Imaging centers provide imaging services using high-tech equipment and advanced techniques to produce clear and accurate images of bones, soft tissues, organs, blood vessels, arteries, and the nervous system. Healthcare professionals provide preventive screening as well as medical diagnostic screening.
Medical imaging centers may be staffed by board certified, fellowship trained radiologists who specialize in diagnostic and preventive medicine. A medical imaging center offers a variety of diagnostic scans and tools to help protect a patient’s health and detect disease at the earliest stages. Mobile imaging services are also commonly utilized for all manner of services, not just women’s services.
The most common imaging services include:
Market Outlook: Growth
The number of outpatient settings providing medical imaging services in the U.S. is increasing rapidly, and the installation of advanced imaging devices in these settings is also on the rise. As advancements in technology improve image quality, early-stage diagnosis of disease is becoming more common. In addition, imaging services consume less time in comparison to more invasive procedures, thus helping to reduce hospital length of stay and associated costs.
Key Players
According to industry analysis, the business is highly competitive, with 6,500 facilities in the U.S. and with the 50 largest competitors capturing just 29% of the market in 2019. RadNet, Inc. dominated the market in 2020, due to its large number of outpatient diagnostic centers—the company currently operates 350 centers across the U.S.
Major players in the market include:
Potential Claims
Adverse events in medical imaging may result in patient injury and lead to compensation claims. Among the most common events:
Underwriting Considerations
ProAssurance Miscellaneous Medical is part of our Specialty Underwriting division, which provides coverage on an excess and surplus basis. We can provide customized risk management solutions and liability insurance products and services designed to manage imaging centers’ broad spectrum of exposures. Minimum premium varies by characteristics of the account, although it is typically based on revenue or the number and type of reads or scans. We prefer that physicians/radiologists have independent coverage with adequate limits, have accreditation status with the American College of Radiology, as well as maintaining board certification status in their designated field.
Resources
American College of Radiology
The Association for Medical Imaging Management
National Institutes of Health Radiology and Imaging Sciences
CMS.gov: Accreditation of Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Suppliers
Submissions
MiscMedSubs@ProAssurance.com