options. Suppliers may partner with several manufacturers and let you compare them online or take the time to explain the advantages of each. Remember, the most popular brand or most expensive equipment is not always the best option for you.
Delivery of the items should be streamlined, allowing quick turnaround and letting you to track the location of the equipment. When it comes to payment, a good supplier will present different options that are most convenient for you.
Do Your Homework
Finding a reputable medical equipment provider is an important consideration for your medical practice. Clayton Sustala suggests putting in the time to seek out reviews and references to make sure you’re making the right choice prior to making a purchase.
