Toshiba Introduces The Toshiba Assurance Refurbishment Program

Main Category: MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Also Included In: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Article Date: 12 Nov 2009 - 0:00 PST

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Demonstrating its commitment to providing top-tier value and service in diagnostic imaging, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. has introduced the Toshiba Assurance Refurbishment Program to provide customers the ability to purchase previously owned, completely refurbished Toshiba systems. The first line of Toshiba products available through the program are Aquilion® CT systems. This Aquilion Assurance program offers customers, such as hospitals and imaging centers, the exceptional performance and quality that defines the award-winning Aquilion CT line at a price point to accommodate a variety of budgets. To support this program, Toshiba has opened a new Quality Assurance Center in Irvine, Calif.

"Toshiba is dedicated to providing customers with the most value for their budget, which is more important than ever in today's health care environment," said Ted Nemetz, vice president, Service Business Unit, Toshiba. "The Aquilion Assurance Program does just that - allows customers to acquire the high quality service and performance Toshiba is known for, at a price that meets their facility's needs."

A refurbished CT system from Toshiba is held to the same quality and performance standards as a brand-new Toshiba CT system. Previously owned Toshiba CT systems are inspected at the Quality Assurance Center, where a team of experts evaluate and test all moving parts and programs. After the system has been inspected, new parts are installed and upgraded, including crucial items like the X-ray tube, and new software is installed. The system is then repainted, relabeled and placed in new packaging. Before a system leaves the Quality Assurance Center, it is tested against Toshiba's original factory standards.

"Our customers are often unable to distinguish between a brand-new Aquilion CT system and a refurbished Aquilion CT system because refurbished systems are updated to operate like new," explained Nemetz.

"When health care facilities purchase a previously owned system from a third-party dealer, not Toshiba, there are no guarantees. However, when they purchase from Toshiba's Assurance Refurbishment Program, the customer is guaranteed to receive high quality equipment backed by a Service contract guaranteeing Toshiba's high standards and dedicated customer service. We offer the same attention to customers purchasing previously owned systems as we do to customers purchasing new systems," continued Nemetz. All Toshiba refurbished CT systems come with 12 month warranty.

Whether purchasing a refurbished or a new CT system, the entire Aquilion line includes the industry leading Quantum Advantage platform, with the thinnest detector rows available (0.5 mm) to ensure uniform isotropic resolution across every detector element. Because of this unique design, Toshiba is able to provide all of its customers - whether they have a new or refurbished 8-, 16-, 32-, or 64-detector row Aquilion - with uniformly superior images.

The Aquilion Assurance Program is ideal for health care facilities looking to acquire high quality diagnostic imaging equipment, but may not have the capital to purchase a brand-new system. Refurbished CT systems are excellent for small facilities and those looking for a "work horse" system. Existing customers can trade in an Aquilion 8-, 16-, 32- or 64-detector row system for credit towards a refurbished CT system. Customers also have the option to acquire a new Service contract with the purchase of a refurbished CT system. Additionally, brand new customers can purchase a refurbished system to get the best value for the price.

About Toshiba's Aquilion CT Product Line Recognition

The Aquilion® CT product line has received numerous accolades including the number one ranking in CT from MD Buyline since 2002 (seven consecutive years). The Aquilion CT line has also been named Best in KLAS in 2006 and 2007; Best in KLAS in 2008 and 2009 for 64-detector row and above; and Frost & Sullivan's "Healthcare Innovation Award in Cardiovascular Imaging" in 2008. (For more information about KLAS, visit http://www.KLASresearch.com.) Most recently, Toshiba's service for the Aquilion line was ranked number one in 21 out of 34 ServiceTrak Imaging's 2008 report on CT system service.

Source
Toshiba