Hospitals lost billions in Medicare and Medicaid payments. They lost $130 billion in 2023 alone (American Hospital Association). They aren’t the only ones feeling financial strain; small clinics feel the pressure alongside them.
The reality is tight budgets, inconsistent reimbursement rates, and administrators balancing care and rising costs. Doctors often hesitate to use new diagnostic tools. This is because of high upfront costs and uncertain returns on portable ultrasound investments.
Imaging equipment is expensive, often requiring training, and many clinics are uncertain about the payoff. Developers designed portable ultrasound tools to help make money and improve care. They are not seen as liabilities. Their benefits as a cost-effective medical tool are now crucial.
At Marcroft Medical, we’ve spent 20+ years helping clinics transform their workflow and patient outcomes with FDA-cleared equipment. Our expertise in delivering portable imaging devices means most clinics earn back their investment within weeks to months.
Let’s look at the clinical and financial benefits of portable ultrasound. We will see why now is the best time to add it to your practice. You’ll also learn how portable ultrasound devices focus on enhancing clinic efficiency.
Why Portable Ultrasound Is Now a No-Brainer for Clinics
Portable ultrasound devices have dramatically improved. They’ve become:
- Smaller
- Smarter
- More affordable
Gone are the days when ultrasounds existed in radiology departments. They’re now compact enough to fit in a bag and versatile enough to serve a range of specialties.
Here’s why portable ultrasound has become an essential tool for clinics of all sizes:
Versatility Across Specialties
Ultrasounds are no longer just for obstetrics. They’ve become an invaluable tool for some of the following specialties:
- Family medicine
- Cardiology
- Orthopedics
- Urgent care
- Sports medicine
- Veterinarians
Family practitioners can quickly assess abdominal pain or bladder issues on-site. Cardiologists can use handheld ultrasound units for rapid echo screenings.
Urgent care centers can perform trauma FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exams without delay. This is more critical than ever, since a FAST exam can work to identify life-threatening injuries, including:
- Internal bleeding
- Pericardial tamponade
An eFAST (extended FAST) exam allows practitioners to assess for pneumothorax via lung evaluation. This makes ultrasounds an invaluable part of any medical practice.
See our EchoNous Kosmos Mobile Portable Ultrasound (Kosmos Torso-One) unit here:
Speed and Accuracy
Immediate imaging means patients receive faster diagnoses. This reduces unnecessary referrals and subsequent anxiety. When patients get real-time scans, doctors can make decisions during the same visit. This leads to better outcomes.
Cost and Size Advantages
The price of portable imaging devices has dropped significantly in recent years, making them more affordable. Although units vary in price, medical professionals can purchase portable ultrasounds for as little as $1,500. See the Butterfly IQ+ Vet here.
Their compact design means you don’t need special rooms for these units. This allows small and mid-sized clinics to access high-quality imaging. Community health centers and rural practices also benefit from these affordable, compact devices.
Patient Convenience and Satisfaction
The option of on-site imaging improves patient retention by delivering a wide range of services all under one roof. They won’t have to travel elsewhere for diagnostics or wait days for results. At Marcroft Medical, we focus on delivering FDA-cleared portable ultrasounds optimized for smaller practices.
How Doctors Earn Back the Investment – Let’s Do the Math
No denying that ultrasound investment returns sound promising. But what does it mean in dollars and cents? Here’s a straightforward explanation of how clinics can recoup the cost of these units, sometimes within just a few weeks:
Equipment Cost and Financing
Portable ultrasound units vary widely in price depending on several factors. This includes:
- Technology and Features
- Brand and Manufacturer
- Portability and Design
- Regulatory Clearance and Warranty
- Intended Use and Specialty
- New vs. Refurbished
- Software and Updates
- Volume Discounts and Financing Options
Clinics can finance their portable ultrasound machines. This means they can pay for them in monthly installments instead of all at once. The amount of each monthly payment depends on the total cost of the machine.
In many cases, payments fall around the $300/month range. This is typically less than the cost of referring out just one patient for imaging.
Monthly Revenue Projections Based on Scans
Reimbursement for ultrasound scans isn’t one-size-fits-all. Payments vary by procedure type and payer. Clinics can usually expect to get between $85 and $150 for each scan. This amount depends on the CPT code and insurance contracts.
This reimbursement helps cover:
- Equipment Cost and Maintenance
- Repairs and Software Updates
- Warranties
- Staff and Operational Costs
- Consumables and Supplies
- Billing and Insurance Processing
- Regulatory Compliance and Ongoing Training
Even with low scan volumes and smaller payments, many clinics pay their monthly bills in the first month. They often see good net revenue by the third month.
For clinics with many scans or those that accept cash payments, portable ultrasound ROI can be reached more quickly.
Realistic usage is best for determining monthly revenue projections based on scans:
- Month 1: 4 scans/week = $1,360
- Month 2: 6 scans/week = $2,040
- Month 3+: 10 scans/week = $3,400+
Additional Financial Benefits and Portable Ultrasound ROI
Clinics save money by keeping imaging in-house, reducing referral fees.
Immediate diagnosis also minimizes:
- Repeat calls
- Follow-ups
- Patient anxiety
With portable ultrasound machines offering results the same day, clinics attract more patients. Their volume increases, which leads to a higher ROI.
Billing and CPT Code Transparency
Medicare.gov’s Procedure Price Lookup assists with understanding portable ultrasound machine codes and reimbursement. Here are some examples:
- CPT 76830 (Ultrasound, transvaginal): $87
- CPT 76856 (Ultrasound, pelvic, non-obstetric): $87
- CPT 76881 (Ultrasound, complete joint): $51
Rates may be higher with commercial insurance or self-pay options.
5 Most Common Use Cases by Specialty (and Their ROI Potential)
Portable ultrasound technology serves a wide range of specialties. These practices benefit by diagnosing patients faster, leading to better overall health outcomes.
By knowing these common use cases, clinics can improve their clinical impact and get a good return on investment.
1. Family Practice
For common issues like stomach pain or trouble urinating, ultrasound machines can quickly scan a patient’s bladder and abdomen. This reduces unnecessary referrals for imaging.
Patients are less anxious due to immediate results. Physicians can assess bladder volume with ultrasound devices, preventing unnecessary catheterizations. This saves time and helps keep patients more comfortable.
2. OB/GYN
Ultrasound machines are primarily used in dating early pregnancies and detecting fetal heartbeats. Obstetricians can reassure patients immediately courtesy of these portable devices, improving overall satisfaction and doctor-patient trust. Obstetricians can also detect and triage potential complications early, improving outcomes.
3. Cardiology
Clinics can provide immediate cardiac screening, leading to earlier interventions and potentially avoiding hospital visits for conditions that are otherwise simple to assess. Portable ultrasound machines are ideal for echocardiographic assessments, ruling out Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
4. MSK/Chiropractic
Musculoskeletal imaging allows clinicians to evaluate symptoms and provide on-site diagnosis. This includes:
- Tendons
- Joints
- Soft tissues
Patients benefit from accurate treatment for the following conditions:
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee pain
- Tendonitis
By offering patients immediate imaging, there is a reduction in care delays. This helps patients heal faster.
5. Urgent Care
If internal bleeding or other injuries occur, rapid ultrasound assessment is non-negotiable. FAST exams and trauma triage rely on it, and portable units aid in trauma response. This works to save lives through speedy diagnosis and referral decisions.
Explore cost-effective medical tools tailored for these specialties at Marcroft Medical.
What to Look for When Buying a Portable Ultrasound (And What to Avoid)
Choosing a portable ultrasound machine for your clinic can feel overwhelming, especially with so many affordable options available. To streamline your decision process, here are some key features to focus on:
- Probe versatility: The ability to use multiple probes, such as linear, convex, and phased array, covers diverse clinical needs.
- Battery life: Long-lasting batteries are crucial for busy clinic days and help prevent workflow interruptions.
- Image resolution: High-definition imaging is essential for diagnostic confidence.
- Connectivity: Wireless or wired options allow for easy image transfer and telemedicine applications.
- Regulatory clearance: Always confirm that the machine has FDA clearance and complies with local medical device regulations.
Common Pitfalls to Navigate
Always avoid deals from resellers who are not certified. This includes marketplaces without any type of clear warranty.
Beware of outdated models that lack crucial software updates and have antiquated connectivity features.
If units lack accessible technical support, understand that this can delay repairs. The result? An impact on critical patient care.
Why Choose Marcroft Medical?
Our list of available products includes fully certified, thoroughly tested ultrasound units. These units also offer comprehensive warranties and customer support.
We’re committed to excellence and stand behind every sale. Our knowledgeable product advisors and technical experts understand your clinic’s needs, offering support and guidance on all products.
Explore our portable imaging devices today.
Real-World Example: ROI from a Rural Family Clinic
For Stephen Erickson, MD, FAAFP, Jefferson Healthcare, Pt. Townsend, WA, ultrasound is a non-negotiable.
A 6-year-old boy presented with 36 hours of left hip pain and a progressively worsening limp. There was no history of injury. The physical exam was normal, except for mild discomfort during hip flexion and extension.
Ultrasound showed fluid in the left femoroacetabular joint. Doctors confirmed this by comparing it to the other side.
The medical team safely removed the fluid in the office using ultrasound. Lab tests showed that it was toxic synovitis. The medical team managed the patient as an outpatient, and the patient made a full recovery within days.
From The Usefulness of Point of Care Ultrasound in Family Medicine, an Observational Study discussion: “Good quality ultrasound images can now be obtained from a device small enough to carry in a coat pocket… POCUS equipment has become affordable for most any practice setting. We can expect these advancements to result in ever broader application of ultrasound in clinical medicine.”
Bonus ROI: How Ultrasound Improves Patient Experience and Clinic Flow
Portable ultrasound benefits offer direct revenue opportunities. More importantly, they deliver critical advantages that elevate patient care and the way a clinic performs.
- Same-day diagnostics: Eliminates delays caused by external referrals, giving patients fast answers and improving outcomes.
- Modern clinic image: In-house ultrasound shows your clinic is forward-thinking, attracting new patients.
- Patient retention: Fast, thorough care builds loyalty and keeps patients returning.
- Fewer missed follow-ups: On-the-spot diagnosis helps prevent lost patients and supports better health outcomes.
- Staff efficiency and morale: Clinicians can make quicker, more confident decisions, improving workflow and reducing uncertainty.
The result:
- Faster answers
- Stronger outcomes
- Aclinic patients trust
Getting results right away builds confidence, but more importantly, it can save lives.
Why Clinics Choose Marcroft Medical for Ultrasound Equipment
Marcroft Medical has two decades of medical distribution expertise. We build our reputation on reliability and customer-centered service.
We are trusted by many clinics across the country. All our devices are FDA-cleared and meet high standards. We offer robust warranties and expert support, including product training and after-sales service.
We also have refurbished options available to help save on cost. Should you need customer support, we offer real humans on the phone.
Your Action Plan: Make Your Portable Ultrasound Pay for Itself
An action plan includes several steps. Consider the following:
- Step 1: Assess your patient volume and potential scan opportunities per week based on common diagnoses.
- Step 2: Calculate estimated revenue using typical reimbursement rates and scan volumes. Compare this to monthly financing or purchase costs.
- Step 3: Explore our range of portable ultrasound units to find one that fits your clinical and budgetary needs.
Conclusion – It’s Not About Equipment. About revenue, control, and patient care.
Portable ultrasound is more than a diagnostic tool. A modern advantage benefits patients and providers. Controlled results lead to better outcomes.
Buying portable ultrasound equipment from Marcroft Medical is a wise choice for your clinic and your patients’ health. A reliable ultrasound unit gives faster diagnostics, extra revenue with portable ultrasound ROI, and control over outcomes.
Ready to see how portable ultrasound can work in your clinic? Browse our recommended units or contact our product team today.
FAQ
Can I Bill Insurance for Portable Ultrasound?
Yes. Insurance companies will reimburse most portable ultrasound procedures. They must have established CPT codes. Check with your billing department and payers to confirm specifics.
How Many Scans Before I See ROI?
Most clinics break even within one to three months. It depends on how frequently they scan patients and current reimbursement rates.
Do I Need a Special License to Operate?
Ultrasound operators typically require ultrasound training, but not a special license. To avoid this, clinics should always confirm local regulatory requirements.
