The practice of medical service requires investment in some of the most sophisticated and rather expensive machines. The individuals and organizations that specialize in this field need the latest tools if they are to realize the best impact, particularly on their patients. Nevertheless, obtaining medical implements is a rather daunting task due to the high costs involved. Also, the tools are often rendered obsolete sooner than expected. It is because of this that many health facilities have resorted to renting medical equipment.

One can rent a wide variety of these instruments. Some of the tools you can rent include surgical implements, MRI machines, EMR software, computers, X-ray and ultrasound machines, imaging and diagnostic instruments, surgery tables among others. However, before embarking on this agreement, it is important to consider some vital factors, as illustrated below.

Be sure to begin with evaluations of a rent vs. Buy decision. Analyze the two alternatives in order to reach the most beneficial and efficient decision. Compare the price of buying the item against various lease quotes available, while considering different manufacturers, dealers and leasing companies.

A good supply of information is important for a complete financial analysis. You should therefore access the most vital and pertinent financial information before embarking on the analysis. The data will be helpful in assessing the feasibility of the particular project, which can only be arrived at by estimating the cash flow of the investment. The incremental cash flow denotes the additional expenses and revenues accruing from the project. It is from this cash flow that one can know how a particular project will better the performance of the business, which is contrary to a rather unidirectional approach as to whether a particular project will generate profit on its own.

The comparison should however not stop here. Further analyze the data with a break even analysis, a net present value analysis and a payback value analysis. With these analyses, you are furnished with both the short and long term financial implications of the particular investment. It also denotes the duration of time it will take to recoup the initial investment.

However, the cost of renting depends to a great extent on the rate of the lease and the periodic payments. As such, carry out and evaluation of the factors affecting the periodic payments and the lease rate. For example, the period of the lease has a profound impact on the terms and the amount of charges associated. Clearly spell out the duration of your lease.

Before renting, one should also consider the frequency of service (repair) and the type of the lease (capital or operating lease). For maintenance, consider the service schedule; the number of times and how convenient it is. Does it allow on-site servicing or must it be taken in for repair? Capital leases (with capital allowances and residual ownership) are more expensive compared to operating leases (are pure rental agreements).

Simply put, the decision process whether to rent or buy a medical equipment relies more on ascertaining which option will be more beneficial to your practice; the bottom line; evaluate how the investment fits with your general business plan, compare it to alternative opportunities in your practice and determine whether it will be profitable on its own while improving the present and future overall financial performance of your practice.