Are you prepared to implement a CT modality in your practice?

Are you prepared to implement a CT modality in your practice?

A CT scanner is a great investment into better diagnosis and treatment options and lifts the general quality and reputation for each veterinary practice or clinic.
There are a few things to consider before the purchase to avoid surprises at your end. There are not only different models of CT-Scanners, but also other conditions such as staff, time factors and total costs ultimately determine whether the purchase pays off in the long term.

It may be worth investigating how close your nearest practice is that offers CT services. This would influence the number of referral patients you would gain. Informal partnerships often develop between practices with mutual benefit for all concerned.

Financials and time resources

• Which CT system fits into my practice?
• How much do suitable models cost, and can I invest?
• What construction measures are necessary and can they be realized both financially and
  structurally?
• Measures such as installation, training, maintenance as well as education and formation
  and, if necessary, staff recruitment.

Note: The infrastructure and service offerings have a direct impact to choose the right modality.

Staff and expertise

• What is your personal knowledge of computed tomography?
• Do you know the proper indications for CT scans and the limitations of the technology?
• Are you familiar with protocols and proper positioning for CT scans?
• Is your staff trained for anesthesia techniques to perform high-quality scans?
• Are you able to identify and correct errors and artifacts during a CT scan?
• Are you able to make decisions about the quality of the scan?

Note: The quality of the CT scan has a significant impact on its diagnostic value.

Reporting

• Do you have a radiologist on site or do you plan to outsource the reporting to an external
  radiologist or a teleradiology provider?
• Do you already work together with an external radiologist or a provider to report on
  other modalities (e.g. radiographs)?

Note: Resources in teleradiology are very limited, ensure you choose your provider in advance.

Hospital owners often first ask themselves: What minimum number of CT scans do I need per month to make the purchase worthwhile? Be meticulous when considering this factor as it can distort the overall calculation or value of the modality, creating pressure to perform unnecessary CT scans.

Therefore, consider the overall impact on your clinic as a unit:

• Am I making ideal use of my existing diagnostic infrastructure? Performing good
  radiographs should always be a top priority before buying a CT machine.
• Do I have sufficient CT indications inhouse or could the number of referral patients
  increase? This also includes the owner's compliance to accept further diagnostics.
• What do I want to achieve with the CT scans beyond diagnostics? A CT scanner can have a
  tremendous impact on the overall reputation of the practice or clinic.
• What additional treatment and surgery options will result from the CT scans? Make sure
  your staff is prepared for the additional work volume.

Note: To calculate the return on investment for your CT machine, you should consider the impact it will have on increasing the reputation of your practice as a high level medical facility.

Do you need support?

DiploVets offers more than just diagnostics. We also understand us as a point of contact for questions and uncertainties that arise in connection with imaging.

Together we achieve the best diagnosis and treatment options.

Contact:

E info@diplovets.com
W www.DiploVets.com - together we care