Doctor’s surgeries are facing increased pressure to deliver services whilst having fewer resources. Not only are patient numbers increasing but doctors are also seeing an aging population which brings its own set of challenges when delivering primary healthcare services.
When it comes to buying medical equipment, choosing a reliable supplier is not easy. There are many suppliers of medical equipment but which one is the best? This blog post highlights some key factors to consider when selecting an appropriate supplier for your needs.
Procurement
The key factors when considering which medical equipment supplier to use are:
- equipment costs
- equipment quality
- delivery times
When purchasing equipment many doctors look to their local suppliers first. However, this option may not always offer you the best deal or the right solution for your needs. For example, entering into negotiations with a supplier as a small practice could put you at a disadvantage when compared to a larger buying group.
Reducing procurement costs
A doctor’s surgery should consider the following options when looking for the best supplier:
– Buying groups/consortiums
The increased buying power of a buying group or consortium helps practices to negotiate better deals. Some buying groups focus on certain types of equipment or products only e.g. Radiology products, medical furniture, medical diagnostic machines, etc.
– Rental of owned equipment
There are a number of suppliers that offer doctor’s surgeries a range of leasing/renting options. This option is more cost-effective as it does not involve any initial outlay but it does mean that you have equipment ‘off the books’ which can be an important consideration for a surgery with limited space on site. A downside to opting to rent equipment is the fact that your lease may be terminated early if you are unable to pay, or if the supplier goes out of business.
– Open tenders
These allow you to invite suppliers to quote for your requirements and gives you the opportunity to select from all possible suppliers. Open tenders can also allow you to negotiate for the best deal.
– Questionnaires
Questionnaires can be an excellent way of getting competitive rates that may not result from a tender process. You can advertise a questionnaire in magazines and on your website, and only invite suppliers that match your criteria to submit a quote and/or provide additional information.
– Private sector companies
Private sector companies can be engaged to provide services at competitive rates, such as leasing or renting your equipment. Depending on the nature of your equipment and the location of your office, the equipment could be transported to your surgery.
Conclusion
When it comes to buying medical equipment for a doctor’s surgery, there are many options to consider. Finding the best option for you can sometimes be a daunting task. However, with the right amount of research and planning, it doesn’t need to be difficult. Remember, don’t forget to look outside of your local area – suppliers can be found all over the country or online.