1
Assess Available Patient Population
Whether you are hospital, physician office or a free standing outpatient cath lab, assessing the available patient population is the first and foremost consideration. Steady access to patients is critical for sustainable success.
2
Review State Regulations
Now that you know you have the volume for an interventional lab, what are the regulations in your state? This is a key consideration as state regulation can vary significantly from one state to another.
3
Select The Right Partner
With the advent of outpatient & free standing cath labs, many unqualified people have entered the space. Be certain to choose a partner that fundamentally understands the process from start to finish. Do your homework as this will be an investment you will live for the years to come.
4
Identify Your Lab Configuration
The cath lab configuration is an instrumental component to your evaluation as it directly impacts the flow & functionality during the procedure. Thorough communications with the physicians is a must as each has their own preference on what configuration works best for the intended procedures.
5
Site Planning
Site planning is a carefully integrated step to build an interventional cath lab. With limited space, slim budget & regulatory restrictions, site planning must involve competent people. Site planning requires personnel that understands structural, architectural & state regulatory expertise.
6
Service & Support
Have you ever been promised the world for service and support after a sale? Well, these empty promises commonly exist with some after market cath lab organizations. Ask to speak with the actual service people to get familiar with their service protocols. Be sure to assess geographic proximity of the support staff and and check references!
