What are the economics of digital x-ray vs film?

Jun 23, 2022 8:36:44 PM / by Chad Hutchison

If you're considering making the switch to digital x-ray, you're probably wondering about the economic feasibility of the investment. Here's a quick rundown of the key points to consider:

  • In the long run, investing in a digital x-ray machine can actually be cheaper than using film. This is because you'll save money on purchasing and developing the film.
  • Digital x-rays also offer more flexibility in how they can be stored and accessed, meaning you can save even more money down the line.
  • Ultimately, making the switch to digital x-ray is an investment that will pay off — both in terms of your bottom line and the quality of care you're able to provide to your patients.


Benefits of digital vs film

 

As digital technology continues to evolve, more and more businesses are making the switch to digital x-rays. Here are some key benefits of using digital x-rays vs film:
  • Digital x-rays use computer storage media, which can be reused without any loss of quality. Whereas film needs to be developed every time an image is taken.
  • Although film processing speeds have increased over recent years, this has not reduced development costs.
  • Digital x-rays provide a number of other benefits as well, including the ability to transfer images electronically, enhanced image quality, and more.


If you're considering making the switch to digital x-rays, keep these benefits in mind.


When looking at going digital, there's a common misconception that there's going to be a great cost to make the initial purchase. However, nowadays it's almost the same price to purchase a digital x-ray system if you finance it over a 72 month period as what you would spend on a monthly basis for film and chemicals.


Cost benefits


When looking at the cost of switching to a digital x-ray system, it's important to consider the long-term benefits. Yes, there is an initial investment to purchase the equipment. However, over time you will save money on consumables such as film and chemicals. And because digital x-rays are more efficient, you'll save time and money on staff costs as well.


If you are still using film-based x-ray systems, you may have noticed that the cost of film and chemicals, as well as the cost of maintaining your film processor, keep going up. This is because there are not as many people using film-based x-ray systems. The good news is that there are cost benefits to switching to digital x-ray. Digital x-ray uses less radiation than film-based systems, so it is safer for patients and staff. It also eliminates the need for darkrooms and chemicals, which can save money in the long run. In addition, digital x-ray is more efficient, so you can see more patients in a shorter period of time. As a result, switching to digital x-ray can help you save money and provide better care for your patients.
In the end, making the switch to digital x-rays is a smart financial decision that will save your practice money in the long run.


Financing an x-ray machine


Financing an x-ray machine can seem like a daunting task, but with a little research it can be a very manageable process. There are many companies that offer financing for x-ray machines, and they all have slightly different terms and conditions. However, most companies will require a downpayment and will then allow you to finance the remainder of the purchase over a period of time, usually between 24 and 72 months. Some companies also offer specials on financing, so it's always worth checking to see if there are any deals available. In general, financing an x-ray machine is a very straightforward process, and it can be a great way to get the equipment you need without having to pay for it all upfront.

Tags: Digital X-ray System

Chad Hutchison
Written by Chad Hutchison

Founder and CEO of Maven Imaging, Chad Hutchison has been in the medical imaging equipment market since 2003. As his business grew, he pioneered buying and selling medical equipment online and eventually began offering leasing and financing to meet market demands and help customers. His market expertise goes beyond traditional medical imaging and finance support, as he’s spearheading cloud-based lending solutions for vendors across the sector.