If you own a 2D Mammography system, chances are you've considered or have been approached with the idea of "upgrading" your system to a 3D Tomo unit.
So, what is the benefit of upgrading from 2D to 3D? And how do you upgrade your system?
Below we'll discuss the top four reasons to consider upgrading your Mammography system from 2D to 3D and how you can save money by buying a refurbished 3D unit vs. new.
Standard of Care
3D mammography is becoming the standard of care within hospitals, imaging centers, and physician’s offices. 3D mammography has been FDA-approved in the US since 2011. Starting around 2015 more and more insurance companies now pay for these 3D scans because studies show 3D mammography is more accurate than traditional mammography in the early detection of breast cancer.
Patients and referring practitioners are now asking for (and expecting) 3D studies, which makes the conversation for upgrading from 2D to 3D a compelling one.
Lower Dosage for Patients
With the advent of Hologic’s C-View feature, (whereby synthetic 2D images are post-reconstructed) there is an immediate benefit to the patient in the form of lower x-ray dosage.
In short, this C-View software offers early detection while minimizing the dose of radiation patients experience during a scan. This feature is available on some Hologic Dimensions 3D Tomo units, with a 1.8.3 software level or higher.
Bump in Reimbursement
In addition to providing a better, more comprehensive service to your patients, by helping to detect cancers sooner, there is also an improvement in reimbursement dollars for offering 3D studies. Purchasing a refurbished (vs new) 3D mammography unit and being able to take advantage of improved reimbursement are a couple of great ways to expedite your return on investment.
Windows 10 Upgrade
While many mammography machines are currently operating on Windows 7 platforms without issue, you may have an IT who prefers (or mandates) a move to a Windows 10 platform for added security.
Currently, win10 3D units are slowly beginning to trickle onto the secondary market. Alternatively, the OEM is the only channel by which you can upgrade a current system from win7 to win10.
How do I upgrade my Mammography System?
If your facility currently houses a 3D mammography system running win7, your only option to legally upgrade your unit to win10 is the OEM. If you have a 2D mammo and are looking to move to a 3D system running win10, consider saving money by locating a pre-owned or refurbished unit.
Third-party sellers like Block Imaging are always looking to give 2D and 3D (win7) units a second life, so consider selling your current system if/when you do upgrade your unit.
Save by Purchasing a Refurbished Mammography System
With more 3D mammography systems now hitting the market, there is an opportunity to move to 3D and do so at cost savings over buying new.
Buyers can expect to save between $50,000-$100,000 for Dimensions units. Furthermore, for US customers, you can have the confidence that a full bumper-to-bumper service contract brings. Being able to buy a preowned or refurbished system with an extended warranty (up to 84 months) is a great way to save money—and do so with the confidence that parts/engineering capabilities will be available for the long term.
The Takeaway
Upgrading your mammography system from 2D to 3D can offer vast benefits from patient care to increased revenue generation and data security. At Block Imaging we are happy to answer any questions about upgrading to 3D mammo and can offer expert advice on how to save by purchasing a refurbished unit.
Contact our team of Mammography experts here, or give us a call at 517-668-8800.
Matt Lenart: November 18, 2024
