How Much Does A Sonogram Machine Cost?

When looking at larger or smaller ultrasound systems, you always want to determine if you want advanced features or standard options. A refurbished system can save a clinic on startup costs, while a manufacturer or labor warranty can increase a machine’s value over the years. Since ultrasound machines can also conduct sonograms, you may ask, “How much does a sonogram machine cost?” The answer may surprise you.

Why Do Ultrasound Imaging Price Ranges Vary

The use of ultrasound technology is ubiquitous in healthcare, owing to its safety, non-invasiveness, ease of use, and ready accessibility. In diagnostics and therapy, ultrasound machines have been adopted in a variety of specialized applications. Given their extensive scope, the machines understandably cater to different resolutions, portability, and budgetary requirements. Consequently, they come in varying sizes and cost ranges.

Progress In General Radiology

Furthermore, with scientific advances, there has been a tremendous increase in imaging quality as well as falling prices. Moreover, even portable machines that were once associated with mediocre quality, now provide high-quality imaging in spite of increased portability and reduced sizes.

Given the range of ultrasound equipment available in the market today, it’s cumbersome to research the cost of each of these. The cost factors can affect prices for ultrasounds as well, for patients and insurance.

To make your task easier, we have put together a simple guide with comprehensive information on ‘how much does an ultrasound machine cost,’ in terms of both ultrasound machines. As an owner of a large healthcare facility or private practice, we aim to give you an approximate idea of what an ultrasound machine may cost you.

How Much Does A Sonogram Machine Cost? – All You Need To Know

The price of ultrasound machines depends upon a range of factors such as age, brand, model, functionality, and application, among others. So, before discussing the cost of ultrasound machines, let’s consider some of the factors that impact it.

Factors Influencing Ultrasound Machine Cost

• Age – Brand new machines are naturally more expensive than used and refurbished ones. The higher the number of years that a machine has been used, the lesser will be its price.
• Brand and Model – World-renowned brands are more expensive than others, however, it clearly depends upon the type of model and how novel it is. Since newer models adopt advanced technologies, providing more features and superior quality, these are more expensive than older ones. It’s important to check how old a given model is, as it’s difficult to find replacement parts for very old models owing to discontinuation. Newer models come at a higher price than older versions, even if they offer some of the same features.
• Functionality and Application – Machines that cater to a wide range of applications, provide a high degree of flexibility, and hence, are understandably priced higher than the rest. The functionality and range of features offered by a machine largely influence its price tag.
• Portability – Smaller and more portable machines, especially handheld ones, are significantly more cost-efficient than say, trolley-based ultrasounds.
• Warranty and Maintenance – In some cases, maintenance costs are included in the machine price. However, most manufacturers and suppliers provide a warranty, by default for a limited period, for instance, one to five years.

Apart from the above factors, ultrasound machine cost depends primarily on whether the equipment is new, used, or refurbished. Some manufacturers also offer demo machines for sale; these are usually, in top-notch condition, almost as good as new. We discuss below these four categories that primarily drive equipment cost.

How Much Does An Ultrasound Machine Cost?

• New – New ultrasound machines are of course brand-new machines sold by the original manufacturer or supplier. Brand new ultrasound machines are also available online. New machines are naturally the most expensive among all categories as these are unused. The cost of new ultrasound machines ranges from $20,000 to $200,000 USD or even higher if it’s a high-end machine.
• Used – Used machines are typically priced lower than new or refurbished ones since they’ve been used prior, for a given amount of time, ranging from say, a few months to several years. These lie at the lowest end of the spectrum cost-wise and are hence, the cheapest among all categories. Used machines can cost between 5,000 and 40,000 USD (depending upon the model and brand).
• Refurbished – The refurbished category is comprised of machines that have been used but refurbished by the manufacturer or supplier. Although the term varies from company to company, refurbishment generally means that the machine has been upgraded cosmetically as well as functionality-wise. Cosmetic upgrade means that the machines, including covers, have been cleaned and painted, depending on their condition. The functionality-wise upgrade includes several enhancements such as software upgrade, replacement of parts, and unlocking features. Refurbishing aims to make available the full features and functionality that a model is capable of. High-quality machines with advanced functionality, that is, mid-range to high-range refurbished machines cost anywhere from $28,000 to $70,000 USD. You can save a massive $150,000 – $200,000 USD if you opt for a high-end, refurbished ultrasound machine.
• Demo – Demo machines are those that have not been sold to end-users but have been used by manufacturers or suppliers themselves for trades, exhibitions, fairs, training, or testing. Since these are not sold to end-users but used by manufacturers for demo purposes, these are typically in good condition, almost as good as new. Demo machines lie between the refurbished and new categories and are typically priced 30-35 % lower than new machines[1].

Machine Categories

• Low-Range – Low-range ultrasound machines are basic category devices, ideally suited for small-scale or private practice. These machines range from $5,000 to $30,000 USD. An average low-cost machine would typically cost $5,000 – $15,000 USD. Unfortunately, low-range machines are not refurbished as it doesn’t make economic sense to refurbish a machine that is available for $5,000 – $30,000 USD in a brand-new state.
• Mid-Range – Mid-range machines have functionality and quality that is higher than low-range systems. Therefore, these provide above-average imaging quality and functionality along with a moderate range of features. These can be priced from $15,000 to $60,000 USD. Used mid-range machines approximately cost between $15,000 and $25,000 USD, refurbished between $25,000 and $35,000 USD, and new mid-range machines between $45,000 and $60,000 USD.
• High-Range – High-range systems offer advanced functionality and features, and superior quality imaging. These are priced at $100,000 USD and above. Refurbished high-range machines are reasonably priced, from $50,000 to $70,000 USD. And used high-end machines cost substantially lower, ranging from $25,000 to $40,000 USD.

What Affects Purchase Price?

These prices may vary depending upon the brand and model. Some brands make high-tier systems, which have more features and better image quality. For example, there is a difference between GE LOGIQ and GE Voluson.

A Potential Ultrasound Machines

The use of ultrasound technology in detecting and treating medical conditions is indispensable today given that it’s a safe screening method, in comparison with harmful radiology. They can send ultrasound waves in a matter of seconds, with some machines streaming images for data storage.

Moreover, ultrasound will play an even larger role in healthcare as the technology advances and in turn, further broadens its scope of application. For fields like OB-Gyn and endocrinology which need more research, medical professionals need the newest equipment possible to make progress with diagnoses.

Invest In Portable Ultrasound Machines From National Ultrasound

National Ultrasound takes pride in providing fair ultrasound machine prices and quotes for refurbished systems. To help you equip your practice with the right ultrasound system that fits your clinical and budgetary needs, we offer a wide range of cutting-edge ultrasound machines from leading manufacturers such as GE, Mindray, Philips, Sonosite, and Toshiba.Contact a National Ultrasound professional today for a customized quote on any of our wheel-based or portable ultrasound machines. We know the medical field is constantly changing, and so are ultrasounds.