Choosing the Right Ultrasound Equipment for Your Women’s Health Practice
Introduction
When launching or expanding a women’s health practice, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is selecting the right ultrasound equipment. Whether you specialize in general OB/GYN, maternal-fetal medicine (MFM), fertility care, or women’s imaging, your ultrasound system is central to diagnosis, patient experience, and your practice’s long-term success.
In 2025, there are more options than ever—ranging from premium diagnostic platforms with AI-assisted imaging to lightweight portable systems built for efficiency and affordability. So how do you choose?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the steps to selecting the right system, the must-have features for OB/GYN providers, and how Preferred Medical’s ultrasound solutions—from Philips, Mindray, and Alpinion—help you make the right investment.
Step 1: Understand Your Practice’s Clinical Needs
Start by clearly defining how you’ll use your ultrasound system day to day.
Ask yourself:
- Will we mostly perform routine obstetric scans (dating, growth, anatomy)?
- Are we managing high-risk pregnancies with needs like fetal echocardiography or Doppler flow?
- Will we need frequent transvaginal imaging for early pregnancy, pelvic pain, or fertility evaluation?
- Do we want to offer 3D/4D ultrasound as a patient engagement and revenue tool?
Your primary services will determine what tier of system and what features you truly need. For example:
- MFM practices should prioritize systems with advanced Doppler, high-frequency transducers, and real-time 4D fetal rendering.
- Fertility and gynecology clinics need precise endovaginal imaging with follicular and endometrial assessment tools.
- Practices offering 3D/4D elective imaging need cinematic rendering and efficient workflow tools to maximize patient satisfaction.
Step 2: Consider Workflow, Volume, and Exam Types
How many patients will you scan per day?
A clinic performing 20+ ultrasounds per day needs a system that supports:
- Quick boot-up times
- Fast image acquisition and measurement automation
- Robust reporting tools that integrate with EMR or PACS
In contrast, a boutique or solo practice performing 3–6 scans daily may be more focused on ease of use, portability, or patient-facing features like live image sharing.
Look for systems with OB-specific presets, automated fetal biometry, and batch image export to streamline the scan-to-report workflow.
Step 3: Identify the Imaging Features You Need (and Don’t)
Modern OB/GYN ultrasound systems offer an array of tools. But not every practice needs everything.
Here’s a breakdown of essential vs. advanced features, depending on your scope of care:
| Feature | Use Case | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| High-Resolution 2D Imaging | All OB/GYN clinics | Clear fetal, uterine, and ovarian visualization |
| 3D/4D Imaging | OB/GYN, MFM, boutique pregnancy care | Patient bonding, fetal structure detaildez |
| Auto Fetal Measurements | Busy OB offices | Speed + accuracy = improved throughput |
| Color/Power Doppler | MFM, fertility, general OB | Evaluates blood flow in fetus, ovaries, etc. |
| Elastography | Gynecology, breast imaging | Evaluates stiffness in fibroids, masses |
| AI-based Structure Detection | MFM, anatomy scan clinics | Helps with standardization, confidence |
| EMR/PACS Integration | Larger or multisite clinics | Digital recordkeeping and sharing |
Step 4: Choose Between Portable and Cart-Based Systems
The physical form factor of your ultrasound system matters too—especially for multi-room practices, small exam spaces, or mobile care delivery.
Cart-Based Systems:
- Include larger displays and expanded processing power.
- Typically preferred by MFM clinics or imaging centers.
- Best for providers who need robust features and have dedicated exam rooms.
A Few Options to Consider:
- Philips Epiq Elite
- Mindray DC-90
- Philips Affiniti 70
Portable Systems:
- Lightweight, battery-powered, and ideal for multi-room use.
- Suitable for emerging clinics, mobile services, or as a second system.
- Often chosen for flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
A Few Options to Consider:
- Alpinion X-CUBE i9
- Mindray MX7
Preferred Medical’s consultative approach ensures that form factor matches your daily workflow—so your system supports growth instead of creating friction. Also, note that the machine system that's right for your practice may not be listed in this section.
Step 5: Balance Budget With Long-Term Value
When budgeting for ultrasound, always look at total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price. A more expensive system that increases throughput, attracts cash-pay patients (through 3D/4D services), or reduces errors may deliver greater ROI over time.
Preferred Medical helps you explore options such as:
- New systems with full 5-year warranties
- Certified pre-owned systems that save 30–50% vs. new
- Flexible acquisition models, including leasing, demo units, and deferred payment structures
Every practice is different. We help you choose the right model not only for today—but also for tomorrow.
Recommended Systems for Women’s Health in 2025
At Preferred Medical, we typically consider 17 different ultrasound and imaging machines as we work through the needs of your clinic. Here's a short list of the systems we regularly recommend:
Philips Epiq Elite
- Flagship-level MFM platform with xMATRIX transducers
- Superior 3D/4D rendering with TrueVue
- Ideal for high-risk OB, fetal echo, and research-level imaging
Mindray DC-90
- Affordable workhorse with OB/GYN-specific automation
- Smart OB, iLive rendering, and elastography
- Excellent balance of price, performance, and flexibility
Philips Affiniti 70
- Advanced transducer selection and OB presets
- Real-time structure detection and SmartExam features
- Trusted for fertility, OB, and pelvic imaging
Alpinion X-CUBE i9
- Compact, sleek, and surprisingly powerful
- Portable yet capable of 3D/4D imaging
- Great for satellite practices, tele-ultrasound, or shared spaces
Mindray MX7
- Entry-level portable unit with 3D/4D and OB presets
- Budget-friendly and ideal for startup clinics or second-room use
QT Imaging Breast Acoustic CT™ System
- Valuable for women with dense breasts
- Uses sounds, not radiation or compression
Don't Overlook Support, Service, and Training
Even the best equipment falls short without the right support.
Preferred Medical includes:
- On-site installation and clinical applications training
- Virtual onboarding and ongoing staff refreshers
- Custom transducer kits configured for OB/GYN workflows
- Field service technicians throughout the Southeast
- 24/7 access to customer service and troubleshooting
All new systems are backed by a 5-year warranty—and pre-owned units are thoroughly inspected, tested, and calibrated by certified technicians.
Bonus: Planning for Growth and Innovation
When choosing a system, ask:
- Can I add additional probes or software features later?
- Does it support DICOM integration for my EMR?
- Can this system support future services (e.g., fetal echo, elastography)?
With future-ready systems like Philips Epiq Elite and Mindray DC-90, you can scale services without a major reinvestment.
Final Thoughts
The right ultrasound system isn’t just a piece of equipment—it’s an extension of your clinical excellence and your patient experience. In women’s health, where trust and clarity matter, your imaging platform must empower both.
At Preferred Medical, we don’t push products. We guide providers to the best-fit solution—clinically, operationally, and financially. With over 35 years of ultrasound leadership, a proven track record across specialties, and access to today’s most trusted brands, we’re ready to help your practice grow with confidence.
📞 Call (866) 492-1313 or connect with a women’s health imaging consultant today.
