Ultrasound systems pricing

It’s easy to experience sticker shock when shopping for ultrasound systems. Depending on the size and quality of the equipment you need, you could pay as much as $200,000 or more. Rather than focusing solely on the price tag, however, it’s wise to consider how an ultrasound machine will benefit your practice.

One thing to keep in mind is that few pieces of imaging equipment can contribute to your bottom line as fast as an ultrasound system can. A standard sonogram costs about $200 to $300, so if a skilled technician can perform 10 per day that’s $2,000 to $3,000 in income. Even if you paid as much as $100,000 for your equipment, you can likely recoup your initial investment in just a few months. And since well-maintained ultrasound systems can last for years, it should pay for itself many times over.

Ultrasound system costs

Ultrasound system prices can vary greatly based on technology and specifications. A basic black and white ultrasound machine suitable for a small OB/GYN clinic can cost as little as $5,000 to $10,000. On the other end of the scale, a large hospital can pay $150,000 to $200,000 for a full-color system with premium image quality. The most common price range is $20,000 to $50,000.

The pricing varies widely depending on what you get for the money. A doctor in a small medical clinic may pay $10,000 for a low-end ultrasound machine with a small CRT monitor, one or two included transducers, an external DVR, and slow-to-average boot and scan times. A large hospital may spend $150,000 on equipment with a large touch-screen display, fast boot and scan times, 3D/4D capabilities, integrated DVR, and 12 to 15 transducers of different sizes and frequencies.

Convenience also plays a role in how much you’ll pay. Portable ultrasound machines – built similarly to laptop computers – can offer much of the functionality of their bulkier freestanding counterparts for $50,000 to $100,000. Portables allow you to diagnose patients without sending them to other exam rooms and to easily share the equipment with colleagues. However, they’re typically not as powerful and can’t produce the same image quality as most freestanding models.

If you’re looking to save money with reconditioned ultrasound systems, you can find quality equipment for $3,000 to $15,000. Refurbished equipment typically includes one to four transducers and many of the same components as newer models, but the image quality won’t be as strong. You may also get a shorter warranty on used ultrasound machines – typically 30 to 90 days.

Be careful when searching online for ultrasound machines: you’ll find equipment costing just $100 to $200. These are not diagnostic ultrasound machines, but therapeutic devices for chiropractors or physical therapists. Low-end therapeutic ultrasound devices are not useful for medical imaging.

Additional costs

There are other costs to consider when budgeting for your ultrasound machine purchase:

• Maintenance agreements: A plan that provides regular cleaning, equipment diagnosis, and parts replacement can go for 10% to 15% of the cost of the equipment per year.
• Installation and training: Most dealers will show you how to operate and maintain your ultrasound machine during installation, at no extra charge. However, if you need detailed training for your entire staff, a registered ultrasonographer can provide it for $1,000 to $2,000 per day, typically lasting one to three days.
• Extra transducer probes: Crystal-filled transducers are highly sensitive and can break easily. Additional standard transducers are available for $500 to $1,000; high-end transducers can cost up to $3,000.
• Peripherals: A new black and white printer for your ultrasound machine costs about $1,000, with color printers coming in at $2,000 to $3,000. Media devices like recordable DVRs can run about $2,000 to $4,000 if sold separately, but they are typically integrated into newer models.

• Customized software: If you need software tailored to your practice, expect to pay $1,000 to $3,000.
• Delivery: Vendors typically require you to pay the actual freight costs of the equipment. The cost can be negligible if it’s a lighter machine, or several hundred dollars for larger models.
• Consumables: The vendor will typically provide a supply of consumable materials to use with your machine, like gel, plastic transducer coverings, and printer paper. Make sure to budget a few hundred dollars per year to replenish these supplies as needed.