Service Contracts: What’s Worth Paying For (And What Isn’t)

When you purchase an MRI or CT scanner, the next big decision usually is not about the equipment itself; it is about the service contract. Do you stick with the OEM? Choose an independent provider? Or take your chances with time-and-materials repairs?

The truth is, not all services are created equal. Some cover only the basics, while others sound comprehensive until you discover what is excluded. At PrizMED, we help clients cut through the fine print and secure coverage that actually protects their bottom line. Here’s what you need to know.

What Service Contracts Usually Include

A typical imaging service contract will cover:

• Labor and parts for repairs
• Preventive maintenance visits (usually 2 to 4 per year)
• Software updates (depending on provider)
• Priority response times in case of downtime

This looks good on paper, but what matters is how quickly a technician can actually arrive, and whether the parts you need are in stock. A contract that promises “priority response” but leaves you waiting days is not protecting your revenue.

What’s Often Excluded (Read the Fine Print)

Here’s where providers tend to gloss over details:

• CT tubes and MRI gradients are often excluded or heavily capped
• Rigging and installation of replacement parts is not covered
• Third-party accessories such as injectors, coils, or monitors may not be included
• After-hours or weekend repairs may carry surcharges
• Remote Monitoring and Repairs may carry surcharges
  

PrizMED Tip: We have seen providers advertise “full coverage” only for clients to later find out their $100k CT tube was not included. Always confirm which high-dollar components are covered and which are not.

OEM vs. Third-Party 

Both options have strengths and weaknesses:

• OEM Contracts
  
  

  • Pros: Factory-trained engineers, guaranteed software updates
    
    

  • Cons: Usually the most expensive, often tied to OEM-only parts
    
    

• Independent Provider Contracts
  
  

• • Pros: Lower cost, flexible terms, refurbished parts availability
    
    

  • Cons: Software updates may not be included, coverage varies widely
    
    

The best choice depends on your budget, your scanner’s age, and your tolerance for risk. For some facilities, a hybrid approach (OEM coverage early in a system’s life, then shifting to independent service later) makes the most sense.

What to Look For in a Strong Contract

When reviewing contracts, ask these questions:

• Are tubes, coils, and gradients covered?
• What are the guaranteed response times?
• Are preventive maintenance visits scheduled proactively?
• Are parts stocked locally or shipped in?
• Does the coverage include software updates and security patches?
• Are remote monitoring and repairs included?
  

A good contract should give you confidence that downtime will be rare, brief, and financially manageable.

When It Not Be Worth It

Not every system justifies full coverage. For lower-value or end-of-life equipment, paying time-and-materials can sometimes save money, as long as you are prepared for unexpected downtime.

We have seen facilities overspend on “peace of mind” coverage for equipment that was already near retirement. In those cases, setting aside a reserve budget for repairs may be the smarter option.

Final Takeaway: Coverage That Matches Your Needs

Service contracts are not one-size-fits-all. What is worth paying for is coverage that aligns with your scanner’s age, your scan volume, and your appetite for risk. What is not worth paying for is blanket promises that sound good but leave out the most expensive parts.

At PrizMED, we help clients cut through the fine print and secure service agreements that actually deliver value. Contact our experts to make sure your are covered. Whether it is OEM, independent, or a hybrid approach, we help you weigh the options and make the choice that protects both your uptime and your budget.