U.S. hospitals are bullish on plans to purchase medical imaging equipment in 2009, according to a new report by market research firm IMV Medical Information Division of Des Plaines, IL.
Hospitals in the 100-199 bed range have budgeted on average 32% more for imaging equipment purchases in 2009 than they did in 2008. Radiology departments have budgeted an average of $1.4 million per site in capital spending in 2009, compared with $1.1 million in 2008.
Radiology departments at hospitals with fewer than 100 beds also are projecting spending growth. These facilities are planning capital investments averaging $793,000 in 2009, up 47% compared with $538,000 in 2008.
The report states that MRI scanners are the modality most likely to be purchased in 2009, followed by 16-slice and 64-slice CT scanners. Digital mammography and ultrasound scanners are also on the 2009 wish lists of many facilities.
In other highlights, 68% of survey respondents said that recent Medicare reimbursement reductions are "very major" or "major" challenges to growing and maintaining imaging services revenue. In addition, 10% of radiology administrators said that recent imaging center closures have affected perceived competition for imaging services.
Preauthorization also is having an impact, with some hospitals reporting that two- and three-day delays are common for nonemergency diagnostic CT and MRI procedures.
Disclosure notice: AuntMinnie.com is owned by IMV, Ltd.
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