Epson Preps for HIMSS 2026 Showcase

The healthcare landscape Epson is entering at HIMSS 2026 is being reshaped by a significant shift of imaging services away from large hospitals. Approximately 40% of all radiology volume now occurs in outpatient clinics and freestanding imaging centers, driven by lower costs and patient convenience. This trend is forcing health systems to develop "systemness" strategies to coordinate imaging across their networks and capture this growing outpatient market. This migration to outpatient settings is projected to accelerate, with forecasts showing a 14% growth in advanced imaging and a 10% growth in standard outpatient imaging over the next decade. Modalities like PET, ultrasound, and CT are expected to see the highest growth rates at 23%, 16%, and 15% respectively. This shift is partly influenced by site-neutral payment policies from payers like CMS, which reduce the profitability of hospital-based imaging. For mobile imaging providers, the competitive landscape is intense, with established players like Alliance HealthCare Services and Shared Medical Services competing alongside emerging companies. Success in this market is determined by service quality, the use of advanced technology, and rapid turnaround times. The global market for mobile imaging services was valued at $2.09 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow, with North America being the dominant region due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure. Radiology departments and imaging centers are grappling with a severe and escalating workforce shortage, with demand for imaging outpacing the supply of qualified radiologists. This has led to increased workloads, burnout, and potential delays in patient diagnosis. To cope, many are turning to teleradiology services and hybrid staffing models that blend in-house teams with external support to manage overflow and after-hours coverage. Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a standard tool to mitigate these staffing challenges and improve efficiency. With over 1,000 FDA-cleared AI tools now available for radiology, these technologies assist in triaging urgent cases, detecting abnormalities, and automating routine tasks. The focus at HIMSS 2026 is expected to be less on AI's novelty and more on its practical integration into existing EHR and PACS systems to deliver measurable operational impact. Regulatory and reimbursement changes continue to impact imaging operations. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule introduced an efficiency adjustment that is estimated to have a -2% overall revenue impact on diagnostic radiology. However, the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) for 2026 saw increased payment rates for services like 3D printing and noncardiac contrast-enhanced ultrasounds. The American College of Radiology (ACR) continues to provide crucial guidance for imaging administrators. Recently updated Appropriateness Criteria cover 270 topics to ensure patients receive the correct scan for their condition. The ACR has also released new CPT codes for 2026 covering services like CTA of the head and neck, and has collaborated on updated recommendations for managing contrast media.