Purchasing a digital x-ray system can feel overwhelming at times with so many different options and configurations available. It can be hard to sift through the choices to find which system is best for your facility. It is essential to ask the right questions in order to find the digital x-ray system that best meets your needs.
At Patient Image, we have been assisting businesses to find the digital x-ray systems that suit their budget and their needs for years and we would love to help you choose the x-ray system that’s right for you too. We've compiled a list of questions that will be helpful when purchasing a digital x-ray system.
What kind of facility will the x-ray system be in?
When it comes to x-ray systems, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The type of facility that the x-ray system will be used in is one of the first things that needs to be considered. Is it a chiropractic clinic, a veterinary practice or an after-hour surgery? Is it an urgent care facility or a high volume imaging center? Is it a small hospital or a large clinic?
The type of facility is going to determine what type of x-ray system should be purchased. For example, a high volume imaging center is going to need a different x-ray system than a small hospital. If it is a chiropractic facility, you're going to need a wall stand and you're probably not going to need an x-ray table.
What’s my patient volume?
When you're looking at different digital x-ray systems, one of the things you want to keep in mind is patient volume. How many patients are you going to be seeing on a daily basis? And how many x-rays are you looking to take? That's going to contribute to determining what type of digital x-ray system is going to best suit your needs.
If you're expecting a high volume of patients, then you're going to want a system that can handle that. So patient volume is an important factor to consider when choosing a digital x-ray system.
What space do I have available?
Another key consideration is the space requirements for the x-ray machine. You need to know the length, width and height of the room, as well as understand where the walls, windows and doors are situated. This will help you determine what type of system will fit within the allocated space.
For example, some systems are wall mounted, however, if you have a room full of windows you might need to invest in a floor mounted system. In areas that have less space, a straight arm x-ray system might be a better solution. By understanding your spatial requirements, you can ensure that you select an x-ray machine that will be a perfect fit for your needs.
Our clients are using x-ray systems in:
- Chiropractic Clinics
- Podiatry Practices
- Urgent Care Hospitals
- Orthopedic Clinics
- Veterinary Practices
- General Radiology
At Patient Image, we have solutions for all types of budgets and clinical applications. We have Digital X-ray Panels and Systems for all clinical specialties including NUCCA, Upper Cervical, Chiropractic Biophysics, and more. We also have a wide range of products that work in hospitals, imaging centers, and radiology departments.
If you are unsure what system fits in your space, please don’t hesitate to speak to us at Patient Image and we can advise you on the best system for your unique space.
Do I need a table?
If you choose to use a table for your workflow or clinic you’ll need to determine which table option is best for you. A stationary table can have a reflow table top, which allows the table top to flow from left to right. There’s also an elevating table which allows the table to drop down to where someone in a wheelchair could easily access it. The elevating table is a great option if you have patients or clients with mobility issues. The reflow table top is a great option if you need to be able to move around your workspace easily. Stationary tables are also a good choice if you have a lot of equipment that needs to be stored on or underneath the table. Choose the table that best fits your space and your patients. And when in doubt, ask the experts at Patient Image team what other clinics are using.
Do I need a mobile or stationary x-ray system?
One of the key decisions when considering a new x-ray system is whether to choose a mobile or stationary system.
Stationary x-ray systems
Stationary x-ray systems are usually found in traditional x-ray rooms, which are designated solely for taking x-rays. These rooms often have lead lining to protect operators from radiation exposure, as well as an operator area that provides additional safety measures.
One advantage of stationary x-ray systems is that they are typically more powerful than mobile units, making them ideal for larger patients or procedures that require higher doses of radiation.
You often find these stationary x-ray systems in larger clinics or clinics with larger patient volume. However, mobile units offer greater flexibility, as they can be used in a variety of settings without the need for special equipment or accommodations. As a result, mobile x-ray systems are increasingly popular in both hospitals and clinics around the country.
Mobile x-ray systems
The mobile x-ray system is an excellent alternative for clinics that would have great difficulty installing a stationary system or need the x-ray system more frequently. This mobile environment is helpful in a lot of areas where they don't necessarily have a room large enough, or the workflow requires them to move from one place to the other.
Mobile x-ray systems are great for clinics that may have multiple rooms or special requirements that make it very difficult to install a stationary system. For example, a clinic that has multiple rooms where they want to bring the x-ray into each room to x-ray the patient would be a great candidate for a mobile x-ray system. By having a mobile x-ray system, it enables them to be much more agile and efficient in their workflow and get patients through quicker.
What type of DR panel do I need?
DR panels are the piece of equipment that makes the x-ray system digital. They capture the image and then send that image to the computer. Chiropractic clinics typically will go with a 17x17 tethered DR panel. This is because the DR panel is usually fixed into the wall stand and doesn't need to be moved from the wall stand to a table.
On the other hand, in urgent care you're more likely to see a 17x17 wireless panel that will fit in both the wall stand as well as the table, and can be moved back and forth. DR panels come in different sizes, but the 17x17 is most common.
When choosing a DR panel, it's important to consider what type of clinic it will be used in and what the application scenario will look like. In some very high volume clinics, you may use a dual detector system. That is where a 17x17 DR panel is placed within the wall stand as well as in the table so that you don't have to move it.
Should I choose new or used x-ray equipment?
At Patient Image, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to find an x-ray solution that suits your needs and your budget. We offer a range of used equipment that might be of interest to you. From portable x-ray machines to floating tables, used mobile lead shields and used careray wireless DR panel packages, on our website you can find a range of products that might work in your clinic. Please don’t hesitate to speak to us about used equipment if this is of interest to you.
Newer models often come with longer warranties - meaning that you'll be covered in the event that something goes wrong. With used equipment, you might save money upfront, but over time, you could end up spending just as much, or even more, on repairs and maintenance. New equipment is also likely to be more reliable and efficient, meaning that you'll save time and money in the long run.
So when making your decision, be sure to weigh all of the factors before deciding whether new or used x-ray equipment is the right decision for you. We are here if you want to bounce some ideas or get advice from our expert team.
The biggest mistake people make when buying an x-ray system
When you're opening a new medical practice, it's important to consider what your future needs might be. For example, if you're a chiropractor, you may start by only doing x-rays of the spine. However, as your practice grows, you may find that you need to do more x-rays of extremities. This would require a different x-ray system.
Similarly, if your patient volume increases, you may need a new or bigger x-ray system to keep up with demand. It's important to think about these future needs when you're first setting up your practice, so that you can choose the right equipment from the start.
In conclusion
There are a lot of digital x-ray systems on the market these days, and it can be tough to know which one is right for your needs. But don't worry - we're here to help!
Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you start your search for the perfect digital x-ray system for your needs:
- What kind of features do you need?
- What is your budget?
- What size space do you have for the x-ray system?
- What types of patients will be using the system?
Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and choose the digital x-ray system that's right for you. If you want help choosing the right digital x-ray system for you, contact our team today! Our team of experts can assist you in determining what kind of x-ray system will work best for your facility and budget.
