Maria Shepherd , Data Decision Group07.29.15
New advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology have had a significant impact on clinical outcomes by providing improved image quality, rapid exam and—near and dear to the heart of hospital operations—improved productivity. MRI is a great tool, but there are implications for patient safety. A high local specific absorption rate carries risk of patient injury, as does large cumulative energy doses delivered during long exam times. Patient comfort in long exams also is an issue.
Why It’s Important
Like robotics, the average selling price (ASP) for an MRI system is expensive. In 2010, the ASP for an MRI system was estimated at $1.30 million. Prices are expected to decline as the market becomes more competitive, dropping to an estimated $1.17 million in 2015. U.S. healthcare reform is reported to have caused a 20 percent to 25 percent decline in MRI reimbursement, affecting providers, payers and patients with high deductible plans.2
Even with a strong emphasis on cost cutting, the most recent data shows that the U.S. healthcare system still generates the highest ASP.3
Technology Prevails
Many think that MRI has become the preferred diagnostic imaging method for imaging the central nervous system, in detecting brain tumors, spine injuries, vascular structures, and areas of the brain affected by stroke.4
References
Maria Shepherd has 20 years of leadership experience in medical device/life-science marketing in small startups and top-tier companies. Following a career including roles as vice president of marketing for Oridion Medical (a company acquired by Covidien, which is now Medtronic), director of marketing for Philips Medical and senior management roles at Boston Scientific Inc., she founded Data Decision Group. Shepherd recently was appointed to the board of the ALIGO Healthcare Investment Committee. She can be reached at (617) 548-9892, mshepherd@ddecisiongroup.com, www.ddecisiongroup.com, or followed on Twitter @MedTechResearch.
Why It’s Important
Like robotics, the average selling price (ASP) for an MRI system is expensive. In 2010, the ASP for an MRI system was estimated at $1.30 million. Prices are expected to decline as the market becomes more competitive, dropping to an estimated $1.17 million in 2015. U.S. healthcare reform is reported to have caused a 20 percent to 25 percent decline in MRI reimbursement, affecting providers, payers and patients with high deductible plans.2
Even with a strong emphasis on cost cutting, the most recent data shows that the U.S. healthcare system still generates the highest ASP.3
Technology Prevails
Many think that MRI has become the preferred diagnostic imaging method for imaging the central nervous system, in detecting brain tumors, spine injuries, vascular structures, and areas of the brain affected by stroke.4
References
- MarketsandMarkets, 2010 MRI Imaging
- Ibid
- www.itnonline.com/article/advances-mri-market-technology-trend-analysis
- Ibid
Maria Shepherd has 20 years of leadership experience in medical device/life-science marketing in small startups and top-tier companies. Following a career including roles as vice president of marketing for Oridion Medical (a company acquired by Covidien, which is now Medtronic), director of marketing for Philips Medical and senior management roles at Boston Scientific Inc., she founded Data Decision Group. Shepherd recently was appointed to the board of the ALIGO Healthcare Investment Committee. She can be reached at (617) 548-9892, mshepherd@ddecisiongroup.com, www.ddecisiongroup.com, or followed on Twitter @MedTechResearch.