Learning The Financial Costs of a CT Scanner

How often do you come across CT scanners? Most likely, you see them in movies or television shows more than you do in real life. And you may ask, what exactly is it? And what could it be for? 

A computerized tomography (CT) scan takes a series of x-rays from various angles of your body. Then, it processes them on a computer to generate cross-sectional pictures of your body’s soft tissues, bones, and blood arteries. 

This modern device gives more information and a clearer picture than the usual x-ray machine, making medical innovations and discoveries more possible! However, its efficiency comes with a price—and a hefty one, at that. To be able to avoid invasive surgeries and get an accurate diagnosis, hospitals must invest in this innovation. 

Read on to learn about the actual financial costs of a CT scanner.

A Variety of CT Scanners

There are varied types of CT scanners, and it all depends on your intended use. Top brands like Toshiba, Siemens, and Philips manufacture Single Slice scanners, 2, 4, 6, or 8 Slice scanners, 32 to 40 Slice scanners, and 256+ slice scanners—some of which may cost between $1.35 million to $2.1 million. But, your decision to invest in a CT scanner doesn’t boil down to the number; it’s about how much you want to cover for your patients’ needs!

For cardiac tests conducted before or after a heart attack, a 64-slice scanner is suggested. Because of the speed and sensitivity of these scanners, physicians can examine how the heart contracts while examining the walls of the arteries and observing small capillaries and arterial branches. It may provide incredibly clear pictures of the smallest details while also decreasing scan time. A 64-slice scanner ranges from $500,000 to $700,000.

Meanwhile, a premium 128-slice scanner is ideal for high-volume use. This scanner is packaged with specialized software that can provide high-quality images of almost any organ. The 128-slice scanner ranges from $675,000 to $1 million.

In addition to the options above, mobile CT scanners are also made available for rent or purchase for small clinics. Although there are limitations compared to the premium models, they could be portable and easier to travel with.

The Unseen Costs

In every CT comes their CT parts, their software and hardware features, and their maintenance.  

For example, x-ray tubes require an add-on cost of $40,000 to $200,000. Software and hardware additions can also significantly increase the cost, ranging from $35,000 to $100,000 for a cardiac software package or $15,000 to $35,000 for the lung application. And most importantly, make sure you factor in additional fees for maintenance services, electricity, and operational costs before you finalize a purchase.

If it all seems too hefty for you, there is also an option to rent out or lease a CT scanner, especially if your business can’t pay high upfront costs. With leasing, you can stretch out your budget without compromising your operations. After all, it’s difficult to resell any equipment beyond its warranty!

Conclusion

The main purpose of a CT scan is to examine patients who may have internal injuries or have experienced physical trauma. Moreover, the information given by a scan can help doctors and patients for diagnoses and the consequent treatments necessary, enhancing your practice’s efficiency. Jot down the pros and cons before making your final decision based on your needs and financial capacity.

Are you looking for affordable MRI coil repair services or refurbished CT scanners in the US? DirectMed Parts is the most trusted and knowledgeable source for medical imaging parts and services. We understand the importance of working with service professionals to quickly and accurately deliver high-quality materials and machines to the customer’s site. Connect with us today to find out more about what we offer!