UNITED STATES MOBILE IMAGING SERVICES MARKET FORECAST 2025-2032

Mobile imaging services in the United States are influenced by government initiatives, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and a growing aging population while also facing challenges related to managing radiation hazards and shortages of skilled radiologists. Favorable reimbursement policies and government initiatives aimed at expanding healthcare access are expected to drive market growth in mobile imaging services.

Many governments and healthcare organizations are recognizing the benefits of mobile imaging services and are implementing policies to support its adoption. For example, services furnished by portable x-ray suppliers are covered under Medicare claims, according to guidelines revised in January 2021. Additionally, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) and the FDA are partnering to streamline access to high-quality medical imaging data, intending to develop a medical imaging data marketplace (MIDM) to accelerate AI and ML innovation.

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and orthopedic conditions, is also fueling the need for mobile diagnostic imaging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data from February 2024, approximately 129 million people in the U.S. are affected by at least one major chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, or hypertension, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Additionally, as per the CDC estimates, five of the ten chief causes of death in the country are either directly linked to or strongly associated with preventable and treatable chronic conditions. Besides, the growing aging population further drives increased demand for mobile imaging solutions, as elderly patients in nursing homes or receiving home-based care often face challenges accessing traditional imaging services.

On the contrary, managing radiation hazards remains a critical challenge in mobile imaging services, requiring strict regulations and compliance. Proper sanitation protocols and shielding to minimize radiation exposure are essential. Furthermore, the shortage of skilled radiologists hampers the efficiency of mobile imaging operations, impacting the speed and quality of patient care. The American College of Radiology (ACR) warns of a worsening radiologist shortage as imaging study orders continue to rise.

By 2025, the number of annual imaging studies is forecasted to surpass one billion, further straining the radiologist workforce. A shortage of up to 42,000 radiologists is expected by 2033. The number of imaging studies increases by up to 5% per year, while radiology residency positions only increase by 2%. Nearly half of U.S. radiologists are at retirement age. The radiology technologist vacancy rate is 18.1%, up from 6.2% just three years prior. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 4% job growth in radiology until 2033, resulting in over 1,000 annual radiology job openings. The ACR reports that approximately 60% of radiology departments in the U.S. have adopted or are evaluating AI solutions.

The United States mobile imaging services market segmentation includes product and end-user. The product segment is further categorized into X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, nuclear imaging, and other products.

The mobile units deliver diagnostic imaging modalities, ensuring accessibility in diverse settings. For instance, DMS Health offers mobile solutions, including CT scanners, mammogram machines, and ultrasounds. Moreover, advanced imaging technologies, such as MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound, are crucial for early detection of chronic diseases. Mobile mammography services extend screening to underserved areas, while mobile MRI and CT units support timely diagnostics in hospitals and remote locations. MXR Imaging provides mobile imaging trailers to imaging centers, clinics, veterinarians, and hospitals.

Mobile imaging services in the United States are utilized across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), and patient homes. ASCs are shifting from hospital outpatient settings and increasingly rely on mobile medical imaging services. Mobile imaging brings convenience by allowing tests to be performed in various locations, reducing travel and wait times for patients, especially those with limited mobility.

For example, DispatchHealth offers in-home radiography and ultrasonography services. Hospitals use mobile imaging services to provide on-site diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, to improve patient care and reduce transfer times. RAYUS Radiology offers full-service, long and short-term PET/CT, MRI, and CT mobile diagnostic imaging and staffing solutions to hospitals and clinics.

Some of the top enterprises operating in the United States mobile imaging services market include Analogic Corporation, Canon Medical Systems Corp, Carestream Health Inc., Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, GE Healthcare, etc.

GE HealthCare provides medical imaging devices and software solutions designed to improve clinical decisions, imaging operations, and workflow. They offer a range of mobile devices, including portable ultrasound systems and probes. GE HealthCare offers mobile X-ray systems used throughout hospitals, from inpatient to emergency room imaging.

The AMX Navigate is a portable X-ray machine designed for ease of movement, providing consistent and reliable results. GE Healthcare also empowers healthcare providers to efficiently upgrade their existing mobile X-ray imaging technology. Their fixed X-ray devices are designed to simplify workflows, increase diagnostic confidence, and reduce errors. GE Healthcare’s medical imaging products include systems for MRI, SPECT, CT, PET, Mammography, Ultrasound, and X-ray, as well as digital and AI solutions.