Buying Used Medical Equipment: What To Look For

Whether you need a wheelchair, electric scooter, or a medical bed, buying these things new, especially when insurance isn't able to help with the costs, can be a financial burden. You may choose to explore used or refurbished medical equipment for purchase instead. To get a great deal on your purchase and a reliable piece of medical equipment you can own for many years, use this guide to help you know what to look for when shopping.

Existing warranties

If you buy medical equipment that is only slightly used from your local medical equipment supply store or from an individual seller, ask about any warranties that may still be in place for the item you are looking at. Warranties can last anywhere from a few months to a few years and cover a wide variety of manufacturer or user defects. If there is a warranty in place on medical equipment you are considering buying, contact the provided number on the warranty to see if the manufacturer will continue coverage on the product if it is sold from the original buyer before making your purchase.

Original use

How medical equipment was used previously can be a strong indicator for how long you can expect it to last once you become its new owner. A medical bed, for example, may have only been used for a short time until the user was able to be mobile again, while a scooter may have been ridden several times a day for many years and may have more wear and tear. Ask the original owner or the reseller about the history of any medical equipment's use so you know what type of condition it will be in when you receive it for your own use.

Used versus new price

Always research the cost of a used piece of medical equipment compared to its new retail price, especially if you are buying a costly item. A medical bed, for example, can cost as much as $8,000 and is not a cheap purchase. Some online retailers sell these beds (and other medical equipment) much cheaper than this high price, so it's wise to shop around. Used medical equipment is typically priced according to its age and wear to help you determine how much you should be paying for equipment that is used.

This guide should be able to help you choose medical equipment that is used wisely. Consult with your doctor before making any final purchase to make sure you are buying the right equipment for your needs.