Whether this is your first project or your fortieth, the process of selecting a radiology imaging desk furniture manufacturer may seem overwhelming and you probably find yourself wondering where to even begin. With so many manufacturers out there – some you may have never heard of before – how do you figure out which is the perfect, durable, quality, cost-efficient sit to stand imaging desk that is going to knock it out of the park and earn you that well-deserved promotion, while having all of the doctors patting your back?

Here are some tips for before you begin:

• What concerns do the doctors currently have? Are they too hot? Too cold? Do they feel too cluttered (with files/binders or cables)? Do they have any health issues with neck pain, eye strain, or headaches? Maybe it's just too loud in the room with three other doctors talking into their microphones at the same time.
• What is the budget? Is there a certain budgetary number that your manager has given you that will make or break the deal? Finding out what that threshold is will only help in guiding your conversations with furniture manufacturers to tell you what may or may not fall within that scope.
• How much equipment will be at the desk? In this case, size matters. The quantity and size of monitors (and orientation – landscape vs. portrait) will determine the size of the desk. For example, if there is only a 21” landscape and 26” portrait, you may only require a 5 ½’ long desk, whereas (2) 21” Barco monitors and (2) 26” monitors landscape may require an 8’ long desk. Not to mention, the number of keyboards, mice, and other equipment (phones, power scribe microphones, etc.) that are being used.
• What logistics are required to install the furniture? Will the doctors be working while install takes place, or is this a brand new building with nothing in the room but fresh paint and carpet? Will the install team have to install after hours or during normal business hours?

Once you’ve gathered this information, then you’ll have the key factors you need to knock this project out of the park!

Now, how does this translate to purchasing imaging desks and how much do they cost? Remember, these are per desk ballpark numbers to help get you started. All of the prices below will include both the estimated freight and install. We’ve broken down the pricing into three ranges based on the requirements:

Basic Desk:   $7,000-$9,999

This can include dual surface height-adjustment, computer hangers, extension cables, focal depth adjustment for monitors (including the heavy 6MP screens), easy USB connection trough for convenient keyboard and mice connection, and full interior design service.

Mid-Level Desk: $10,000-$12,999 – most common

This can include dual surface height-adjustment, computer hangers, extension cables, focal depth adjustment for monitors (including the heavy 6MP screens), easy USB connection trough for convenient keyboard and mice connection, and full interior design service. Added into this level are the personal climate control heaters and cooling fan at the desk (reduce complaints of “too hot” or “too cold”), or bias lighting (lighting the monitors from behind to reduce eye strain and headache).

Top Tier Desk: $13,000-$14,999

This can include everything from the mid-level desk, in addition, this level will include side work surfaces for additional work surface area, paperwork storage for each desk, and acoustic panels to help reduce unwanted noise in the room, create defined work spaces, and reduce glare from the monitors.

As you can see, the prices of imaging desks can vary a LOT!  Selecting a furniture vendor who is open and honest with pricing, features, and what's included can help you select the best options, features, and design for your radiologists...and knock this project out of the park! HOMERUN!