Digital Radiography Plate Drop Coverage: What You Need to Know
You’ve bought an expensive, top of the line wireless DR plate (digital radiography). It’s only been out of the box for two days when your lead tech, who is used to working with inexpensive CR plates, drops it. Do you have DR plate drop coverage?
Okay, so the paragraph above is scary, right? Almost scary enough to stick with CR or certainly purchase insurance coverage. Costly object X is entered into catastrophic situation Y and a hypothetical lack of coverage leads to budget-crushing dollar amount Z in damages. The story may be hackneyed but, at its core, it relays the reason why any of us buy coverage for anything: in case of XYZ.
What Is Drop Coverage?
If you’re unfamiliar with what's referred to as "Drop Coverage" it’s relatively self-explanatory: DR plate drop coverage is a plan purchased from an OEM or third party that provides funding toward replacing your DR plate should it be dropped during the course of regular use.
Why Do You Want It?
DR plates are far more expensive to replace than traditional CR plates. If you are converting from CR to DR your techs are used to replacing dropped plates inexpensively if needed. Most DR plates are not made to sustain being dropped and, at $50,000-$100,000 each, are very expensive to replace.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
Read the terms of a drop coverage offer very carefully. Some terms have clauses that exclude "accidental droppage" (i.e. out of someone's hands as opposed to one of the x-ray unit's trays) and many of them only cover a portion of the DR plate’s cost.
Think about adding your DR plate as a rider to your hospital or imaging center’s insurance policy. This will frequently offer more protection at a lower premium.
In the long run, it's a good idea to have some form of coverage on your DR plate. It’s important to evaluate and understand the different options as well as the reimbursement and replacement details should the dreaded XYZ occur.
We would love to hear about your experience with benefits and drawbacks of Drop Coverage. Also, if you’re considering upgrading your Analog X-Ray Room or converting from CR to DR, we’re here to help.
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Meet the authors: Becka Bowden and Jordan Batterbee
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