Veterinary Medicine - December 2008 - (Page 657)

READY TO SWITCH… NOW WHAT? Once you decide you are ready to pursue digital radiography, it’s time to tackle the toughest question: What unit should I buy? There are three major types of digital systems—CR, Flat Panel DR, CCD. Each system has advantages and disadvantages, such as how long it takes to create an image, how much the system costs, how easy it is to repair or replace, what components are required (cassettes, dry processor), and whether the system can be used in more than one radiographic unit. To educate yourself about all of the possibilities, start visiting vendors and asking the sales representatives plenty of questions: What will you do for me after I buy (e.g. inclusive warranty, preventive maintenance)? Am I obliged to buy a service contract? If so, how much will that cost and what is the service turnaround time for repairs? What will it cost to update the technology or software? Does the digital system use the standard medical image le format DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine), and does the vendor meet the minimum standards for DICOM conformance? Does the system store data easily? How do I back up my images and data independent of the company that sells me the equipment so that no one outside my hospital can have access to this data? If I do not like the system, how much time do I have to return it? To protect yourself, before you sign the purchase order make sure everything you have been told and promised is in writing. Remember, in most contracts the large print gives you something and the small print takes it away—so read the small print! Also, for litigious reasons, you are better protected if the vendor has a home base in your state. If you have the opportunity to visit the vendor’s manufacturing plant or place of business, you should make the trip. You are more likely to see the good and the bad. Things to ask yourself: Does the business look productive, progressive, and clean? Are the people who work for the company polite, knowledgeable, and professional? Does the vendor have inventory on hand to replace a part that needs repair or replacement? Do I think the vendor will still be in business in ve years? In addition to vendors, be sure to contact veterinarians who own the units you are most interested in buying—you can usually get names from the vendor. What do they like about the system? How hard is it to use? Have they had any problems reproducing images? How attentive has the vendor been to their needs after the sale? Ask the veterinarian to send you a few images—this will let you know if the vendor helped the veterinarian become Internet savvy? Do you like the images? How easy is it to manipulate, store, and send the images? Often you will get your best information from the technicians who are using the equipment, so talk with the key support people who use the unit routinely. In addition to helping you make a decision about the unit, they may be available to visit your hospital to show your staff the ins and outs of using the equipment if you do purchase the unit. As a digital equipment evaluator, I routinely have practitioners tell me about their experiences with digital radiography. These experiences are generally positive. When I do hear about a negative experience, it’s usually because practitioners didn’t ask the hard questions and didn’t do enough comparative research before buying, so make sure you are a conscientious consumer. Seeking independent advice from a veterinary radiologist is money well spent. This technology is one of the biggest investments a practice will make, and doing your homework will pay dividends in the long run. Answers to your questions about digital radiography To read an online guide to digital radiography by Matt Wright, DVM, DACVR, and his colleagues, search for “digital radiography” on any page of dvm360.com. VETERINARY MEDICINE December 2008 657 http://stokespharmacy.com http://stokespharmacy.com http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/issue/issueDetail.jsp?id=14677 http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/issue/issueDetail.jsp?id=14677 http://www.dvm360.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Veterinary Medicine - December 2008

Veterinary Medicine - December 2008 Contents Letters Thanking Our Valued Reviewers Practical Matters Idea Exchange Why Do Dogs and Cats Eat Grass? Managing Atypical and Critical Cases of Primary Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs Behaviors Suggestive of Postoperative Pain in Cats What to Consider When Considering Digital Radiography Avoid Common Bandaging Mistakes in Dogs and Cats IMHA: Diagnosing and Treating a Complex Disease CE Form/Advertiser Index Marketplace/Classifieds Mind Over Miller

Veterinary Medicine - December 2008

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