The Hidden Costs of Lost Medical Equipment: Beyond the Price Tag

In healthcare, the disappearance of medical equipment is often accepted as an inevitable cost of doing business. But should it be?

When infusion pumps, monitors, and other critical devices vanish after patient therapy concludes, the impact goes far beyond the replacement cost. Let's examine the true price of lost medical equipment—and how innovative solutions are finally addressing this persistent challenge.

The Financial Drain You Don't See
The visible cost of a lost infusion pump might be $2,000-$4,000 in replacement value. But that's just the beginning:

• Lost Revenue: Every day a device is missing is a day it can't generate income
• Administrative Time: Staff hours spent searching for and documenting missing equipment
• Emergency Rentals: Rush fees and premium pricing when replacements are needed immediately
• Overstock Purchasing: Many facilities buy 15-20% more equipment than needed to compensate for anticipated losses
• Compliance Risks: Missing equipment can create documentation gaps for accreditation and regulatory requirements

According to our research with healthcare providers, the true cost of a single lost infusion pump can exceed $6,500 when all factors are considered.

The Operational Impact
Beyond financial considerations, lost equipment creates significant operational challenges:

• Delayed Patient Care: When equipment isn't available, treatment may be postponed
• Staff Frustration: Clinicians spend valuable time searching for devices instead of focusing on patients
• Maintenance Compliance Issues: Equipment that can't be located can't receive scheduled preventative maintenance
• Data Gaps: Missing equipment creates holes in your utilization and performance analytics

A Better Way Forward

At IMS, we've been listening to these challenges and developing a solution that addresses the unique needs of healthcare providers managing critical equipment.

In Fall 2025, we'll be launching iQuest™—our innovative asset management platform that gives you complete control over your medical assets throughout their lifecycle.

Want to learn more? Contact your IMS Territory Manager or request information here.