Broken on delivery OEC 9800 from Block Imaging....opinions

[Doctodd]

So i bought a used mint "as-is" late 2004 model year OEC9800 in December....professionally packed and delivered. The diesel truck of c-arms. I asked and received an iphone youtube video of the unit which didnt show anything that i could notice. Their inspection reveals no issues. Block Imaging calls and tries one last time to sell me the warranty...i decline because the unit is in MINT condition with very low hours. Everything seemed to work fine. No issues when the moving truck unpacks it as i am there helping. Upon first power up i get "collimator error" on the c-arm screen. Pushing any button clears the error and it works fine, but no collimator. I had an ex-GE tech check it the next day, took it apart, and he said the collimator motor was not kicking in, but after he put it back together it did work without error. Interesting. He says it is virtually impossible for the collimator to be damaged in transit, which is what Block Imaging suggested. Next time i power up a few days later and the collimator error is back, and it hasnt worked/changed since.

Checking the iphone youtube video again and i notice at the 2 minute mark the tech presses something on the c-arm screen, and glances at the camera in "an unusual" way. Why on earth would the tech press anything prior to taking an image(only thing i can think of is he put low power mode like i do, but he doesnt do 5-10 procedures a day). You cant take an image unless you clear the collimator error. I offer to pay my tech to do the install if they swap the collimator for me, thinking it may be something easy to fix. They want $3800. I decline. I suggest they give it to me at cost, but they refuse. Block Imaging is refusing to take responsibility even though the video clearly shows something afoul.....i think they knew based on the video. Here is the pre-purchase video. Opinions?

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[willabeast]

you should have bought a warranty.

 

[pastafan]

What's with the upward moving horizontal line on the monitors? I never saw that with any 9800. Hope you got it cheap and after you have it repaired it doesn't give you any more trouble.

 

[Doctodd]

the machine works perfectly otherwise and seemed to be in mint condition. The paint had no scuffs or touch up, and the hours on the machine based on the timer on the back(there is an hour meter behind the CRT's fyi) were the lowest i have seen. It is annoying but does not hamper my work very much. But the refurbishment/warranty they were offering would likely not cover a collimator anyway. Their refurbishment covers paint, wheels, locks, sliders, etc. Please opine on the video.

 

[powermd]

Depending on the money involved, I would consider reviewing the purchase with an attorney. It was sold "as is", but advertised as "mint". Well you have evidence that they knew beforehand the unit was not in mint condition. The attorney may be able to write a letter that gets them to take the unit back in exchange for not going to court.

Next time, get the warranty.

We are leasing our two OEC 9800s from GE. Not cheap, but they have worked flawlessly for the past year.

We did hear one disconcerting thing though from the GE tech who came out to inspect the units at the 1-year mark. He seemed surprised that we haven't had any issues yet!

 

[drusso]

This why I generally avoid used medical equipment purchases UNLESS I know the party directly. Though you pay a premium for a new unit (with warranty) the depreciation/tax benefits are favorable especially if you finance through your own equipment LLC and lease the unit back to yourself. Get the warranty!

 

[SSdoc33]

dont collimate. i know it is heresy to suggest, but i find collimation = smaller field of view = more xrays needed = more radiation.

gotta love the "i told you sos". i hate warranties and rarely get them myself.

 

[hyperalgesia]

I don't really see the shady part of the video but I'm shocked they don't have a 30 or 90 day return policy.

I have personally disassembled the collimator of a 9400 and it was a pleasure. Seriously, for me this kind of project is fun if you have the time. I would take my time to find a good deal on a used collimator motor. Then either fix or pay tech to do it. Then deduct the hell out of it. Don't lose sleep over this. It's a fabulous machine.

 

[Doctodd]

T

 

[Stim4me]

The machine is a stud. It's louder than my 8800 but other than that it is in mint condition. They never advertised it as mint condition. Those are my words. Frankly I don't lose sleep about the collimater, but I am pissed off that they knew it had the problem and hid it. But it loses value to the next guy I sell it to if that happens....you care about it when you want to sell it.

You can depreciate a used purchased machine just as well. My 8800 that I bought new for almost $100,000 is worth less less than $10k now. I won't be making the same mistake again. Kudos to you guys who can buy six-figure c-arms and stimulate the economy.

I like to tinker with things too but I prefer to spend my free time on fishing reels.

All my c arms have had some form of dysfunction , whether it was ziehm, Ge, or Phillips. My recommendation is to have a
Back up machine if possible, because even a warranty can't help you that week. Also give them bad internet feedback, that will piss them off. Better business bureau complaint is useless, they always side with the company that pays them... good luck

 

[hyperalgesia]

All my c arms have had some form of dysfunction , whether it was ziehm, Ge, or Phillips. My recommendation is to have a Back up machine if possible, because even a warranty can't help you that week.

Agree

 

[Doctodd]

It's my 2nd office.....was able to use the other office in a pinch. Suggestions on bad internet press besides this forum?

 

[Stim4me]

It's my 2nd office.....was able to use the other office in a pinch. Suggestions on bad internet press besides this forum?

Most companies review their Google and Yelp feedback. Just log in and t - off

 

[pastafan]

http://blockimagingreviews.com/post/124364090058/would-you-purchase-this-critical-medical

 

[Doctodd]

STRONG!!!!

 

[Block Imaging]

Dr. Alea,

In response to your comments. First off, thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Our aim in serving customers is to be as creative as any in providing great value for exactly what you want and need. Part of this is extending different offerings on refurbishment, delivery, installation and service support.

In response to the public defamation of character, we felt it appropriate to tender a public response and humbly request the opportunity for a respectful conversation in pursuit of an amicable resolution.

During the proposal process (on 10-20-16), Block Imaging presented an option including a full warranty including glassware for $64,500. At your insistence, the preference was to purchase a unit at a significantly reduced price to not include refurbishment or warranty. In an effort to extend at minimum, a base level of quality for your new system, we insisted on doing full calibrations on the machine. On 12/4/15, you chose to opt out of this calibration. We’re sorry to hear about the issue you are having with the system. While we could not have been more clear on the risk of avoiding quality support services, it appears that our error was completing a transaction to accommodate a budget that is below the market in exchange for the services necessary to provide what you actually needed.

In closing, despite your strong and public accusations, our desire is to act with integrity and live up to our commitments. It would be our pleasure to work to resolve the situation should you desire to do so.

We stand ready to serve you and help set you up for success using this C-Arm for years to come.

Respectfully,

Josh Block
President
Block Imaging

 

[SSdoc33]

hold on. i have to get my popcorn.....

 

[drpainfree]

Josh,

I think the original poster was upset about why the defect was not disclosed to him. Not only it was not disclosed, he think it was intentionally hidden from him.

 

[Doctodd]

As i posted in the other thread....

I object to the defamation of character accusation. The facts are that the machine arrived with a broken collimator. I sure didn't break it. We disagree in the cause of this. Regardless, the issue stands. That being said, I have already had the amicable conversation you requested, which did not reach a resolution. That led me to post my experience and my perspective of events. That you offered warranty and calibration is not necessarily relevant to the problem. Would calibration have prevented my collimator error? As the CEO, if you wish to be proactive and send me the part at cost instead of a profit, which your company has already declined to do, I accept your proposal. I think that would do more to promote your company and benefit your public reputation than any words that you post.

I await your response to the dialogue you have requested. If you could also extrapolate how calibration would have prevented the problem in question.....as you suggested.

 

[Block Imaging]

Dr. –

Thank you kindly for your reply.

My concern here is the inability to confirm the actual issue with the system. A proper and thorough diagnosis is critical in bringing a system to full functionality.

I will write under separate cover to your personal email with my suggested resolution and offer.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve you.

Respectfully,

Josh

 

[SSdoc33]

FWIW, you cant deliver a broken machine, then blame the consumer that they didn't pay enough. implicit in the purchase is a functional machine, unless clearly stated otherwise. im sure doctodd didn't buy a machine if he knew there was a collimation error with it.

 

[Stim4me]

FWIW, you cant deliver a broken machine, then blame the consumer that they didn't pay enough. implicit in the purchase is a functional machine, unless clearly stated otherwise. im sure doctodd didn't buy a machine if he knew there was a collimation error with it.

I agree doctodd wouldn't complain unless
there was a delivery issue, no matter what deal you gave him.