Repair or Replace Your Orthopedic Therapy Equipment

When orthopedic equipment stops working, your first instinct might be to simply replace it outright. But a broken component doesn’t necessarily mean the entire machine has reached the end of its useful life.

Think instead: What will it cost to repair orthopedic equipment, how much useful life will that repair provide, and what would a suitable replacement actually cost?

That calculation can save a healthcare facility, therapy practice, and individuals thousands of dollars, particularly with equipment that still has a solid mechanical and electrical foundation.

What Does an Orthopedic Equipment Repair Require?

A proper repair starts with diagnosis. A qualified service technician should:

• Inspect the machine for wear, malfunction, and performance problems.
• Identify the failed component and determine whether the problem affects other parts.
• Check parts availability for the specific make and model.
• Repair or replace faulty components as needed.
• Calibrate and test the equipment before returning it to use.
• Look for other developing problems that could cause another breakdown soon.

The medcom group follows this type of process for rehabilitation equipment, including CPM machines, cold therapy units, lymphedema pumps and compression devices, and TENS and EMS units. Our service department also provides diagnostic assistance and replacement parts for specific equipment models.

That last point really does matter with older equipment. A technician may diagnose a repairable problem, only to discover that the manufacturer no longer supplies the necessary part. In that situation, replacement may make more financial sense.

Which Therapy Machines Are Often Worth Repairing?

CPM machines often make good repair candidates when the motor, frame, controls, and other major components remain in good condition. A problem with one component does not automatically justify replacing the whole unit.

Cold therapy units, like the NICE1 cold and compression system, can also make sense to repair when a pump, tubing, cooling component, or electrical part causes the problem while the rest of the system remains functional.

The same applies to TENS and EMS units. If the machine has a localized electrical or component failure, repairing that issue may cost far less than purchasing another complete device.

Here’s an example to help paint the picture: we offer CPM service plans from $170 to $260. Those prices cover inspection, cleaning, diagnostics, and lubrication; parts and additional repair labor cost extra. We always provide a written estimate before completing a repair.

Compare that with the cost of replacement. A new knee CPM machine can cost $3,000 to $3,455, while refurbished models can cost around $1,295 and up.

When Should You Replace Instead?

Generally speaking, repair stops making financial sense when the machine's remaining useful life doesn't justify the expense. Replacement may make more sense when:

• The equipment has reached an advanced age and parts have become difficult to find.
• The machine has developed repeated problems rather than one isolated failure.
• Several major components need replacement at the same time.
• The repair estimate approaches the cost of a comparable replacement.
• The equipment no longer meets your clinical needs.
• The machine cannot maintain consistent performance after service.

Don't compare the repair bill with the purchase price alone; you should consider the total cost of ownership. A $600 repair on a machine that could provide several more years of reliable service looks very different from a $600 repair on equipment that has already required three other repairs this year.

Downtime also has a cost, especially for health clinics that need equipment ready and available. If a critical machine sits out of service for weeks while someone searches for obsolete parts, a replacement may provide better value even when the repair itself costs less.

Get the Repair Estimate Before You Replace the Machine

Before buying new orthopedic equipment, find out what your existing machine needs and what the repair will cost. The medcom group can diagnose and repair a range of rehabilitation equipment, helping you compare the repair expense with the cost of replacement.

Contact the medcom group today to get the conversation started!