From the July 2016 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
Finding the right partner
The bottom line is that every health care facility — regardless of size or budget — should have the ability to gain the advantages of DR at an investment that is suitable for them. When a facility decides to adopt DR technology, there are several potential long-term financial benefits that can occur, including extending the life of existing radiographic modalities and increased capacity, so that one room can do the work of two to three rooms, as compared with using CR technology.
For example, DR systems that can perform multiple exam types (such as radiography, fluoroscopy and tabletop) turn one room into a universal room. Although the cost to implement DR technology has fallen within recent years, upgrading equipment can still carry a hefty price tag. The right technology provider will allow health care facilities to make the transition at their own pace, whether that means slowly or all at once. To minimize upfront expenses, practices can look for a company that will be a partner and offer them flexibility. Radiologists should inquire with their technology providers regarding financing options to reduce the pressure of undergoing a full DR upgrade all at once.
Looking ahead
The benefits that DR technology can offer are tremendous. As numerous studies have demonstrated, facilities utilizing DR are able to care for additional patients because of the reduced number of processes required to obtain an image, and they realize a reduction in patient X-ray dose, while enjoying greater imaging quality when compared to utilizing CR technology.
As the imaging industry advances and new products come to market, it should become easier for facilities to upgrade their equipment. Section 502 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 will help the imaging industry reap the benefits that DR offers. Whether facilities choose to upgrade all at once or gradually, this push will help drive health care providers to the technology that will help provide a more patient-focused care environment.
About the author: Tsuneo Imai is the vice president and general manager, Healthcare Solutions Division, Business Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A. Inc., and president of Virtual Imaging, Inc.Back to HCB News
