Frequently Asked Questions

1. About Heart Medical

Who is Heart Medical?

Heart Medical is an authorized US medical equipment distributor headquartered in Carlsbad, California. We supply cardiology-focused imaging and monitoring equipment — ultrasound systems, EKG machines, stress test systems, defibrillators, patient monitors, and related supplies — to hospitals, imaging centers, physician practices, and outpatient facilities across the United States. Our operating principle, Where Quality Meets Conscience, means we recommend equipment based on what fits your practice, not what maximizes our margin.

What brands do you carry?

Heart Medical is an authorized Philips distributor, and we also carry equipment from GE HealthCare, Siemens Healthineers, Mindray, Baxter, HeartStream, ConMed, Hillrom, SunTech, and other leading manufacturers. See the full manufacturer list in our equipment catalog.

What makes Heart Medical different from other equipment distributors?

We're built around consultative guidance rather than sales pressure. Every recommendation starts with understanding your clinical workflow, patient volume, long-term goals, and budget. If a lower-cost system meets your needs, we'll tell you. If a refurbished unit will serve you better than a new one across your five-year plan, we'll say that too. This ethical-vendor posture is why the majority of our customers return for their next system — and why manufacturers like Philips have authorized us to distribute their equipment.

Are you an authorized Philips distributor?

Yes. Heart Medical is an authorized Philips ultrasound distributor. Our Philips inventory is sourced through official channels, aligned with Philips' refurbishment protocols where applicable, and eligible for standard manufacturer warranty and support.

Who do you serve?

We support hospitals, imaging centers, physician practices, and outpatient facilities across the United States — from solo cardiology practices to multi-site health systems, from urgent care and primary care clinics to mobile imaging services, veterinary practices, and medical education programs.

2. Buying & Quotes

How do I request a quote from Heart Medical?

The fastest path is our Request a Quote form. You can also call +1 (833) 409-4600 or email info@heartmedical.com. Most quote requests receive a response within one business day.

Why don't your product pages show prices?

Medical equipment pricing depends on configuration — which transducers are included, which software packages you need, whether the system is new or refurbished, service contract length, training scope, and shipping location. A published system price without those details would be misleading. Instead, we quote real prices based on your real configuration, usually within one business day. For general market ranges, see our ultrasound cost guide.

How much does an echocardiography system typically cost?

Cardiac ultrasound pricing in 2026 typically falls into three tiers: Premium new systems (like the Philips EPIQ CVx or GE Vivid E95) generally range $80K–$250K depending on configuration; mid-range new systems (like the Philips Affiniti CVx) run $35K–$80K; refurbished premium platforms (Philips iE33, GE Vivid E9) commonly land between $30K–$90K. Configuration, probe selection, and included services all affect the final quote. Detailed breakdown in our cardiology ultrasound buying guide.

What is included when I purchase an ultrasound system?

A typical Heart Medical ultrasound purchase includes the system console and monitor, the transducers selected for your clinical applications, delivery coordination, initial applications orientation, and the applicable manufacturer or Heart Medical warranty. Exactly which probes, software packages, and services are bundled is spelled out in your proposal before you order — so you know what you're getting before you commit.

Can Heart Medical help me choose the right system for my practice?

Yes — and this is where we earn our value. Our specialists work with cardiologists, department managers, and practice administrators to match systems to clinical workflow, patient volume, staff experience, and budget. We won't push a specific brand, and we'll flag when a less-expensive option fits your needs. If your five-year plan changes, we'll help you plan around it rather than sell around it.

Do you serve international customers?

Our primary focus is the United States market. International orders are considered case-by-case as export regulations, warranty coverage, and shipping logistics vary. Contact us to discuss specific needs.

3. Equipment Lifecycle & Timing

How long does an ultrasound machine last?

New ultrasound systems typically remain clinically useful for 8–12 years, depending on daily use and maintenance consistency. Well-maintained refurbished platforms generally deliver an additional 3–5 years of reliable service after purchase. Two factors influence lifespan more than anything else: preventative maintenance frequency (systems on annual PM contracts routinely see 20–30% longer usable life) and probe care, since transducers are the most fragile component.

How often should ultrasound systems be serviced?

Most manufacturers recommend annual preventative maintenance at minimum. High-volume systems — those running 20 or more studies per day — benefit from semi-annual servicing. A standard PM visit includes electrical safety testing, image quality verification, calibration, probe inspection, and firmware updates. Regular service reduces unplanned downtime, which for a busy cardiology lab often costs more than the service contract itself.

How do I know when it's time to replace my equipment?

Consider replacement when one or more of these signals appear: (1) annual repair costs are climbing toward 30–40% of a replacement system's price; (2) downtime windows are getting longer or more frequent; (3) image quality has degraded and servicing hasn't resolved it; (4) the system no longer integrates with your current PACS or EMR; or (5) your clinical needs have shifted — new protocols, higher volume, advanced measurements — that the current system can't reasonably support. Our team can help you weigh a repair-and-hold strategy against replacement, honestly.

What should I look for when buying refurbished equipment?

Four elements separate a solid refurbished purchase from a risky one: (1) sourced through an authorized distributor rather than a broker or online marketplace; (2) documented recertification showing testing, calibration, and cosmetic restoration; (3) warranty terms comparable to what a new unit would carry; (4) a clear parts availability roadmap for the platform, so you know service will remain viable for the length of your ownership. Every Heart Medical refurbished unit is documented against all four.

4. New vs. Refurbished Equipment

Do you sell new or refurbished equipment?

Both. Heart Medical distributes new equipment through authorized manufacturer channels and offers refurbished equipment recertified against OEM standards. Which path is right depends on your budget, expected ownership timeline, and feature requirements — and we'll walk you through the trade-offs honestly.

What is a refurbished ultrasound machine?

A refurbished ultrasound machine is a previously owned system that has been professionally inspected, tested, calibrated, and restored to reliable operating condition before being resold. At Heart Medical, refurbishment covers full functional testing of every subsystem, cosmetic restoration, probe evaluation, and recertification against original equipment specifications. As an authorized Philips distributor, our Philips units follow Philips' formal refurbishment protocols; equipment from other manufacturers is recertified through our internal QA process supported by technicians certified on those platforms.

Which is better: new or refurbished ultrasound equipment?

Neither is universally better — the right answer depends on your situation. Refurbished tends to be the smarter choice when your budget is roughly under $75K, you plan to keep the system 3–5 years, and you don't need the latest AI-driven features. New tends to be the better fit when you're expanding a program, expect to keep the system 8+ years, or advanced measurement and AI features directly support your clinical workflow. For a full breakdown by practice type, see our cardiology ultrasound buying guide.

How much can I save by choosing refurbished?

Refurbished cardiac ultrasound and imaging systems typically cost 30–70% less than their new equivalents (source: Grand View Research, Refurbished Medical Equipment Market Report). North American hospitals report roughly 30% average annual savings when integrating refurbished imaging into their capital planning.

Do refurbished systems come with a warranty?

Yes. Refurbished systems from Heart Medical carry the manufacturer's applicable warranty for a recertified platform, and we coordinate warranty claims on your behalf. Specific terms are outlined in your proposal.

Philips or GE: which is better for cardiology?

Both make world-class cardiac ultrasound platforms — neither is universally better. In our field experience: Philips tends to win on ease of use and faster staff onboarding (typically 1–2 weeks to competency vs. several weeks for GE), which suits solo practices, outpatient clinics, and settings with rotating staff. GE tends to win on versatility, custom setup depth, and broader service coverage in rural areas — traits that hospital cardiology departments often value. Read the detailed comparison in GE vs Philips Cardiology Ultrasound: How to Choose for Your Practice.

Is refurbished medical equipment safe to use clinically?

Yes, when sourced from an authorized distributor that recertifies to OEM standards and provides warranty support. Refurbished cardiac and imaging platforms are widely used in accredited hospitals, echo labs, and private cardiology practices across the United States. The clinical performance standards are identical to new — the difference is the price and the remaining service life horizon.

5. Financing & Leasing

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Heart Medical partners with a specialty medical-equipment leasing company to provide financing across our full catalog. Full details, requirements, and the application are on our Financing page.

Who is your financing partner?

We partner with Newbridge Capital Leasing, LLC, a specialty medical and commercial equipment leasing company based in Roslyn Heights, NY. Newbridge focuses on flexible leasing structures tailored to medical practices, imaging centers, and hospital departments.

Should I lease or buy medical equipment?

Lease if you plan to upgrade within 3–5 years, want to preserve credit lines for other investments, or need to control monthly cash flow. Buy if you intend to keep the system 8 or more years, want a lower total interest cost, and can accommodate the upfront capital. In practice, the right choice usually depends on your practice's five-year plan more than on the equipment itself — and Newbridge can structure either type of arrangement.

Can I get financing as a new practice or with challenged credit?

Yes — and this is a key reason we chose Newbridge as our partner. Approvals are available for start-ups (including practices under 3 years in business, which most traditional lenders won't approve) and for businesses with credit histories that don't fit conventional underwriting boxes.

How long does the financing application take?

The application takes about 5 minutes. Decisions typically return within 24–48 business hours. Before you apply, gather your business details (legal name, tax ID, time in business), equipment information (model and estimated cost), authorized-signer contact information, and — for larger amounts — recent bank statements.

What is the difference between financing and leasing?

Financing is a loan — you own the equipment and repay principal plus interest (APR). Leasing is a fixed monthly payment over a term (typically 24–60 months); at the end you can buy the equipment, return it, or upgrade. Leasing preserves credit lines and is often the better fit for practices that plan to upgrade equipment periodically or for start-ups building operating history.

6. Shipping, Delivery & Installation

Do you offer free shipping?

Heart Medical offers free shipping on most items across the continental United States. For large capital equipment — cart-based ultrasound systems, floor-standing patient monitors, and similar — freight coordination and delivery timing are outlined during the quotation process.

How long does delivery take?

Lead times depend on the item. In-stock supplies generally ship within 1–3 business days. Large equipment like ultrasound systems is typically non-stock and custom-ordered — delivery is generally 2–8 weeks depending on manufacturer production schedules or refurbishment completion. Current lead-time estimates are included in your proposal.

Do you install the equipment on-site?

Installation options vary by system class. For premium imaging equipment (ultrasound, EKG, stress test), on-site installation, room preparation guidance, and initial calibration can be arranged. Availability and cost are detailed with your equipment specialist during the quote process.

Can you integrate my new system with our PACS or EMR?

Yes. Our imaging systems support DICOM export and HL7 messaging — the standards nearly every hospital IT environment expects. Share your existing PACS vendor and EMR platform with us during the quote process; we'll coordinate connectivity setup, ordering workflow, and reporting integration as part of delivery.

What if the equipment arrives damaged?

Per our Terms & Conditions, all freight damage claims must be made at the point of delivery and itemized by the carrier before you sign for the shipment. Document damage with photos, note it on the delivery paperwork, and call Heart Medical immediately at +1 (833) 409-4600. We coordinate directly with the freight carrier to resolve the claim once it's been documented at delivery.

7. Warranty & Service

What warranty comes with your equipment?

New equipment carries the manufacturer's standard new-system warranty. Refurbished equipment is delivered with the applicable manufacturer warranty for a recertified platform, which Heart Medical coordinates on your behalf. Full coverage terms — length, what's included, and available extensions — are detailed in your proposal and governed by the Terms & Conditions of Sale.

Do you offer service and repair after the warranty period?

Yes. Heart Medical offers Service & Repair contracts, preventative maintenance plans, and one-off repair support across our full catalog. Explore our Service & Repairs collection or contact us for a service quote.

How quickly can you service equipment in a downtime situation?

Typical repair turnaround for cardiac imaging equipment is generally 5–10 business days, depending on the platform and parts availability. For time-critical situations, we work with you on prioritized turnaround and, where applicable, loaner equipment. Call +1 (833) 409-4600 for urgent service inquiries.

Do you sell replacement parts?

Yes. Heart Medical stocks a comprehensive Parts & Accessories catalog covering GE Vivid, Voluson, and LOGIQ ultrasound platforms; Philips CX50/CX30, ClearVue, EPIQ, HD11, HD15, Sparq, iE33, and iU22 systems; plus accessories for EKG machines, stress test equipment, patient monitors, and defibrillators.

What is a preventative maintenance contract?

A preventative maintenance (PM) contract is a service agreement covering scheduled inspections, calibration, probe evaluation, and routine maintenance on an annual or semi-annual basis. PM contracts help prevent unplanned downtime and can extend usable equipment life meaningfully — industry benchmarks suggest 20–30% longer service life for consistently maintained systems compared to reactive-repair-only ownership.

8. Training & Support

Do you provide training on new equipment?

Yes, on request. Training is quoted at an hourly rate plus travel expenses per our Terms & Conditions, and can be bundled into your proposal at time of quotation. Basic orientation may be included depending on the platform and proposal terms. Advanced applications training — cardiology-specific echo protocols, AI features, structural imaging — is available through Philips and GE HealthCare manufacturer programs and can also be bundled into your quote.

What support do you offer after installation?

Every system is backed by specialists who understand cardiology imaging workflows, helping your team get the most from your investment beyond the initial installation. Ongoing support includes direct access to our US-based team, phone and email troubleshooting, parts support, and — for premium platforms — access to secure manufacturer-driven remote diagnostics.

Do you offer applications training for sonographers?

Yes. Clinical applications training — cardiac echo protocols, stress echo workflows, TEE, 3D imaging — can be arranged through manufacturer programs (typically $2K–$5K per session depending on scope and platform) or through third-party clinical educators. We help coordinate the right option for your team's experience level.

Can I access remote support?

Yes. Remote troubleshooting is part of our post-installation support. Modern platforms — including the Philips Compact 5500, EPIQ CVx, and GE Vivid family — also support secure manufacturer-driven remote diagnostics for faster issue resolution when a service event does occur.

9. Compatibility & Integration

Are GE HealthCare probes compatible with Philips systems?

No. GE HealthCare and Philips ultrasound systems use exclusive connectors and software ecosystems. Probes are not swappable between brands. When you choose a platform, plan probe budget within that manufacturer's ecosystem.

Can I use my existing probes with a new system?

Only if the new system is from the same manufacturer and generation-compatible with your existing transducers. Share your current probe model numbers when requesting a quote and we'll verify compatibility for you before you commit to a platform change.

What PACS software do you support?

Heart Medical supports several enterprise PACS solutions including GE ViewPoint, GE EchoPAC, Freeland AccessPoint, and ScImage PICOM 365. Because our ultrasound systems export DICOM standard, most enterprise PACS platforms are compatible even if not on this list.

Do your systems support DICOM and standard hospital IT?

Yes. Every ultrasound system we distribute exports images in DICOM format and supports HL7 messaging for standard hospital IT integrations. Additional export formats include JPEG, MPEG, and AVI. Ethernet, USB, and wireless connectivity are standard on current systems.

10. Trade-Ins & Rentals

Do you accept trade-ins?

Yes. Heart Medical evaluates trade-in equipment from GE HealthCare, Philips, Siemens Healthineers, Mindray, and other major manufacturers. Trade-in value depends on age, condition, remaining service life, and current secondary-market demand. We provide a written trade-in offer as part of your quote for the replacement system.

What equipment do you accept for trade-in?

Ultrasound systems, EKG machines, stress test equipment, patient monitors, and defibrillators from major manufacturers are typically accepted. Both new-generation and legacy platforms — GE Vivid E9, Philips iE33, and earlier — often still carry meaningful trade-in value.

Do you offer equipment rentals?

Yes. Heart Medical offers short-term and long-term rentals through our Rentals collection. Rentals are practical for temporary capacity increases, backup coverage during a service event, or evaluating a platform before committing to purchase.

11. Payments, Documentation & Compliance

What payment methods do you accept?

Heart Medical accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club), Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay for supplies and smaller orders. Larger equipment orders are typically processed via wire transfer, ACH, purchase order, or financing through Newbridge Capital Leasing.

Are Heart Medical products FDA-cleared?

The equipment we distribute — ultrasound systems, EKG machines, stress test systems, patient monitors, defibrillators — is FDA-cleared or FDA-registered as required by the manufacturer's regulatory pathway. Certification details (FDA 510(k), CE Mark, ISO where applicable) are documented on individual product pages and confirmed in the delivery paperwork.

Can you accommodate specific invoicing or tax-exempt purchases?

Yes. Heart Medical works with hospital purchasing departments, government and VA buyers, non-profits, and academic medical centers. Tax-exempt purchases, purchase order workflows, W-9 documentation, and specific invoice formats are supported — share your requirements with your equipment specialist during the quote process.

Do you have a return policy?

All sales are final after 30 days. Within that window, unopened items may be returned subject to a 25% restocking fee, and return shipping is paid by the buyer. Opened items and custom-ordered equipment (including ultrasound systems and other configured equipment) are non-returnable. Defective items may be returned under a Return Authorization issued by Heart Medical — no restocking fee applies to authorized defective returns. Full return terms are detailed in our Terms & Conditions of Sale.

Related Resources

Additional reading for buyers evaluating cardiac ultrasound and other imaging equipment: