JANUARY 2002 PRESS RELEASE
Feedback Research Services’ Quarterly Survey Indicates Continued Growth Of U.S. Cardiac Scanning Facilities During The Second Half Of 2001
January 28, 2002 (Jacksonville OR): This month, administrators at eight cardiac scanning facilities participated in a brief survey conducted by Feedback Research Services to update information about their businesses and market trends. Four of the contacted facilities opened during the second half of 2001, and all offer the usual mix of body, colon, heart, and lung scans. Pricing ranges from a low of $300 for lung scans to a high of $500 for heart scans. Abdominal, bone mineral, and complete virtual imaging are also available at some centers, along with angiography, with the latter two procedures being the most expensive (between $1,500 and $1,600).
Although the slower economy has apparently delayed some equipment purchases, expansion plans at Vital Imaging (San Diego CA) include the addition of three centers during the first half of 2002. From a business perspective, offsetting operating expenses with service volumes can be challenging. Scanner costs are substantial -- up to $2.0 million to purchase a system and as much as $15,000 for monthly maintenance. Advertising is therefore a key component for success. Independently operated facilities in smaller markets may spend several thousands of dollars a month for newspaper ads and radio spots but only perform six scans per day during the first year of business. According to one source, this scanning volume probably covers the equipment cost, but little else. In larger markets, between 12 and 20 patients may be scanned on a daily basis. Interestingly, waiting times during the second half of 2001 have apparently decreased, dropping from two or three weeks to a week or less (and some accommodation of walk-ins).
Detailed survey results are included in the latest edition of the Cardiac & Preventive Scanning Markets market report (originally published by Feedback Research Services in July 2001). Report purchasers receive quarterly updates through July 2002. The 102-page report analyzes growth rates, market trends, and revenues, with forecasts projected through 2004. Several other market reports from Feedback Research Services have also been updated, including A Home Health Briefing, Sleep Screening & Testing Markets, and U.S. Stethoscopes Markets.
