How to Buy Used Medical Equipment

When considering buying used medical equipment, there are some very important questions that need to be answered, and you need to deal with a reputable company to ensure the products they have are not stolen or contaminated. Medical equipment needs to maintain a high level of integrity and sanitation to be worth your investment.

Instructions

• 1

  Consider the medical equipment you need and make a specific list of the items you need. This will most likely be for at-home use based on a medical condition that needs to be maintained, by either you or a loved one or in-home nurse. Talk with your doctor about the specific equipment needed before shopping, things such as a hospital bed, IV pump, shower/bath chair or other such equipment to make your home more patient-friendly.

• 2

  Collect a list of people, businesses and places that may have used medical equipment. Your doctor's office, nurses and home health care offices are great resources to ask. Also check with the patient advocate at your hospital. This should only be a list of reputable places. Scientific Equipment Liquidators is an established company who works with hospitals and labs to get rid of the equipment they have updated or no longer need. Check out their site first (see Resources below).

• 3

  Contact the people or businesses on your list to inquire about the medical equipment you need. Ask about the condition, where it came from, what power source or other requirements it has for use, and if there is a warranty or guarantee of any kind. If you are shopping online, ask for detailed descriptions and pictures. If shopping in-person, ask to see the equipment and test it to ensure it works before purchasing.

• 4

  Ask for a warranty or guarantee. You may or may not be able to get a transferred or extended warranty from the manufacturer. But, you should get some form of guarantee from the seller or business, like 30 days to bring it back if there is any unforeseen damage or the equipment stops working.