Gophadat,
Yes the labs I worked in did put profit before investment of newer equipment.
I worked Mother Frances in Tyler, and they always insisted in using methods that had already proved themselves and were economic.
I can understand your position regarding insurance companies but you have to Remember it is the patient and their insurance companies that pay the bills !! I know you will probably disagree but insurance companies are profit motivated, and they will always try to reduce a medical professionals bill to a lower rate or disallow a procedure because it is untested in the field or unprofitable.
The HS will be finished testing prior to FDA approval, but testing to a release standard is not the same as testing to an acceptable everyday usage level. As can be seen in all law suits against Manufactures and Drug companies. The FDA approved only means it has passed a standard for use it takes years before an evaluation can be universally accepted in comparison to other methods and equipment already in use. And long establish methods take a long time to subside.
Example, Butterfly Needles used for a blood test have less risk to the tech and are easier to use rarely needing multiple sticks, than the old method of a Vacutainer or Syringe. But the Insurance Companies refused to pay for the Butterfly. Overall nothing will get done or used unless the Insurance companies accept it and pays for it with a substantial co pay for most.
I'm not saying anything detrimental about the HS, I think its a good piece of Gear and will be a winner. Hence long term doesn't mean overnight!
However you also miss the fact when the economy and markets are down and interest rates are rising, obtaining financing becomes harder. A company will often postpone buying new equipment regardless of price until interest rates are more favorable. And don't forget things like Ultra Sound Machines are on long term leases therefore a Medical Facility won't stop using it, because at the end of the day it still needs to be paid for over the length of the contract. They will continue to use the US, and slowly transfer the methods of testing as and when leases either run out or are cancelled. Of cause I can see it as I said of being part of everyday equipment for ALS and BLS responders.
Had the markets and economy continued to increase in value I would have agreed with you but not in the present situation...
Have a Great Christmas.
