The impact of healthcare trends on imaging products and services.

Key factors in healthcare reform--cost, access to care and quality of care--all have implications for diagnostic imaging. Technology is moving rapidly toward being able to provide images quickly, frequently in digital form to radiologists located in other departments or offsite. Film-based imaging still provides the highest resolution currently available and is the most appropriate option for many situations, such as mammography. Hybrid systems that combine film-based capture with electronic image storage and delivery have also been introduced for situations that require simultaneous review by remote clinicians. Healthcare systems will demand equipment that features open architecture and adheres to industry standards. Healthcare providers will form alliances with imaging equipment and consumable suppliers whose products and services offer advantages in quality, productivity and efficiency that lead to an overall decrease in costs.