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Why Service Contracts Make Sense for Healthcare Facilities

Reactive equipment service – calling for help only when something breaks – is the most expensive and disruptive way to manage biomedical equipment. Emergency repairs cost more, take longer to schedule, and leave facilities without critical equipment during the time it takes to identify and fix the problem. A service contract shifts the approach from reactive to proactive.

For compliance purposes, a service contract also provides a clear, documented framework for equipment maintenance. Surveyors and accreditation reviewers want to see that facilities have a structured approach to equipment management – not just occasional service when something goes wrong. A contract with MBT establishes that structure and produces the documentation trail that demonstrates it.

For facilities that are currently working with an OEM service contract or a large national biomedical service company, an independent service contract with MBT can offer a more cost-conscious alternative without sacrificing service quality or documentation standards. MBT is not tied to manufacturer pricing structures or national overhead costs – which allows for more practical, facility-specific contract terms.

What a Service Contract From MBT Includes

Every MBT service contract is customized to the facility’s specific needs. The starting point is always an equipment inventory review and a discussion of what the facility needs from a service relationship. From there, MBT builds a contract that covers the right services at the right frequency with the right documentation. Service contract components available:

  • Scheduled preventive maintenance visits – annual, semiannual, or quarterly depending on equipment type and facility requirements
  • Electrical safety testing where applicable – included in the PM visit or scheduled as a separate service event
  • Calibration and performance verification for applicable equipment categories
  • Repair and corrective service support – either included in the contract scope or available as a prioritized add-on for contract facilities
  • Imaging equipment service – CT, X-ray, fluoroscopy, C-arm, ultrasound, and related systems for facilities with imaging equipment
  • Written documentation after every visit – formatted for compliance recordkeeping, survey readiness, and internal review
  • Direct communication with the same service team for all contract visits – no call centers, no rotating engineers

MBT does not offer one-size-fits-all contracts. A nursing home with basic patient-care equipment has different needs than an imaging center with multiple modalities. The contract structure reflects the actual scope of service the facility needs – nothing more, nothing less.

Why Independent Service Contracts vs OEM or National Providers

OEM service contracts are often the default for facilities that acquired equipment with a manufacturer service agreement included. Over time, OEM contracts can become expensive, inflexible, and tied to scheduling systems that prioritize the manufacturer’s logistics over the facility’s operational needs. When the contract term ends, facilities frequently find that the cost of renewal has increased significantly.

National biomedical service companies offer broader coverage but often at the cost of personalization. Service is managed through central dispatch, the engineer who shows up may vary from visit to visit, and documentation is generated through backend systems that can take days to produce a report. For facilities that need a consistent, accountable service partner, that model has real limitations.

MBT offers a different approach. Service is coordinated directly – the same team manages every contract visit, scope is confirmed before every visit, and documentation is delivered promptly after. For facilities that want a service contract with a partner who actually knows their equipment and their facility, MBT is built for that kind of relationship.

For imaging equipment specifically, MBT’s lead engineer brings 30+ years of specialized radiology and diagnostic imaging experience to every contract engagement. That level of imaging specialization is not available through most independent service organizations, and it directly benefits facilities where imaging equipment is a core operational dependency.

Facility Types MBT Serves With Service Contracts

  • Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities – recurring PM contracts with documentation structured for state survey readiness
  • Assisted living and long-term care communities – practical service contracts for resident-care equipment with organized compliance recordkeeping
  • Clinics and physician offices – service contracts for diagnostic and patient-connected equipment with consistent PM and documentation
  • Ambulatory surgery centers – contracts covering surgical support equipment, monitoring systems, and electrical safety testing
  • Imaging centers – specialized service contracts for imaging equipment backed by 30+ years of imaging engineering experience
  • Hospitals and outpatient departments – supplemental service contracts for specific equipment categories or departments that need independent service support

Frequently Asked Questions

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What does a service contract from MBT include?

Every MBT service contract is customized to the facility’s equipment inventory and needs. Standard components include scheduled preventive maintenance, electrical safety testing where applicable, calibration and performance verification, repair support options, imaging equipment service for facilities with imaging systems, and written documentation after every visit. The exact scope is determined during the initial contract discussion.

How is MBT's service contract different from an OEM contract?

OEM contracts are tied to manufacturer pricing structures, scheduling systems, and terms that may not align with the facility’s operational needs. MBT is an independent service organization – not tied to any manufacturer. That means more flexible terms, more direct communication, and service that is structured around the facility’s actual needs rather than the manufacturer’s logistics.

Can imaging equipment be included in a service contract?

Yes. Imaging equipment service is one of MBT’s primary capabilities. MBT’s lead engineer has 30+ years of specialized experience in radiology and diagnostic imaging equipment. CT, X-ray, fluoroscopy, C-arm, ultrasound, and related imaging systems can all be included in a service contract for facilities that operate imaging equipment.

Does MBT provide documentation under a service contract?

Yes. Every service contract visit includes written documentation of what was performed, what was found, and any recommended follow-up. Documentation is formatted to support state surveys, accreditation reviews, and internal compliance recordkeeping, and is delivered to the facility after every visit.

Can a service contract include repair support?

Yes. Repair and corrective service support can be incorporated into a service contract either as a included scope item or as a prioritized service option for contract facilities. MBT will discuss repair coverage options during the contract setup process.

How long are MBT service contracts?

Contract terms are discussed during the setup process and structured around the facility’s needs and preferences. MBT does not require long-term lock-in agreements that do not serve the facility’s interests. The goal is a service relationship that works for both parties over time.

Does MBT serve facilities outside Illinois under service contracts?

Yes. MBT serves facilities throughout the Midwest including Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Contact MBT to confirm availability and discuss contract options for your specific location.

How do I start a service contract discussion with MBT?

Submit a request through the website or call (708) 406-9887 directly. Include your facility type, location, and a general description of your equipment inventory. MBT will follow up to discuss your service needs and what a contract would look like for your facility.