In the case of medical equipment, a phantom is a specially designed device used to calibrate imaging systems so you can see better images. In this instance, the use of “phantom” is referring to equipment you can’t see because it doesn’t exist. Often hospitals continue to pay for expensive service contracts on equipment even after it is no longer in use, has been traded in, sold, or even donated. While seemingly obvious, double checking covered equipment and canceling service when equipment is no longer in use is an easy and immediate way to cut costs.