Guidelines to major equipment purchases

A major equipment purchase represents a large outlay of cash and effort by a medical group practice. The prudent buyer will carefully negotiate with the seller in a number of areas before any final arrangements are made. These include a detailed description of what is being purchased; price; warranties and guarantees; standards; environmental requirements; technical support and training; payment and delivery provisions; acceptance criteria and testing; and service and maintenance responsibilities. When all provisions are clearly delineated in the acquisition document, there is greater potential for successful equipment acquisition and installation.