Equipment Management Overview
Equipment strategies—whether maintaining existing assets or planning for new purchases—are central to ASC performance. When you operate centers of different ages, capital equipment is always top‑of‑mind, says Erika Noll, chief operating officer of Peachtree Orthopedics. The organization runs a new ASC, a 10‑year‑old center, and a 20‑year‑old center in the Greater Atlanta area. “The equipment is very expensive, so we want to always get the most out of our purchases,” Noll says. Considering the high cost of capital equipment and the integral role it plays in ASC operations, surgery centers must make strategic decisions about how they maintain and manage these assets, says Letitia Moore, director of supply chain and clinical innovation at Simply Supply in Minneapolis.
A car can go for 200,000 miles, but you need to have it worked on regularly. The same is true for ASCs and their capital equipment. — Patrick Blair, SCSA
Preventive maintenance is the single most important factor in keeping ASC capital equipment functioning reliably over time. Regular evaluation, servicing, and documentation protect your investment, reduce downtime, and prevent costly failures that disrupt patient care. Preventive maintenance contracts with qualified external experts ensure that equipment is inspected, calibrated, and serviced on a consistent schedule. These specialists identify issues early, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and help avoid expensive repairs.
This is not a place to try to save money. The people who dig under the hood and check every little thing are worth the investment. — Patrick Blair, SCSA
Maintenance frequency varies by equipment type. While service providers can recommend appropriate intervals, the OEM’s instructions for use remain the definitive guide for required maintenance schedules and compliance. Staff turnover can shorten the life of capital equipment if responsibilities for upkeep, scheduling service visits, or communicating with vendors are not clearly assigned. When these duties lapse, equipment can go years without required maintenance.
I have visited facilities that had turnover and discovered they had paid for five years of preventive maintenance services that were never provided. — Patrick Blair, SCSA
Onboarding for any staff who use capital equipment should include training on proper operation, care, and handling. Consistent use practices reduce wear, prevent misuse, and reinforce pride of ownership among the team. Staying in communication with equipment vendors helps ASCs stay current on software updates and performance enhancements. In many cases, adding new software or firmware can extend the useful life of imaging and diagnostic equipment. If a piece of equipment is aging but still clinically appropriate and safe, rebuilding it to original OEM specifications may be a cost‑effective alternative to replacement. This approach can add several more years of reliable use.
Rebuilding aging equipment to OEM specifications can be an economical way to extend its life. — Patrick Blair, SCSA
Content in this post reflects a partial summary of Capital Equipment Strategies, published online by ASC Focus, The ASCA Journal.