CT scans are one of the most common practices in the world, yet they are also one of the most costly
How much does a CT machine cost and which one is right for you? CT scans are one of the most common practices in the world, yet they are also one of the most costly because organizations recover associated costs through imaging charges.
These associated costs include acquisition, operation, and maintenance of the CT machine. More specifically, the associated costs are:
- Acquisition
- Delivery and installation of the equipment
- Machine operation
- Energy usage
- Maintenance, repairs, and spare parts that may be required
Other factors that could influence how much a CT scanner costs include: the brand, tube, number of slices produced, and whether it is a new, used, or refurbished machine.
Acquisition
So how much does a CT machine cost to acquire? That depends on whether you purchase from the primary or secondary market. CT scanners have a 20% depreciation rate, so experienced buyers will typically shop for a deal in the secondary market first. There are several companies and manufacturers offering refurbished CT scanners for sale. Brand new higher slice CT machines cost as much at $2.5 million and used lower slice CT machines cost as low at $35,000.
Tube
The tube specifications can have a major impact on the price of the CT machine. This is because they are very difficult and expensive to replace. The lifetime of a tube is unknown, but inactivity may have an effect.
Slices
Generally, the higher the amount of slices the system would be able to produce, the more expensive the system becomes. The slices define the clarity of the images the device would generate. This includes 4-8, 16-32, 64, 128, and scanners with more than 256 slices are available too. See our blog on Low Slice vs. High Slice CT Machines.
Brand
The prices may vary quite differently from each other depending on the brands. However, the best brands include Toshiba, GE, Siemens, and Philips.
Year of Manufacture
The year of manufacturing matters, especially if the system is a very old one. Also, the age often determines if the options available are more up-to-date. The system’s software can also affect the price.
Delivery and Installation
Delivery and installation of your CT Machine is a four-step process which makes up part of the total CT machine cost. This can include: site inspection, de-installation, site planning, and final installation.
Site Planning
Site planning is necessary due to federal and state regulations. Site planning considerations include: lead lining, specified ceiling heights, minimal noise levels, cryogen storage, and adequate venting for cryogen exhaust. The whole process typically totals $20,000 to $40,000 in the US.
Room configurations require careful planning, as does preparation for site inspections, which can ultimately result in delays and extra costs if the site isn’t properly set-up. To help mitigate these hassles, a carefully designed plan by a qualified professional specifying floor plans, equipment placement, plumbing, power requirements, shielding, and other potential safety measures should be composed for all CT site locations.
Lead Lining
Ceilings and/or floors with occupied areas above or below CT scan rooms will most likely require shielding to reduce radiation levels. Uncontrolled areas with high occupancy should be located as far from the CT exam room as possible. If uncontrolled areas are located either above or below the PET uptake and imaging rooms, the spacing between floors may need additional lead lining. Moreover, floors need to be able to support the additional weight associated with added shielding.
Gantry
The gantry is the ring the patient is placed in. It can be cooled with chilled water derived from a closed loop connection from either an onsite chilled water supply or the heat exchanger. Chilled water supply must be available onsite in order to supply the heat exchanger that is located inside the gantry.
Climate Control
The CT exam room is recommended to remain anywhere from 64-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius). The rest of the CT scanner suite can be set as low as 59 degrees to 75 degrees (15-24 degrees Celsius).
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CT Machine Operating Costs
Part of the CT machine cost is using the machine itself, as CT procedures can be expensive to perform. Providing an CT scan can cost the provider anywhere from $40 to $150. The price depends on which procedure is performed, the facility’s location, and any available reimbursements. On average, it costs around $100,000 a year to operate a CT machine.
Energy Usage
The amount of energy used by an CT machine depends on how powerful it is. Electricity rates for CT scanners can range anywhere from $50 to $3,000 per month depending on model and patient volume. If total CT scanner cost is an issue, this is an expense that should be considered when choosing a device.
CT Machine Maintenance and Repairs
CT machines don’t have many movable parts so it’s unlikely that the machine would experience extensive damage. They are sensitive however, so monthly checkups are recommended to make sure there aren’t any radio frequency leaks and that the systems are clean and working properly. Maintenance agreements typically range from $2000 to $10,000 per month depending on how powerful the machine is. The price of maintaining an CT machine may be high, but less so than buying a new one.
Part Replacement
If you are regularly maintaining your CT Machine there will be less of a chance of parts malfunctioning. The most expensive part of the CT machine to replace is the Tube. Many companies offer spare parts if you are needing a replacement.
Used CT Machine Warranty
Most medical imaging resellers don’t regularly offer a warranty if you have decided to perform the installation yourself. Naturally, the included warranty would raise the price.
Conclusion
While these are factors to consider when purchasing a good device, selecting the right system is essential to making sure it performs well in the long-run while being cost-efficient in the moment.
