Unraveling the myths around the various options for surgical laser acquisition (short-term rental, long-term leasing, cash purchase, etc.) can save your practice time and money. Every option carries its own merits: Renting offers flexibility and a lower upfront investment, while owning can unlock substantial long-term savings. For procurement teams and financial decision-makers in hospitals and clinics, knowing the costs and maintenance obligations of each model is the key to smarter investments that boost operational efficiency and patient care.
Here, we’ll cover the most common misconceptions about laser system rentals and purchases, giving you the insight you need to maximize your return on investment and choose the path that’s truly best for your practice
Myth #1: It’s more expensive to buy a laser system. That’s why we’ve always rented.
Buying can be more expensive in some situations, but renting may cost more in the long term. Whether you rent, lease, or buy should depend on various factors, including equipment type, the laser system’s lifespan, and your practice’s financial solvency and plans for future growth. Evaluating your needs for both the short- and long term is critical for choosing your best option.
Considerations for a long-term lease or purchase
- Rental costs adding up: Rental companies charge per case. Over the long term, renting on a case-by-case basis can become more expensive than buying. If you have a high-volume case load, buying or leasing is more cost effective than renting.
- Inflexible charges: Rental companies charge a fee for the laser and their operator. Even if a particular procedure no longer requires the use of a laser, the rental company’s representative fee and a standby fee will still be charged if the rental has already been arranged.
- Tax benefits: For tax purposes, buying medical capital equipment can be cost effective, allowing for depreciation deductions and Section 179 deductions. Consult a qualified tax professional to understand how these benefits can apply to your practice.
- The latest laser technology: Similar to a short-term rental, leasing can accommodate your needs to access new tech as it becomes available without the need to be charged per case.
- Staff familiarity and training: Owning a laser system promotes training advantages for staff and familiarity with the equipment. Often, the seller will provide in-service training in best-use cases and will shadow cases for a period of time. The seller will often also continue to offer troubleshooting services.
- Scheduling convenience: When you own or lease a laser system, it’s available on site for emergency needs and for convenient patient scheduling. The consistent availability of the system can often lead to higher patient volume and increased profit margin for the medical facility.
Considerations for a short-term, case-by-case rental
- Lower investment: Short-term benefits of renting include lower upfront costs if your practice’s need is for a short duration. You also incur no additional maintenance costs.
- A flexible solution: Renting can offer a flexible solution for a small or fluctuating caseloads.
- New tech now: Renting gives you access to the latest technology at a moment’s notice.
- Variety: Tailor the technology to your procedure when renting. Whether the physician prefers a Ho:YAG or a thulium fiber laser, the choice is yours.
- Laser operator provisions: Renting a laser system can be advantageous if a medical facility is short staffed, since the rental company provides a laser operator.
The following illustrates an example of renting versus owning a laser. Use the cost calculator to see what option may be best for your facility’s needs.
| Year 1 (Rent) | |
|---|---|
| Rental fee | $700 |
| Cost of laser fibers | – |
| Cases per year | 300 |
| Standby fee | $200 |
| Number of standby cases | 25 |
| Estimated year 1 spend (rent) | $215,000 |
| Year 2 (Rent) | |
|---|---|
| Rental fee | $700 |
| Cost of laser fibers | – |
| Cases per year | 300 |
| Standby fee | $200 |
| Number of standby cases | 25 |
| Estimated year 1 spend (rent) | $215,000 |
| Total 2 year spend (rent) | $430,000 |
| Year 1 (Own) | |
|---|---|
| Cook laser | $185,000 |
| Cost per laser fiber | $300 |
| Laser safety officer training | $1,500 |
| Laser service and warranty program | $17,500 |
| Cases per year | 300 |
| Year 1 spend (own) | $294,000 |
| Year 2 (Own) | |
|---|---|
| Cook laser | – |
| Cost per laser fiber | 300 |
| Laser safety officer training | – |
| Laser service and warranty program | $17,500 |
| Cases per year | 300 |
| Year 2 spend (own) | $107,500 |
| Total 2 year spend (own) | $401,500 |
| Savings after 2 years | $28,500 |
| Savings after 5 years | $35,100 |
| Savings after 10 years | $888,500 |
Click here to download the Cost Calculator
Myth #2: Rental company representatives who operate our laser system are trained clinicians and act as laser safety officers (LSOs).
Not all laser operators are trained clinicians. Hospitals and patients often assume that all laser operators from rental companies are clinically trained, but that is not a requirement of rental company representatives. Although hospitals often assume that the rental representative acts as a laser safety officer, the rental rep and LSO are not the same.
Considerations
- LSO requirements: You are required to have a designated LSO on your staff to monitor and enforce your facility’s laser safety program for all laser systems. LSOs must be employed by the hospital or medical facility.
- The role of the LSO: The LSO ensures the validity of the program and confirms training of all involved in the procedure. It’s important to note that the LSO doesn’t have to be in the room; they just need to be employed by the hospital.
Increase your knowledge about LSO requirements: Review our FAQs about LSOs.
Myth #3: If our medical facility purchases a laser system, our staff is solely responsible for service and maintenance of that system.
That is not always the case. Many sellers offer service plans for an additional cost during purchase negotiations.
Considerations
- Regular maintenance: Under these service plans, the laser system is supported through regular maintenance checks.
- Warranty period: Standard coverage for repairs and service generally comes with a laser purchase. For example, Cook offers a 1-year warranty.
Choose the right partner
Partnering with the right supplier unlocks more than just case-by-case rentals—it gives you true flexibility and peace of mind. Look for a partner who offers:
- Uncapped monthly rentals, multi-year leases, and straightforward purchase plans
- Direct distribution rights with leading laser manufacturers
- Comprehensive service agreements, warranties, and preventive maintenance
- Bundled consumables to simplify ordering
Picking the partner—and the financing model—that aligns with your practice’s budget, volume, and clinical goals is an important step to improving your bottom line and providing for your patients.
We can help you make the right choice.