U.S. Mobile Medical Imaging Services Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029

In 2023, the US mobile medical imaging service market was valued at $424.53 million and is anticipated to grow to $548.94 million by 2029, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.38%. The market has seen a significant increase in the number of service providers, with over 100 companies operating in this space, a growth further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic's demand surge.

There are approximately 6000 functioning Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) in the US, constantly increasing in number. The introduction of ASCs has revolutionized the US healthcare sector by shifting hospital outpatient settings to these centers, which often utilize mobile medical imaging services. This trend is bolstered by the country's aging population, which drives the demand for independent living facilities. In 2019, around 92% of the US senior population showed a stabilized occupancy trend for independent living, highlighting the growing need for services like mobile medical imaging in assisted living facilities.

The increasing population with diseases and the trend towards more independent living in the US have brought significant changes in the medical sector, including the rise of mobile medical imaging services. The number of mobile medical imaging providers has grown in tandem with the expanding target population.

In rural areas of the US, far from well-developed cities with advanced healthcare facilities and infrastructure, there is a heightened demand for mobile medical imaging services. X-rays, particularly used for diagnosing bone fractures and osteoporosis, are among the most utilized modalities. Over half a million manufacturing facilities, prone to accidents, require immediate treatment, including diagnostics, further fueling the demand for mobile medical imaging services.

Over ten million people in the US suffer from osteoporosis, with X-rays being a major diagnostic tool for this condition. Regular health check-ups, including X-ray imaging in assisted living facilities, have increased the demand for mobile medical imaging services. The US healthcare settings have evolved, moving treatments from hospitals to patients' locations, further augmenting the need for these services.

The rise in mobile CT scanners is attributed to their lower initial investments, making them a viable option for small-scale hospitals, clinics, and start-ups. These mobile units, often installed on semi-trailer trucks, are transported from place to place, eliminating the need for patients to travel for scanning and reducing the overall time required for imaging. Additionally, mobile CT scanners do not require the extensive space and arrangements of regular hospital-based CT scans, offering flexibility in operation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, chest CT scans were crucial in managing the disease as they could determine the severity and extent of COVID-19 pneumonia. Mobile CT enabled rapid diagnosis while minimizing infection risks. The portable CT imaging market has also expanded due to the successful use of CT technology in treating tumors, trauma, chronic headaches, and staging of various diseases.

Mobile ultrasound machines are gaining popularity, especially in settings with limited space or where mobility is crucial. The US market for portable ultrasonic devices is well-established, and the demand for mobile devices is growing. These machines are widely adopted across various specialties, including Cardiology, Vascular, Radiology, Endocrinology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynecology.

Mobile MRI units can bring advanced healthcare to almost any facility. These magnetically shielded mobiles can be transported with a fully excited magnet, minimizing setup time at different locations. They offer convenient patient access improved experiences, and do not require large capital investments or upgrades. The increasing preference for long-term care facilities in the US is expected further to drive the demand for mobile medical imaging services.

Homecare is another rapidly growing segment, with patients preferring treatments in their homes, increasing the demand for mobile medical imaging. Mobile medical imaging services have provided a vital solution in settings like palliative care, hospice care, and memory care, where it is challenging to move patients for treatment.

The Western region of the US, including states like Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, has a strong presence in assisted living facilities. According to the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living Report 2022, the Western region accounts for 40.8% of assisted living communities, making it a major user of mobile medical imaging services. This is due to the increased number of patients in these areas and the challenges associated with fixed imaging equipment, such as the capital investment and difficulty in removal once installed. Mobile imaging systems offer solutions like decreased waiting lists and easy accessibility, improving patient care and revenue for healthcare facilities.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

• There are mobile medical imaging service providers in the US market, which has grown rapidly. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for mobile medical imaging services in the US.
• There are around 6000 functioning ASCs in the US, and increasing constantly. The introduction of ASCs has revolutionized the US healthcare segment. The hospital outpatient settings have shifted to the ASCs in the market. ASCs are also a specialty that uses mobile medical imaging services.
• The x-rays are one of the most used modalities. X-ray is majorly used for diagnosing bone fractures. Over five lakh manufacturing facilities are prone to accidents and require immediate treatment, including diagnostics. These demand the use of mobile medical imaging segments.
• The chest CT was considered beneficial in managing COVID-19 as it can determine the severity and extent of COVID-19 pneumonia. Mobile CT allows a rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 while minimizing the risk of infection. The chest CT was considered beneficial in managing COVID-19 as it can determine the severity and extent of COVID-19 pneumonia. Mobile CT allows a rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 while minimizing the risk of infection.
• Per pregnancy, delivery requires around 5.4 ultrasounds. In the US, there are more than three million pregnancies, and there are patients who prefer the use of mobile medical imaging for their checkups instead of alternative options.
• In 2022, the American Cancer Society estimated that approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in the US. Many of these cancer types can be detected and managed using MRI technology. The majority of the patients in complex conditions reside in settings like palliative care, hospice care, and long-term care. This increases the demand for mobile imaging.