By Jim Ramey
When purchasing digital sensors, there is always imaging software included. Most digital sensor packages come with what I call a “closed” software system. This means that the software included with the sensor will only work with that specific sensor. Unfortunately, most doctors spend all of their time researching the sensor itself but don’t think about the implications of purchasing sensors that are a part of a “closed” software system.
In most cases, there is an initial “honeymoon” period for a practice that purchases new sensor technology. During this initial period, there are normally no real issues with a “closed” software system. Most of us don’t even recognize the “marriage” until the honeymoon is over - the sensor breaks and we need a new one. Then, when we make a call for a quote on a new sensor, we find that the new sensor will cost substantially more than the original sensor! And, when we shop for reasonably priced sensors from different manufacturers, we find that no other sensors will work with our “closed” software system.
Now we realize what has happened – we have already gone ahead and gotten married! When a practice purchases that original sensor, it is, in effect, actually marrying the company that sold it. If the practice wants or needs a new sensor, it has to purchase that company’s product and pay the price, whatever it might be. There is no courting of other sensors. If you want to keep your practice happy and running smoothly without any interruption in the ability to capture x-rays, then you do as you are told -- pay a premium for the new sensor.
In order to get out of this situation, you must, unfortunately, go through a painful divorce and start “dating” all over again! You have to let various sales reps start courting, research newly available products, try to decide what sensor has the best image quality, and decide which has the best overall value and which fits best with the products you already use.
The terrible thing is that many doctors make the same mistake over again! They find a sensor that fits their budget, fits the practice and the staff even likes it, but the new software only works with one sensor – the one it comes with!
For more information on this topic, be sure to read part two as well.
