Did you know that ultrasound, as a nonradiation modality, is expected to see an overall increase in reimbursement? Although there are some areas where threats of lower reimbursements are serious, overall, there will be incentives to utilize ultrasound where it is clinically warranted.
This includes using ultrasound where clinically appropriate as an alternative to ionizing radiation modalities as the healthcare community works to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure. Additionally, ultrasound's growth into multiple, new applications have also contributed to an increase in reimbursement.
In general, pricing for these systems depends heavily on the desired performance level (premium, high, mid, low, and compact/point-of-care) and configuration.
- The lower end of the pricing level includes dedicated, smaller ultrasound systems that address niche market segments including emergency medicine, interventional radiology, vascular access, musculoskeletal and regional anesthesiology.
- The high to premium level systems dominate the upper end of the range and include high performing, multiapplication equipment configured with multiple transducers and specialty transducers. System configurations are influenced by software, accessories and especially the number and type of transducers such as 3D or transesophageal (TEE) transducers where the price per transducer can range from$40,000 to $90,000 (4D TEE).
Similar to the cost of the technology, an ultrasound service agreement depends on performance level and configuration and is particularly influenced by the coverage of TEE transducers. In general, most facilities opt to purchase full service agreements to limit downtime with this critical, heavily used imaging equipment but BME first call agreements are highly practical for large facilities that have multiple systems installed and appropriately trained BME resources.
Limiting the number of transducers replaced due to accidental damage per year, or pooling transducers, can greatly reduce the cost of coverage but also requires the provider to assume greater risk. Bundling equipment into an agreement can also significantly lower the cost of coverage.
Cardiac Ultrasound ( Echocardiography)
System Purchase Price
| Low | High | Average |
|
$87,200 |
$378,000 |
$144,940 |
System Service Support Prices
| Low | High | Average |
|
$7,200 |
$20,000 |
$12,091 |
Diagnostic Ultrasound
System Purchase Price
| Low | High | Average |
|
$35,250 |
$448,000 |
$143,095 |
System Service Support Prices
| Low | High | Average |
|
$5,765 |
$18,800 |
$11,757 |
Source: MD Buyline
Please note these numbers have been adjusted to exclude special deals, outliers and unique circumstances.