How to Negotiate a Medical Devices Service Contract

A medical device service contract will cover the equipment after the warranty expires. Negotiating a service contract on a medical device is necessary when the equipment requires maintenance from a separate company. Many medical facilities have an employee who can repair equipment; however, certain devices need a specialist that does not work for the facility.

1. Review the warranty that comes with a particular medical device. Try to determine how long the medical facility will use the device and then compare the length of service with the warranty. Purchase a service contract to cover the device from the time the warranty expires until the date the facility will discontinue using it.


2. Contact the equipment vendor to negotiate the service contract. Decide what type of service the medical facility needs for the device. For example, some medical equipment does not require 24-hour service 7 days a week.


3. Find out the cost of the service contract. One way to negotiate the contract is by requesting more frequent service. For example, if a service contract requires a specialist to perform maintenance once a month, you can negotiate to have it serviced twice a month.


4. Negotiate the length of the service contract with the equipment vendor. If the service contract is for 2 years and you think the facility will use the device for 5 years, try to get a 5-year contract for the 2-year price. If the medical facility purchases a lot of equipment from the vendor, it is usually easier to get an extended service contract for a lower price.


5. Include a cancellation clause in the service contract. Having a cancellation clause will allow the facility to save some money if the administrator decides the facility should stop using a device before the service contract ends. Make sure there is no penalty in the service contract for canceling it early.