What equipment can a practice finance?
Most revenue-producing or care-critical equipment with a vendor quote can be financed. That includes ultrasound and digital X-ray systems, exam and procedure tables, EKG and lab analyzers, rehab and therapy equipment, chiropractic and decompression tables, eye care diagnostic equipment, veterinary anesthesia and imaging, and dental chairs and sterilization equipment.
Examples by specialty:
- An urgent care adding digital X-ray so it can stop referring out simple fractures
- A primary care or OB-GYN practice buying a point-of-care or cart-based ultrasound
- A physical therapy clinic outfitting a larger gym
- A veterinary hospital replacing an aging anesthesia machine before it fails
How are equipment financing terms set?
Terms typically run for a period close to how long the equipment stays useful, so long-lived systems can carry longer terms than fast-changing technology. The rate and term depend on the equipment type, whether it is new or used, the practice's collections and the owner's credit. Many funders pay the vendor directly once you sign.
Ask whether the quote can include delivery, installation, software licenses, training and extended service. Bundling those items keeps the project in one payment, but check that you are not financing multi-year service for longer than you will keep the device. For used or refurbished equipment, funders often want an established dealer and may offer shorter terms.
Should I lease or finance medical equipment?
Finance when you plan to keep the equipment for most of its life, because owning usually costs less over time. Lease when the technology changes quickly or you expect to upgrade, because leases can lower payments and make replacement easier. Compare total payments plus end-of-term costs, not just the monthly figure.
Tables, X-ray rooms and sterilization equipment tend to be kept for years, which favors financing. Ultrasound platforms and some analyzers change faster, which can favor a lease with an upgrade path. Tax treatment can differ between the two, so ask your CPA. Our lease vs. finance guide walks through the comparison.
How does new equipment pay for itself?
Equipment financing makes the most sense when the device adds revenue or prevents lost revenue. A practice that stops referring out imaging, adds a billable service or avoids downtime from a failing machine can often cover the payment from the change. Estimate that effect honestly before you sign, using your own visit data.
Build a simple estimate: how many patients per week will use the equipment, what that service typically collects in your payer mix, and what staff time or supplies it adds. If the numbers only work at an optimistic volume, choose a less expensive model, a refurbished unit or a longer term.
What do funders need for equipment financing?
Most funders ask for the vendor quote, recent bank statements and the owner's credit information, and larger requests may add tax returns and a collections summary. Requirements vary by product and funder; many look at time in business, monthly revenue and credit. Because the equipment secures the financing, newer practices can sometimes qualify.
Get a detailed, itemized quote before you apply for final approval. Room preparation, shielding, electrical work or permits are often quoted separately and may need a small term loan. See the full document checklist.
What you’ll typically need
- Itemized vendor quote, including installation and software
- Recent business bank statements
- Owner identification and credit authorization
- Tax returns and a collections summary for larger requests
Frequently asked questions
Can I finance used or refurbished medical equipment?
Often, yes. Many funders finance refurbished equipment from established dealers, sometimes on shorter terms than new equipment. Check the warranty, service availability, parts support and software licensing before you buy, because a cheaper unit that cannot be serviced is expensive downtime.
Does equipment financing require a down payment?
It depends on the funder, the equipment and your practice's profile. Some structures finance the full quote, while others ask for a down payment or advance payments, especially for used equipment or newer practices. Ask each funder and compare total cost, not just the upfront amount.
Who handles installation, registration and safety requirements?
Your vendor, contractor and the relevant state or federal agency handle installation standards, registration and safety rules for regulated equipment. MedicalBizFunding does not give medical, legal or compliance advice. Confirm those requirements before you sign so the project budget includes them.
Can a startup practice finance equipment?
Some funders will, because the equipment secures the financing. They typically weigh the owner's credit, clinical experience and the practice plan more heavily when there is no collections history. Expect questions about when the practice opens and how quickly patient volume should build.
Can I bundle several pieces of equipment together?
Usually, if they are on one quote or a set of quotes for the same project. Outfitting exam rooms or a rehab gym at once can keep everything in one agreement. Make sure the term fits the shortest-lived item, or split fast-changing technology into a separate structure.
Have a quote in hand?
Apply online and tell us what equipment you are adding or replacing.
Updated September 14, 2026 · MedicalBizFunding Team