X-Ray Machine Repair or Replace? Factors to Consider

Home » X-Ray Machine Repair Considerations: Repair or Replace?

When does an x-ray machine require repair?

It’s important to remember that x-ray machines are delicate. Your machine could require a repair for any of the following common reasons:

• Accidental damage, such as a staff member dropping a Digital Radiography (DR) panel or bringing a wall bucky down too quickly and slamming it into the ground.
• External factors, such as electrical storms, heavy rain leading to flooding, electrical spikes, or air conditioners leaking water onto the machine or into the room, also frequently necessitate repairs.
• X-ray tubes naturally fail over time, similar to light bulbs in your home. They have a finite lifespan and can only take a certain number of x-rays before failing. In high-volume clinics, such as radiography centers, tubes might fail every 1-2 years. In low-volume environments, like chiropractic clinics, an x-ray tube can last up to 15 years. However, degradation can occur, requiring replacement due to image quality issues before a complete failure. One example of a telltale sign of a tube nearing the end of its life is a burring sound that grows louder over time.
• In highly humid or cold regions of Australia, without proper heating, cooling, and humidity control, the environment can fall outside the requirements for x-ray machine use and storage, leading to premature failure and necessitating repairs. To mitigate these risks, we recommend reviewing the equipment’s environmental requirements and ensuring your clinic provides adequate protection to reduce the risk of breakdowns and expensive repairs.

It’s worth noting that a regular x-ray machine service can pre-empt a conversation about any potential risks. Read our blog about an x-ray machine service.

What factors to consider when an x-ray machine requires repair?

When considering the effectiveness of repairing versus replacing an x-ray machine, several factors come into play.

The most obvious repair costs can be significant, often exceeding $10,000 when major components like tubes fail. Typical repairs for internal components can range from $500 to $5,000. So is it worth it?

It’s not solely about the expense of repairs and each scenario should be treated case-by-case. Let’s discuss some of the considerations.

Old x-ray machine

For clinics relying on Medicare for procuring x-rays, there’s also the capital sensitivity ruling to consider. Medicare guidelines dictate that machines older than 15 years are ineligible for reimbursement, making repairs impractical due to limited availability of spare parts from manufacturers.

Generally, we can handle repairs on machines under 15 years old, assuming spare parts are accessible. The most common part needing replacement is typically the tube, which is compatible across many models. However, matching it precisely for calibration can be time-consuming and costly, sometimes taking up to 8 hours.

X-ray machine room setup

In some clinics with custom setups, replacing a machine could be prohibitively expensive. No doubt over time, specific requirements for machine location and configuration adjustments need to be considered. This could lead to x-ray room renovations and more.

Damage type to x-ray machine

In rare cases, such as after a flood or fire, repair may be impossible or too risky due to electrical damage or uncertain conditions. Similarly, electrical storms and surges pose risks that often necessitate machine replacement.

Legislation and approvals

In comparison to buying a new x-ray machine, repairs can be less labor-intensive and quicker than replacing a machine, which can involve dismantling, disposal, delivery, and installation, extending over 2 to 3 months, depending on administrative approvals. While existing machines can expedite paperwork, bureaucratic processes can still cause delays.

Speak to Medic Cloud for advice

Ultimately, each decision between repair and replacement is guided by achieving the most cost-effective solution, factoring in operational needs and regulatory requirements.

We have the professionals available to discuss your options. Speak to us today with no obligations. We can be contacted on 1300 658 103.

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