Events Scheduled for Florida's Space Coast

- The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule is expected to have a varied impact across radiology, with estimates showing a 2% revenue decrease for diagnostic radiology, a 1% decrease for nuclear medicine, but a 2% increase for interventional radiology. - A significant factor in 2026 reimbursement is a new -2.5% "efficiency adjustment" that will reduce work Relative Value Units (wRVUs) for many services, based on the assumption that technology and experience have made physicians more efficient. - The shift to outpatient settings is being encouraged by CMS rebalancing practice expense allocations; indirect practice expense RVUs in hospital settings will be reduced, creating incentives for procedures to move to Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) and office-based labs. - The global market for medical digital imaging systems is projected to reach $37.89 billion in 2026, with X-ray systems anticipated to hold the largest share at 30.1%. - Advanced imaging modalities are projected to be a major growth driver, with PET scans expected to increase by 23%, ultrasound by 16%, and CT by 15% over the next decade in the outpatient setting. - Artificial intelligence is moving from a theoretical concept to a standard tool in 2026, with AI-driven applications for workflow automation, image analysis, and quality control becoming more common in daily practice. - A new CPT code has been established for AI-powered coronary plaque assessment, with a 2026 payment rate of $950.50 under the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS), indicating a clear reimbursement path for specific AI applications. - The healthcare industry faces a significant workforce shortage, requiring an estimated 16,000 new imaging technologists each year, with the most severe needs in specialized areas like MRI, CT, and interventional radiology.