For the recent Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting, Siemens Healthcare held a media briefing to talk about the financial health of the company and had some major product launches on display back at their booth.

During the briefing, Michael Reitermann, CEO for the Siemens Healthcare U.S. division, remarked that it was most likely that the economy would not be characterized by a "U-shaped recovery," meaning the sharp drop in the economy we've already experienced probably won't be followed by swift relief; 2010 will also be a difficult year for the health care industry, he said.

"When you look at the predictions, a lot of economists forecast recovery happening over the next three years," said Reitermann.

Siemens executives commented that the U.S. is still the company's lead market and that Siemens has been less hit than others because of the strength of their portfolio, their installed base and because of the surge in demand for health care IT technologies.

Other Company Trends

Some strong and up-and-coming products and trends to look out for include robotics, surgical assistance, ICU technologies, assisted living devices and systems that help automate the hospital.

Emerging markets for the company include India and China. At the same time, more than half of CTs manufactured in China come to the U.S.

Tom Miller, CEO of Siemens' Workflow and Solutions Division, remarked that an in-house lobbying force to combat recent and future cuts in imaging reimbursement is something that has never been required of the industry before, but a paradigm shift since the DRA may force companies like Siemens to be more active on Capitol Hill for the foreseeable future.

Back at the Booth

The following DOTmed News HD video exclusive reveals some of the highlights at Siemens' RSNA exhibit this year. Markus Lusser, Siemens head of global sales and marketing presents the company's Biograph mCT PET/CT system, which has been picking up steam in the market because of its dual use in nuclear medicine and radiology departments.

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