Infusion Pumps: Is It Better To Rent Or Buy?

Buying an Infusion Pump vs Renting an Infusion Pump

When it comes to more costly equipment such as infusion pumps, typically hospitals and medical facilities will own a small number of machines and rent additional pumps as needed for patient care. There are pros and cons to this approach.

Why Rent An Infusion Pump?

Pump rentals may be offered in daily, weekly, and monthly rental programs. This allows you to provide the care you need without incurring the overhead of purchasing a pump.

Additionally, infusion pump rental companies will cover services such as cleaning, calibration, maintenance, and testing of the pumps. This takes a lot of the burden of ownership off the medical center.

However, while renting infusion pumps is a useful alternative to buying infusion pumps, you may end up with older models that lack some of the newest features that the more modern pump models include. If you do plan to rent an infusion pump, it’s always a good idea to learn a bit more about the type of pump you’re receiving as well as the model year.

Why Buy An Infusion Pump?

Just like with any other type of costly equipment, an argument can always be made for buying over renting. One of the more obvious benefits is the long-term vs short term costs.

When you purchase an infusion pump, the upfront costs may be greater than the costs of a short-term rental, however, your rental fees can add up to more than the cost of a new unit if you plan to rent long-term.

In addition, when you purchase an infusion pump you can make it a more permanent fixture in your medical setting. Your infusion pump provider will typically assist you with the integration of the pumps into your internal systems and networks, whereas when you rent an infusion pump you typically won’t take a permanent approach to integration with your systems.

Ultimately, the question of renting or buying an infusion pump depends on the types of treatment offered at your medical facility and the types of patients you see.

What Is An Infusion Pump?

Also known as intravenous or IV therapy, infusion therapy involves medications or fluids being delivered directly to the bloodstream over long periods of time and with precise measurements. This allows for the safe administration of fluids and medications that need to be measured in small dosages and delivered on specific intervals.

Some common conditions where infusion pumps may be utilized are:

• Dehydration brought on by vomiting, pregnancy, or other medical conditions
• Autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and or psoriasis
• Neurological disorders, including ALS and multiple sclerosis
• Genetic disorders or enzyme deficiencies – such as Pompe disease, Gaucher disease, and Fabry disease
• Immunological disorders
• Osteoporosis, bone disorders, or hypercalcemia
• Iron deficiency or anemia
• Anemia of chronic kidney disease
• Infections – including cellulitis, bacterial pneumonia, osteomyelitis, and other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections

Most Popular Infusion Pumps