If your organization is finally at the stage where you’re ready to start looking into mobile medical unit manufacturers, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing the wrong manufacturer can result in a poor-quality vehicle that won’t perform as expected. It could result in safety hazards that could put the safety of your healthcare team and patients at risk.
These things could damage your organization’s reputation and end up causing legal liabilities or regulatory penalties that can turn the entire operation into a nightmare.
At MoveMobility, we know how big of a decision it is to find the right mobile medical unit manufacturer to fulfill your program’s goals. With over a decade of experience in manufacturing mobile medical vans, we’re leaders in the industry in designing vehicles that organizations like yours can use to break down barriers to healthcare.
As you read this article, you’re going to learn about some important tips for choosing the right mobile medical unit manufacturer.
Choose a mobile medical unit manufacturer that can customize the vehicle
When picking a mobile medical unit manufacturer, it’s important to find one that can tailor the vehicle to fit your organization’s needs. Let’s take a look at 4 reasons why customization matters.
- Made just for you and your patients: A good manufacturer will make sure your unit is built exactly how you need it. For example, if you’ll be providing vaccines, they can design the space to include a fridge and comfortable exam bed.
- Easy workflows: Customizing lets you arrange the inside of the unit for the best flow. The manufacturer can fit in storage that works for your gear, making everything easier to reach.
- Happy patients: Custom features can make a big difference for your patients. If you’re running a mobile clinic program in a place that gets hot in summer like Kelowna, you’ll want rear air conditioning to keep patients cool and comfortable.
- Ready for the future: With the right customization options, your unit can grow and change with your needs.
When looking around for a manufacturer, ask about their customization options. Make sure they understand what you need, and check out examples of their past work to be sure they can deliver. Next, let’s talk about why quality matters when choosing a mobile medical unit manufacturer.
Find a mobile medical unit manufacturer that focuses on quality first
Choosing a mobile medical unit manufacturer that focuses on quality first is super important. Why is quality such a big deal?
Dependability: A quality-focused manufacturer means your unit is reliable and works well consistently. A dependable unit means you won’t be constantly running into issues that can bog your program’s goals down.
Safety matters: Units made with quality in mind follow strict safety rules and make sure patients and staff stay safe.
Longevity: Premium materials like aluminum and skilled work mean your unit will last longer, saving you money on constant repairs or even replacements.
Following regulations: Reputable manufacturers stick to industry rules and regulations to ensure your unit is legal and safe.
As you’re researching various manufacturers, ask about how they keep quality in check, what certifications they have, and if they offer warranties. Also, try to see what others say about their units to make sure they’re the real deal.
Figure out what vehicle type you’ll be using for your medical program
Deciding on the type of vehicle for your mobile medical unit is one of the first things you need to do when starting to look for manufacturers. Each manufacturer you consider is specialized in different things. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Mobile medical RV (Recreational Vehicle)
- Pros: Offers ample space for medical equipment and patient care.
- Cons: Might be costly to maintain and operate due to its size and complex systems.
Trailer
- Pros: Can be detached from the towing vehicle, providing flexibility in deployment.
- Cons: You need a separate vehicle to tow trailers and the setup can take some time.
Mobile medical bus
- Pros: Provides a large interior space that’s suitable for multiple medical services and equipment.
- Cons: Maneuverability is limited, especially in urban areas.
Mobile medical van
- Pros: Offers a balance between space and maneuverability, making it suitable for various medical services.
- Cons: Limited space compared to RVs or buses. Some patients may find the smaller spaces to feel more personalized.
Consider your organization’s specific needs, including the types of medical services you’ll provide and the locations you’ll operate in. For instance, if you need to reach remote areas with narrow roads, a van or trailer might be more practical.
On the other hand, if you require extensive equipment and space, and have a large enough budget to support it, an RV or bus could be preferable. Assess the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. Deciding on what type of vehicle you’ll be providing services out of can give you some direction into what manufacturers to look for.
Next, we’ll discuss the importance of evaluating the manufacturer’s experience and reputation.
Check the manufacturer’s reputation
Looking into a manufacturer’s experience and reputation is another important thing to consider.
Industry knowledge: Manufacturers with lots of experience in making mobile medical units will understand what you need to make your program work well. Would you feel more comfortable handing over $200,000 to a company with 10 years of manufacturing experience or only 1 year?
Past work: Checking out what projects a manufacturer has done before and what people say about them gives you a better idea if they’re good at what they do.
Specialized skills: Some manufacturers are experts in certain types of mobile medical units. Finding one that knows your specific needs means they can make something that works just right for you.
Customer reviews: Checking reviews and ratings from other customers gives you an idea of how well the manufacturer works with people, handles projects, and fixes problems.
As you’re looking at manufacturers, ask about their experience, get references from past clients, and see what others have said about them online. Look for manufacturers with a good history, skills that match your needs, and satisfied customers. Next, let’s talk about why it’s important to think about the after-sales support and help you’ll get after you buy the unit.
Consider after-sales support from the manufacturer
Thinking about the support you’ll get after buying your mobile medical unit is another important thing to consider when looking for manufacturers.
Quick assistance: Good customer support means you can get help fast if something goes wrong or if you have questions. The more support you have, the higher the chances of a successful mobile medical program.
Training for your team: Some manufacturers offer training for your staff on how to use and take care of the unit. This helps everything run smoothly.
Warranty check: As we briefly mentioned earlier, make sure you know what the manufacturer’s warranty covers and for how long. A good warranty gives you peace of mind.
Good communication: Choose a manufacturer that’s responsive and gets back to you quickly. Clear communication makes everything easier.
Pick a mobile medical unit manufacturer that’s known for helping their customers well.
What’s next?
You likely landed on this article while looking for mobile medical unit manufacturers. Now, you have a better idea of how to choose the right one for your program’s needs.
To wrap up, picking the right mobile medical unit maker is necessary for great mobile healthcare services. Remember to think about customization, quality, experience, and support. At MoveMobility, we’re experts in making specialized mobile medical vans and have the certifications to back us up. Click the button at the end of this article to get in touch with a commercial mobility expert today for personalized solutions to boost your healthcare delivery!
Or, check out our article on the 5 steps of buying a mobile medical unit for more information on how to get started.
You should also skim through our article on the cost of a mobile medical van to give you a better idea of how much you can expect to pay.