What We’ve Seen Go Wrong: Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Imaging Equipment Planning

With years of experience in the medical imaging industry, we’ve helped facilities through successful installs and watched some struggle with unexpected obstacles. And more often than not, it wasn’t the machine that caused the problem, it was the planning.

This post isn’t a checklist. It’s a look behind the curtain at what can go wrong if critical steps are missed and how to avoid those same costly mistakes.

Mistake #1: Overlooking Power Requirements

We’ve seen projects delayed by weeks simply because a transformer wasn’t ordered in time. Power companies move slowly, and if you’re not ahead of it, you’re behind.

What happens:

• Equipment delivery gets pushed

• Opening dates get delayed

• Revenue takes a hit before scanning even begins

How we avoid it:
At PrizMED, one of the first things we ask is, “Do you know what power the building has?” We work with your team early, sometimes before equipment is even chosen, to make sure infrastructure won’t be a roadblock later.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Service Planning

It’s easy to assume the system will just “work” after installation. But even the best imaging systems need service, and when something breaks, the clock starts ticking on lost revenue.

What happens:

• Facilities wait days (or weeks) for a fix

• Exams get canceled

• Patient trust suffers

How we avoid it:
We set up direct lines of communication between your imaging techs and our Service Team. Quick response, fast resolutions, no ticket handoffs.

Mistake #3: Forgetting the Fine Print in Software

Some features, like low-dose scanning, cardiac protocols, or auto-reporting tools, aren’t included by default. We've seen buyers surprised to find they’re missing key capabilities after the install is done.

What happens:

• Facilities scramble for post-purchase add-ons

• Budgets get blown

• Systems sit underutilized

How we avoid it:
We review every software package with our clients, comparing what’s standard and what’s optional, so nothing critical gets left off the table.

Mistake #4: Underestimating the Buildout

One missed spec, like HVAC capacity or wall clearance, can cost thousands in last-minute construction changes. We’ve seen it happen.

What happens:

• Teams rush to redesign a room

• Contractors issue change orders

• Timelines slip, and costs rise fast

How we avoid it:
We guide room design from the very beginning. Whether you're working with an architect, contractor, or facilities team, we make sure specs are aligned with your equipment from day one.

Mistake #5: Skipping the Training Plan

Installing the system is one thing. Using it effectively is another. When techs aren’t properly trained, scan quality drops, workflows slow down, and patient throughput suffers.

What happens:

• Long scan times

• Re-scans due to poor image quality

• Bottlenecks at the scanner

How we avoid it:
We provide onsite training tailored to your system and team. We also offer workflow tips that help you get the most out of your investment, starting day one.

Final Thought

You don’t have to learn these lessons the hard way. We’ve already seen what goes wrong, so we can help you get it right the first time.

Need a team that plans like your revenue depends on it?
Let’s talk. We’ll help you avoid the costly mistakes before they happen and turn your install into another success story.