(Especially When Applying for CLIA, CAP, and Joint Commission)
Opening a new dermatology or Mohs surgery clinic is an exciting milestone—but it also comes with a long checklist of regulatory, operational, and clinical requirements. Whether you’re preparing documentation for CLIA, CAP, or Joint Commission, one topic that often comes up is equipment redundancy—specifically, microscopes.
A Real-World Scenario We See Often
Just today, we received a call from a brand-new Mohs clinic that currently had only one microscope on site—their primary Mohs scope. As part of their regulatory preparation, they were advised that a backup microscope was required to remain compliant and operational in the event of equipment downtime.
This is not uncommon—and it’s a very smart requirement.
Even the most reliable microscopes can experience issues:
- Light source failures
- Mechanical wear
- Shipping damage
- Unexpected electrical problems
When a microscope goes down, patient care and surgical schedules shouldn’t stop. Having a backup ensures continuity, compliance, and peace of mind.
Why a Backup for Your Backup Makes Sense
For this particular clinic, their primary microscope was an Olympus BX43—a fantastic, modern system commonly used in Mohs surgery. Rather than purchasing a second BX43 at full price, we recommended a fully refurbished Olympus BH2 as their backup solution.
And here’s why that choice makes so much sense
The Olympus BH2: A Proven Workhorse, Reborn
The Olympus BH2 was one of Olympus’ most respected microscopes in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These scopes earned their reputation by being:
- Mechanically robust
- Optically excellent
- Built to withstand decades of daily clinical use
When properly refurbished, the BH2 becomes something special.
What “Fully Refurbished” Really Means
A professionally refurbished BH2 includes:
- Complete mechanical teardown and rebuild
- Re-lubricated focus systems
- Cleaned and aligned optics
- Updated illumination with a Nanodyne LED system (available with halogen if preferred)
The result?
A microscope that performs like new, runs cooler, uses less power, and is ready to work for another 20–30 years.
Perfect for Backup, KOH, or Daily Use
For Mohs surgeons and dermatopathologists, a refurbished BH2 or Olympus BX40 excels in several roles:
- Regulatory backup microscope
- KOH slide evaluations
- Frozen section review
- Everyday diagnostic work, if desired
Optically, these systems deliver the clarity and contrast needed for dermatopathology and Mohs surgery—without the price tag of a brand-new microscope.
Smart Budgeting for New Practices
When opening a new clinic, budgets matter. Furnishings, staffing, build-out costs, and compliance expenses add up quickly. Choosing a refurbished microscope allows you to:
Meet CLIA / CAP / Joint Commission expectations
Maintain uninterrupted patient care
Save tens of thousands of dollars
Invest where it matters most—your practice and patients
A refurbished BH2 or BX40 often costs a fraction of a new microscope, while delivering professional-grade performance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re opening a new Mohs surgery or dermatology clinic, don’t wait for a problem to occur before thinking about redundancy. A backup microscope isn’t just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a best practice.
Whether you need:
- A compliant backup system
- A dedicated KOH scope
- Or a reliable everyday microscope on a tighter budget
Refurbished Olympus platforms like the BH2 and BX40 are proven, dependable solutions.
If you’d like help selecting the right microscope for your clinic—or building a backup strategy that makes sense—we’re always happy to help.
Reliable microscopes. Smart budgets. Personalized service.
That’s what we do every day.