Maximizing savings in the operating room with mobile C-arms

Vendors are developing mobile C-arm technology for medical imaging to address the need for hospitals to find new ways to maximize savings, particularly in the operating room.

Mobile C-arm systems offer the advantage of being able to accommodate an increased number of cases in a single physical setting. Technological advances that have improved the capabilities of C-arms include:

• Motorized control using a joystick for intuitive positioning
• Flat panel monitors
• Improved software, including digital subtraction
• 3D capabilities, enabling images to be acquired in a volume for post-reconstruction to resemble CT and MRI images—which has proven invaluable for pain management and spinal surgery
• Navigational systems that integrate with C-arm/O-arm imaging for image-guided surgery applications
• DICOM and PACS integration
• Geometry designed to minimizes the space it occupies

The C-arm market is strong and continues to grow at a steady pace due to the increase in number and diversity of minimally invasive procedures and the escalating number of outpatient ambulatory surgery centers across the country.

For C-arm systems, the most cost-effective method of service support is through biomedical engineer first-call contracts, if the resources exist. Otherwise, most hospitals use full-service agreements covering labor and parts, preventive maintenance telephone support, and optional tube and image intensifier coverage.

Pricing varies depending on tube, image intensifier and/or flat detector coverage. Most vendors offer a “menu” for service and support, where the facility has the option to choose from various options for service coverage.

For C-arms integrated with navigational technology, as well as systems utilizing digital technology, full-service contracts including flat panel detector coverage are recommended due to the complexity of the systems and the high cost of components. Facilities should review service records at the end of each year to evaluate the most appropriate level of coverage.

C-arms have numerous reimbursement codes with a wide range of values based on procedure type. The technology also is subject to constant overview and frequent changes, which has resulted to reduced payment rates by CMS. Nonetheless, overall reimbursement is stable.

Mobile C-Arm: General/Surgical/ Orthopedic, Vascular, 3D, Cardiac, and Compact

System Service Support Prices

Mobile C-Arm: Flat Panel

System Service Support Prices

Jamie Dildy is a clinical analyst with MD Buyline.

Data source: MD Buyline
(Please note these numbers have been adjusted to exclude special deals, outliers, and unique circumstances)