Report: DR market outpacing traditional x-ray
Digital x-ray (DR) systems will outsell traditional x-ray systems for non-dental medical use in 2011, according to a report from Kalorama Information titled “Medical Imaging Markets: X-Ray, Digital X-Ray, CT and Other Radiography Systems.”
Kalorama, a New York City-based healthcare market research publisher, said revenues for DR systems are the largest component of the $12 billion radiography market, with the highest growth rate in the market.
The report said that while DR systems are initially expensive, their operating costs are much lower due to not requiring film and processing. The annual operating costs of standard radiography can be as great as the capital cost of the radiographic equipment.
“The initial cost of buying a digital system is several times higher than a conventional system,” Joe Constance, the report’s author and imaging analyst for Kalorama Information, said in a statement. “But the high cost can be justified, particularly in a high-volume setting.”
Costs, though, are not the driving factor in the switch to DR, according to Kalorama. Convenience and usability are the main forces, as retrieval of digital images is nearly instantaneous. The movement to digitize diagnostic imaging is closely tied to the movement to boost healthcare efficiency through the use of EMRs, according to the report.
Radiology equipment manufacturers that once invested heavily in film-related technologies have recently been investing in alternative digital technologies, according to the report’s abstract. There have also been changes in competitors operating in x-ray equipment. Large companies with budgets for research and development have been the largest percentage of the market, while some companies, such as Kodak, have left the business to focus attention elsewhere.
Kalorama, a New York City-based healthcare market research publisher, said revenues for DR systems are the largest component of the $12 billion radiography market, with the highest growth rate in the market.
The report said that while DR systems are initially expensive, their operating costs are much lower due to not requiring film and processing. The annual operating costs of standard radiography can be as great as the capital cost of the radiographic equipment.
“The initial cost of buying a digital system is several times higher than a conventional system,” Joe Constance, the report’s author and imaging analyst for Kalorama Information, said in a statement. “But the high cost can be justified, particularly in a high-volume setting.”
Costs, though, are not the driving factor in the switch to DR, according to Kalorama. Convenience and usability are the main forces, as retrieval of digital images is nearly instantaneous. The movement to digitize diagnostic imaging is closely tied to the movement to boost healthcare efficiency through the use of EMRs, according to the report.
Radiology equipment manufacturers that once invested heavily in film-related technologies have recently been investing in alternative digital technologies, according to the report’s abstract. There have also been changes in competitors operating in x-ray equipment. Large companies with budgets for research and development have been the largest percentage of the market, while some companies, such as Kodak, have left the business to focus attention elsewhere.
Evan Godt, Writer
Evan joined TriMed in 2011, writing primarily for Health Imaging. Prior to diving into medical journalism, Evan worked for the Nine Network of Public Media in St. Louis. He also has worked in public relations and education. Evan studied journalism at the University of Missouri, with an emphasis on broadcast media.