?? Top 10 Trends to Follow in Diagnostic Radiology

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By Marty Stempniak | May 24, 2024

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Experts are highlighting 10 trends to follow this year in diagnostic imaging, including staffing challenges and reimbursement pressures.

Vizient published its latest Diagnostic Imaging Tech Watch on May 24, the fifth edition of its annual report. The Irving, Texas-based consulting firm is seeing a slowdown in providers’ push to shift interventional and surgical cases into outpatient settings. But Vizient is still predicting 13% growth in advanced outpatient imaging during the next decade, particularly in CT and PET.

Like last year’s report, the firm also is forecasting double-digit growth in diagnostic imaging services driven by technological advances and an aging population.

“Given the ongoing labor challenges in healthcare, it is now more important than ever to find ways to work more efficiently, simplify processes and increase job satisfaction,” Adam Fairbourn Jr., MBA, Vizient’s director of contract services, and co-authors wrote Friday. “As healthcare systems deal with staff shortages and growing demands, it’s crucial to have efficient workflows.”

Here is a quick rundown of the list. Radiology Business added the numbers, as Vizient did not rank each item in order of importance. You can find the full report for free here and our coverage of last year’s trends here.

1. Systemness: Across organizations, radiology departments are finding ways to work together to overcome common challenges such as labor shortages and complicated payment processes.

“Diagnostic imaging companies are responding to the trend of working together systematically by helping providers expand collaboration across the care continuum,” the report noted. “For example, some dual-source CT systems offer the capabilities for more complex cardiac exams with guidance for less experienced technologists—but at a more cost-effective installation compared to other dual-source CT systems.”

2. Workforce challenges: Imaging leaders are familiar with the factors causing this trend, among them, an aging workforce, limited pipeline of residency and technologist program grads, geographic factors, and the growing complexity of imaging studies.

“To address these challenges, healthcare organizations are exploring various strategies,” the report noted. “These strategies include implementing remote diagnostic reading programs, applying advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to assist with image interpretation and offering competitive compensation packages to attract and retain radiologists. Investing in AI-guided technology, remote working options and other recruitment efforts can all help with the shortage.”

3. Capital asset management: Radiology departments are devising long-term strategies for their capital equipment plans to help ensure they have the “right technology for the future.”

“Provider capital equipment committees require clear insights to achieve their strategic objectives across their organization, as they navigate the balance between replacing aging equipment fleets and meeting requests for modern technology. Larger provider networks are aligning capital equipment strategies across care sites to capitalize on standardization, increase spending power and optimize financing options.”

4. Sustainable imaging: Pioneering environmental responsibility in radiology: “Green radiology” is seen as a growing way to help preserve the planet and cut costs.

“As the healthcare sector works toward reducing its carbon footprint, radiology departments are being urged to invest in sustainable practices. These practices aim to decrease energy consumption, minimize waste and promote the use of renewable energy.”

5. Technology ‘user-ability’: Exploding volumes, tech shortages and shifting sites of care are forcing departments to think creatively in how they deploy team members.

“Diagnostic imaging equipment manufacturers have created equipment that helps healthcare professionals provide high-quality patient care, regardless of their workload or experience level. Features like embedded AI programs, automatic patient positioning, portable and remote scanning and workflow guidance applications help clinicians improve efficiency, quality of care and satisfaction for both providers and patients.”

6. Rise of remote imaging and expert technologists: Remote scanning first emerged during the pandemic as a way to help continue delivering exams and stretch thin labor resources. Interest appears to be on the upswing, Vizient noted.

“The demand for imaging procedures is growing throughout organizations, and providers are recognizing the need to efficiently share the expertise of highly trained, expert technologists. Experienced technologists (also known as scan managers) can oversee and help in complex imaging procedures via remote scanning. These individuals guide less trained individuals, who are present on-site, in positioning and preparing the patient.”

7. Artificial intelligence: As the AI space continues to mature, organizations are seeking ways to assess whether this technology is worth the time and trouble.

“Providers evaluate their return on investment based on their organization’s clinical goals. For AI applications that don't receive reimbursement, the ROI is typically measured in terms of efficiency and quality improvements rather than direct cost savings. AI vendors are working to make it easier for their offerings to be implemented, which can positively impact ROI.”

8. Reimbursement pressure: Imaging volumes continue to climb, but Medicare reimbursement levels have failed to keep pace.

“Several professional societies, such as the American College of Radiology, are urging lawmakers to address the ongoing and unsustainable cuts to reimbursement. There's growing concern that if these reductions continue, patient access to radiology services will suffer, especially in rural areas that are already underserved.”

9. Value-based procurement: Radiology providers shifting to value-based care are looking to hold vendors accountable for how purchases could impact these goals.

“They also want suppliers to share in the risk if these goals aren't met,” the report noted. “Providers are changing how they evaluate equipment purchases and collaborate with suppliers post-purchase. Suppliers need innovative solutions to adapt. Providers need a network of resources to fully use and measure the value of these solutions over time.”

10. Mergers and acquisitions: M&A volume has gained momentum since 2020 with particular attention around small operators.

“Coming out of the pandemic, smaller imaging centers find themselves in a vulnerable financial position,” Kris Blohm, a managing director in Kaufman Hall’s Mergers & Acquisitions practice, said in the report. “Private equity, hospitals and larger imaging center networks all continue to invest and acquire across the U.S., with many of the larger imaging chains demonstrating aggressive acquisition strategies. Not-for-profit health systems are also partnering in joint ventures with some of the larger imaging and radiology players, many of which have private equity backing.”

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