How to Choose If you have decided to consider upgrading your machine, there are several items to look into. The vendor or a user may be able to supply one. Ask the vendors for referrals to local centers where the machines you are considering are in use. Go and watch the machine in action. Allow as many of your surgeons as possible to use the machine.
Most good surgeons can adapt to any of the new machines, our experts say.
But if a significant number of your surgeons do not like the machine, you may need to rethink. Once you ve assessed performance, consider cost per case. Dennis Shepard, MD, a Santa Maria, Calif. ophthalmologist and ASC owner, says this factor can be the difference between being in the black or in the red. To understand why, do the math, advises Dr. Patterson. When determining cost per case, consider whether the phaco tips and tubing are disposable or reusable.