In-House Ultrasound Service Technician Training
Some larger ultrasound healthcare providers may feel the need to bring ultrasound service in-house, but actually, shy away from the opportunity because it is an enormous undertaking with many challenges. We have assisted many clinical engineering departments in navigating the complexities of implementing such a plan with our in-house ultrasound service technician training program.
The business benefits and cost savings can be significant, and in our experience, range from 20% upwards to 40% per year. Response and repair times are shortened because technical staff is internal and are prepared with the right inventory of ultrasound parts to get the ultrasound system operational quickly. Ultrasound productivity increases, as does the department’s patient satisfaction. It’s a win-win for all.
MXR guides you through the entire process, which normally spans 12 to 24 months depending on how the transition is phased—it is very important to ensure minimal disruption to your department and your patients. Also, some facilities need that time to exit current ultrasound OEM relationships.
From detailing the business case for management to mapping a complete plan for execution—everyone will know what to do and expect. You will understand what ultrasound parts to carry so you can maintain quick response times while keeping costs under control. We ensure implementation of the best practices for documentation and accreditation and we provide comprehensive in-house ultrasound service technician training tailored to your departmental needs. Let MXR assist you in seamlessly bringing your ultrasound service in-house.
Empowerment Development Program Advantages
First, if your ultrasound facility has an internal pool of clinical engineers supporting other departments, then the staff is ready. Once they have completed MXR’s comprehensive in-house ultrasound service technician training program, aided by our 24/7 technical support, your engineers can be just as effective as the original equipment manufacturer. More importantly, you can realize approximately a 40% overall cost savings versus the OEM’s support.
Second, enjoy the confidence that comes with hands-on support before, during and after the transition. Customers rely on our continued involvement to help navigate any changes until their department is seamlessly running on their own. Training is a key part of ensuring a seamless transition. Our educational program can take your engineering group from ultrasound basics up to advanced system troubleshooting and repair on all the major original equipment manufacturers ultrasound systems.
Third, it’s just so much more convenient when the response and logistics for resolution and repair are handled internally, making it easier on departmental schedules and minimizing disruptions.
Fourth, you are assured that records maintenance is handled in compliance with AIUM (American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine), ACR (American College of Radiology), IAC and the Joint Commission parameters. We provide the documentation and establish best practices to ensure full compliance, accountability, and efficiency are achieved.
Let MXR meet with your technical team and discuss how our Empowerment ultrasound service program can provide these advantages to your ultrasound facility. Contact us today by filling out the form on this page.
Getting Started
MXR Imaging’s experience at consulting with major medical institutions to transition their service internally extends across the complete spectrum of needs, including training, servicing, support, parts and probes. Our customers include national healthcare networks as well as regional healthcare providers and clinics.
Building the business case starts with gathering a few vital data points in order to understand just how much you’re taking on, the associated costs for support and the overall benefits and savings.
- Identify the total ultrasound system, probes, peripherals, service manuals and software inventory in your facility. This foundational step serves as the basis for projecting the total cost to support. Once identified, MXR Imaging will consult with you to build the cost analysis so you can see the total scope. It is imperative to involve all clinical departments in the process, continually reinforcing the benefits of an in-house model.
- Note the current service contract status is of the ultrasound systems, as well as complete a pre-inspection to identify problem areas that need addressing prior to transitioning service support internally.
- Assess the engineering manpower availability, as well as their existing technical skill sets. This is key for us to help you determine what training programs will be needed. MXR Imaging offers a comprehensive suite of ultrasound training programs, including ultrasound basics, completing thorough system-specific preventative maintenance service, DICOM, networking technology and hands-on troubleshooting and repair classes for all the major original equipment manufacturers— GE, Philips, Toshiba, and Siemens.
- Inventory the existing service equipment on-hand and what additional technology is required to provide full-support, such as phantoms, scopes and meters. MXR Imaging has a standardized list of required equipment, which will serve as a basis for what is needed and how much it will cost.
Once these data points are established, MXR Imaging consults with you to develop the right strategy for next steps. After all, if the scope is enormous and complex, a phased approach may be best. You gain the benefit of our years of experience and expertise in helping others transition ultrasound service internally in order to determine how best for your department to proceed.
Next, MXR Imaging consults with you to develop a thorough plan for implementation, a cost analysis and projected needs for parts, onsite manpower requirements to provide support, a training plan and a comprehensive timeline for completion. With the comprehensive transition plan in hand, you can answer all the questions clinical ultrasound department administration will have in order to feel this is the right business and resource decision for your facility.
Let MXR Imaging meet with your technical team and discuss how our Empowerment program can provide these advantages to your ultrasound facility. Contact us today by filling out the form on this page.