The U.S. ultrasound market grew almost 3% in 2013 to reach an all-time high of $1.44 billion, according to a report released by Klein Biomedical Consultants.
The report, titled "The Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound Market in the USA: Challenges and Opportunities in the New Millennium, 2013," found that ultrasound purchases increased, particularly in the musculoskeletal and critical care point-of-care markets, despite uncertainties caused by the Affordable Care Act, continued declines in reimbursement, and slow economic growth.
The radiology ultrasound segment grew 8%, but the gain was somewhat offset by a decline in cardiology, which the report attributed to the late introduction of Philips Healthcare's Epiq system, as anticipation of the scanner stalled purchasing. GE Healthcare extended its market-share lead by several percentage points over Philips, according to the report.
In addition, the industry continued to consolidate, with Analogic's purchase of Ultrasonix Medical and Mindray Medical International's purchase of Zonare. GE's Logiq E9 was the No. 1 selling product on the market in 2013, Klein found.
The report predicts that the U.S. ultrasound market will grow to $1.88 billion by 2018, representing an annual growth rate of 5.8%.
