CT/MRI Volume Strains Capacity
While inpatient imaging volumes have remained stable from 2013-2023, Relative Value Units (RVUs) for CT and MRI have surged by 80-90%, according to a recent podcast analysis. This significant increase in high-acuity scan volume is placing considerable strain on the capacity of imaging departments and staff.
The surge in high-acuity scans is happening as imaging services increasingly move out of hospitals and into outpatient settings. About 40% of all radiology volume now occurs in outpatient clinics or imaging centers. This shift is driven by the need for more convenient and cost-effective care, leading to the growth of freestanding imaging centers and mobile units. This migration to outpatient facilities is projected to continue, with advanced outpatient imaging expected to grow by 13-14% over the next decade. Specifically, PET scans are forecast to grow by 23%, ultrasound by 16%, and CT scans by 15%. To capture this growth, health systems are actively developing strategies that coordinate imaging services across their networks of hospitals and outpatient sites. The financial landscape is also influencing this trend, with Medicare reimbursement changes making hospital-owned off-campus imaging centers less profitable. Since 2017, Medicare has reduced payments for services at off-campus Hospital Outpatient Departments (HOPDs) to a percentage of the higher hospital rate, narrowing the gap with independent imaging center reimbursement. This has led some hospitals to form joint ventures to develop high-performing imaging centers with minimized capital outlay. Concurrent with these shifts is a significant and escalating shortage of radiologists and radiology technologists. This shortage increases the workload on existing staff, leading to burnout and potential delays in patient diagnosis. To mitigate this, healthcare organizations are offering financial incentives, expanding training programs, and adopting technologies like teleradiology to bridge the staffing gap. Artificial intelligence is being rapidly integrated into radiology to manage the increased volume and complexity. As of early 2026, the FDA has cleared over 1,000 AI-powered radiology tools. These AI applications assist with image interpretation, prioritize urgent cases, and streamline workflows, helping to improve efficiency and diagnostic accuracy.
