How Numed Supports Equipment Upgrades Throughout an Imaging Equipment Lease 

Medical imaging technology continues to advance in image quality, clinical capabilities, software, and system performance. For healthcare facilities operating leased imaging equipment, keeping pace with these changes is an important part of maintaining an effective imaging department. Equipment needs can change over time. A facility may experience increased patient demand, identify new clinical requirements, or find that an existing system no longer meets operational expectations. 

Numed works with healthcare facilities to evaluate equipment upgrades throughout their leasing partnerships. With support from Numed’s experienced Operations and Engineering teams, facilities can assess available technology, plan for equipment transitions, and make informed decisions that support their long-term imaging needs. 

Understanding When an Equipment Upgrade Is Needed 

While customer requests often drive equipment upgrades, there are several reasons a healthcare facility may consider. Such as changing operational needs or developments in imaging technology. 

Common considerations include: 

• Equipment age and performance 

• Changing clinical needs 

• Technology advancements 

• Contract renewals 

• Cybersecurity and software support 

By reviewing these factors, facilities can better determine when an upgrade is appropriate, and what type of equipment will support their operations moving forward. 

Evaluating Equipment Options with Numed’s Operations and Engineering Teams 

Selecting replacement imaging equipment involves more than identifying a newer system. Numed’s Operations and Engineering teams contribute practical experience to ensure equipment will align with the facility’s clinical requirements, available budget, anticipated demand, and existing infrastructure, for example. 

Our Operations team helps assess equipment options based on the facility’s needs and Numed’s experience with operating and supporting various imaging systems.  

Our Engineering team provides insight into equipment performance, serviceability, and maintenance requirements. Engineering also reviews the physical and technical requirements associated with an upgrade. Depending on the equipment, we may consider electrical power, available room dimensions, equipment weight, and other site requirements. If the existing environment cannot accommodate the proposed equipment, Numed works to identify the necessary modifications and determine which parties will be responsible for completing them. 

Evaluating these requirements early helps identify potential challenges, determine whether facility modifications are necessary, and establish a clear plan for the upgrade. 

Coordinating Equipment Removal, Installation, and Testing 

Once an equipment upgrade has been selected, coordinating the transition is an important part of the process. 

Numed’s Engineering team manages and coordinates the technical activities involved in upgrading leased imaging equipment. Depending on the type and scope of the upgrade, these responsibilities may include equipment sourcing, removal of the existing system, installation, and testing. While some upgrades can be completed directly by Numed’s Engineering team, others may require coordination with equipment manufacturers, installation specialists, or additional service providers.  

Numed’s Operations team may assist with training or other operational considerations as needed. The level of involvement varies depending on the equipment and the services included in the customer’s agreement. 

This coordinated approach allows facilities to work with a partner familiar with their existing equipment, operational requirements, and service expectations. 

Planning Upgrades Around Patient Scheduling 

Maintaining access to diagnostic imaging services is an important consideration when planning an equipment upgrade. Depending on the scope of the work, removing or upgrading an imaging system may require temporary downtime. Numed works with facilities to identify scheduling opportunities that can help reduce interruptions to normal imaging operations. 

Whenever practical, upgrades may be scheduled during: 

• After-hours periods 

• Days when the imaging department is not operating 

• Historically slower periods for the facility 

The appropriate schedule depends on the type of upgrade, equipment availability, installation requirements, and the facility’s patient volume. By coordinating upgrade activities around the facility’s schedule, Numed helps customers plan equipment transitions while considering patient access and department operations. 

How Equipment Upgrades Fit into an Existing Lease 

Equipment upgrades are evaluated based on the customer’s needs, available technology, and the terms of the existing lease agreement. 

In some cases, equipment upgrades are anticipated within the original agreement. For example, Numed may provide interim equipment while a facility waits for its preferred imaging system to become available. The transition to the desired equipment can be planned as part of the initial arrangement. 

For other customers, an upgrade may involve extending the existing lease or establishing a new agreement. Numed works with the facility to evaluate equipment options, associated costs, and long-term operational requirements before determining the appropriate next steps. 

This approach allows facilities to consider equipment upgrades as their needs evolve while accounting for budget priorities, equipment availability, and future imaging demand. 

Supporting Technology Throughout the Equipment Lifecycle 

Not every equipment upgrade requires replacing an entire imaging system. Software and workstation upgrades can also help healthcare facilities address changing technology requirements and maintain equipment functionality. 

For example, Numed has completed hundreds of GE Xeleris workstation upgrades for nuclear medicine customers across its service offerings. Many of these upgrades were prompted by the Windows operating system reaching end of life, creating potential cybersecurity and software compatibility concerns. 

As software platforms age and manufacturer support changes, healthcare facilities may need to evaluate upgrades to maintain system compatibility and address potential security risks. 

Numed’s experience with imaging equipment, software, and ongoing maintenance provides valuable technical insight when helping leasing customers evaluate their equipment needs. 

Planning for Long-Term Imaging Needs with Numed 

An equipment lease is part of a facility’s broader imaging strategy. As patient demand, clinical requirements, and technology change, equipment needs may change as well. Numed works with customers to evaluate these changes and identify equipment options that align with their operational and financial priorities. 

With experienced Operations and Engineering teams involved in equipment selection, site evaluations, installation, and ongoing support, Numed helps healthcare facilities plan for equipment upgrades throughout their leasing relationships. 

Considering an upgrade to your leased imaging equipment? Contact Numed to discuss your current equipment, technology requirements, and available leasing options.