By Wayne Rees
How Much Does the VELscope Cost?
The VELscope Vx system is one of the leading technologies for the adjunctive visualization of oral mucosal abnormalities, including dysplasia, oral cancer, infections and trauma. Any dentist considering adding an oral screening device to their practice will typically research the available technologies and inevitable come to the question of cost. While the VELscope’s cost is pretty straightforward, there are some considerations worth discussing, which I will outline in this article. Please note, the VELscope is sold via a network of distributors that may offer incentives or special discounts, so the numbers discussed here will be our manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
Cost of The VELscope Vx
The VELscope Vx is offered in two packages: a standard unit and a value bundle. While the standard VELscope system offers everything you need to get started screening your patients, the Value Bundle provides a few additional options that many practices want to take advantage of.
Cost of the Standard VELscope Vx
The standard VELscope Vx system is $1,995 and includes:
- VELscope Vx handpiece/charger
- Patient safety glasses
- Samples of VELcap and VELsheath disposables
- Patient brochures
- Oral Cancer Foundation brochures
- On-Demand training modules
The standard VELscope package is the most affordable way to purchase the VELscope Vx system from an upfront investment perspective.
Cost of the VELscope Vx Value Bundle
The VELscope Vx Value Bundle includes a few additional options beyond the standard package. The VELscope Vx Value Bundle is $2,495 and includes:
- VELscope Vx handpiece/ charger
- (128) VELcap Vx disposables
- (250) VELSheath Vx disposables
- VELscope Vx Imaging Adapter and 7th Generation iPod touch for photo documentation
- Patient brochures
- Oral Cancer Foundation brochures
- Waiting room posters
- On-Demand training modules
The key differences in the standard VELscope Vx package and the Value Bundle are the iPod photo documentation system and the amount of disposables included.
Per Patient Cost
As with any medical or dental device, infection control and preventing cross contamination are critical to safeguarding the health of your patients. The VELscope Vx requires the use of disposable asepsis barriers for every examination. The VELcap Vx covers the lights and optics that are positioned near the patient’s mouth during screening while the VELsheath covers the system handle. While not every oral screening technology requires an asepsis barrier, we feel this is an important part of the overall approach to patient screening. Here is a breakdown of the cost of VELscope disposables:
- VELcaps – $230.40/box or $1.80 per patient
- VELsheath – 39.95/box or $.16 per patient
- Total – $1.96 per patient exam
Annual Support
There is no additional cost for technical assistance for the VELscope Vx system, so you will not pay any monthly support fees. The VELscope Vx is covered by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty at the time of purchase. VELcare Product Protection is available at the beginning of your second year of VELscope ownership and extends the manufacturer’s warranty annually against defects with additional coverage against accidental damage. Here is a breakdown of VELcare cost and benefits:
- $395 per year for initial unit
- $205 per year for each additional unit
- 1-year of extended warranty coverage:
- Battery
- Eyepiece
- Power Supply
- Power Cord
- Charging Cradle
- iPod touch adapter, parts and accessories
- Includes standard shipping (inbound and outbound)
Return on Investment
We are often asked about the return on investment when discussing the VELscope. Typically, we recommend practices charge anywhere from $15-$20 per patient for a VELscope exam. If a practice scans 4 patients per day, 4 days per week, the VELscope pays for itself within two months. We also stress to our customers that the patient’s ability to pay should not be a barrier to oral cancer screening – we feel screening for oral cancer is that important. Screenings with the VELscope are reimbursable under some insurance plans but we still recommend setting your per patient exam fee at a very affordable out of pocket price point to encourage acceptance of the screening.
So How Much Does the VELscope Cost?
You can anticipate an up-front investment in the VELscope will cost around $1,695-$1,995. The additional cost per patient will be around $1.96 per screening. Again, these are manufacturer’s suggested prices and our distributors set the actual sale price.
In full transparency, the VELscope is not the least expensive oral screening technology on the market, so if you are extremely cost-conscious, the VELscope may not be the best fit for your practice. Ultimately, we recommend that all practices do their research into all oral screening technologies, comparing cost, efficacy of the device and a review of clinical research studies to determine which oral screening technology is the best fit for your practice.
As always, we are happy to answer any questions you have and can connect you with a VELscope dealer. Please click the button below or call 877.278.3799.