ties did, it's this. Get the equipment certified by either the manufactur-
er's service technicians or a third-party tech company (there are many
options in every state) before you purchase it. It's not a common step
many facilities take, but it is one that can alleviate the headache of pur-
chasing a defective machine. If the seller hesitates due to the cost,
offer to pay for the certification of the device as long as it passes. It
typically costs a few hundred dollars, but that investment is well worth
it in the long run.
• Have a paper trail. Once you've purchased used equipment, you also
want to make sure it undergoes regular inspections and that there's a
paper trail documenting its maintenance. Additionally, if you didn't get
a device certified before you purchased it, make sure it gets done
before it's used on patients. Not only will this help ensure that the
equipment is safe for patients, but it also helps show shared liability if
there ever is a lawsuit down the line.
• Involve your insurance agent or insurer. Before you purchase used medical
equipment, talk to your medical malpractice insurance agent or carri-
er. Typically your agent will have risk management professionals on
staff and law firms on call that can advise you on how to proceed. A
good bet is to request they provide you with, or help you obtain, a
sample contract for the purchase that protects you in the event of a
future equipment failure.
OSM
Mr. Jones (frank@mintsinsurance.com) is a partner at Mints Insurance in
Millville, N.J. He focuses on healthcare insurance risks nationally and, more
specifically, medical malpractice.
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