With the last of the Baby Boomer generation approaching the age of retirement, the US is experiencing higher than normal patient volumes as citizens require medical attention. The rise in the aging population has also led to an increase in conditions and neurological disorders which require radiographic testing. This fact is one of the cornerstones of why the Computed Radiography and Digital Radiography Market in the US is expected to post a CAGR of 2.62 percent for the 2012-2016 period.
Computed Radiography and Digital Radiography systems increase the productivity of hospitals by producing high-quality digital images instantly. They also help improve the operational efficiency of radiology departments by offering high-quality images, electronic storage, and easy transmission of images.
Are they the same thing?
Not exactly.
Digital systems provide more benefits than computed systems which is why more hospitals in the US are opting for the digital route. However, budget constraints and the unavailability of highly trained staff are hindering the adoption make computed systems the first choice for small hospitals and diagnostic clinics. Moreover, digital systems can work only if patient volume is high, whereas computed systems can be used even if the patient volume is low. Both systems have their advantages and because consumer segments vary between the two, digital and computed systems can peaceful coexist.
So what’s the problem?
In addition to Digital and Computed Radiography, alternate procedures like Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Ultrasound are available. While this is good news for the healthcare industry, the approximate 54 Computed and Digital Radiography manufacturers in the US are locked into an intense battle, vying for their technology to be chosen over the competition. The leading vendors are currently operating on less profit because of this vendor war. Moreover, there are severe pricing pressures, which lead to a reduction in vendors’ profit margins.
Is there good news?
Yes. Apart from the obvious patient benefits of having different radiography options, there is also a silver lining for vendors. While Computed and Digital Radiography is used for primary and secondary diagnosis of diseases, CT, MRI, PET and Ultrasound use different technologies and are used in the secondary diagnosis. This means that the healthcare industry still rely on computed and digital systems for original disease detection…and that’s not all.
Technological innovations like Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) and Digital Tomosynthesis enhance the features of computed and digital systems, allowing them to be used for a wider variety of tests. These added benefits will encourage continued adoption of both digital and computed systems, thus increasing the overall revenue of the market for the foreseeable future.
For more information, view our 2012-2016 CR and DR Market in the US report.
