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When we think about purchasing new imaging equipment, it’s easy to focus on the price tag. But one of the more interesting conversations at AHRA challenged attendees to think much bigger than the initial investment. The session explored Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): all of the expenses that occur long after the ribbon is cut and the first patient is scanned.

Purchase Price Is Only Part of the Story

The discussion highlighted that the purchase price often represents less than one-third of an imaging system’s lifetime cost. Everything from service agreements and software upgrades to staffing, training, downtime, facility modifications, and replacement planning plays a significant role in determining the true value of an investment. It’s a good reminder that today’s purchasing decisions can impact operations for the next decade or more.

United Imaging shared its approach to reducing long-term ownership costs through fully configured systems, lifetime software upgrades, comprehensive service agreements, and performance guarantees designed to minimize unexpected expenses. Whether organizations choose this model or another, it sparked a broader conversation about what healthcare leaders should be asking vendors before signing a contract — not just “What does it cost today?” but “What will it cost over the next 10 to 15 years?”

Smarter Replacement Planning

One of my favorite parts of the session was hearing from the leadership team at OhioHealth, who shared how they manage imaging equipment across a large health system.

Their approach combines a strong in-house biomedical engineering team with strategic vendor partnerships, allowing them to troubleshoot many issues internally while escalating only when necessary. They also use a data-driven replacement model that considers utilization, equipment age, clinical impact, and service history rather than simply replacing systems based on age alone.

Investing in Systems and the People Who Use Them

The conversation around MRI in-the-field upgrades was particularly interesting. Instead of replacing an entire system, many MRI magnets can remain in place while surrounding hardware and software are modernized, extending the equipment’s life, reducing downtime, and significantly lowering replacement costs. It’s a great example of how innovation isn’t always about buying something brand new — it can also mean maximizing the value of what you already have.

Another theme that resonated throughout the discussion was the importance of investing in people. Flexible training options, responsive technical support, and reliable service aren’t just conveniences. They directly affect uptime, staff confidence, and ultimately the patient experience.

The biggest takeaway? Total cost of ownership is about much more than dollars and cents. It’s about making thoughtful, strategic decisions that balance financial stewardship with operational excellence. When imaging leaders consider the full lifecycle of their equipment — not just the purchase price — they’re better positioned to support their teams, patients, and organizations for years to come.

Special Thanks to Our Speakers 

Luann Culbreth, MEd, MBA, RT(R)(MR)(QM), CRA, FAHRA, FACHE
Senior Director, Corporate Advocacy & Outreach, United Imaging Healthcare North America

Scott Campbell
Regional Sales Director for the South Region, United Imaging Healthcare

Edgar Alvarez
Vice President, X-Ray and Enterprise Services, United Imaging Healthcare

Kimlyn Queen-Weis, DHA, MBA, CRA, FAHRA, R.T.(R)(CT)(MR)
Senior Director, OhioHealth

Greg Reichle
Imaging Engineering Manager, OhioHealth

Hilary Russell, BS, CRA, R.T.(R)(CT)
Manager of Imaging Services, OhioHealth Shelby Hospital, Ashland & Ontario FSEDs, & Ontario Imaging Center