Digital Imaging

Is it practical for a private practice clinic? 

Pick up any medical journal or visit any medical website, you find at least one article regarding digital imaging.  This digital imaging buzz gives the perception that private practices are lining up to upgrade to digital.  The reality is over 95% of private practices that use x-ray (Orthopedists, Chiropractors, Veterinarians, etc.) are still using film.  

For the past few years film manufactures have reported double digit lose in film sales to CR and DR.  The reality is the film manufacture’s primary market has always been the hospital market, which has consumed over 50% of their x-ray film sales.  In the past few years many hospitals with hefty budgets have converted to digital.  You should know all the film manufactures are now producing and offering CR and DR option. 

To convert to digital imaging and eliminate the need for x-ray film, film cassettes, film processor and chemistry, a private practice will purchase a package, which consists of a CR reader, CR cassettes, software and computer(s) or a Detector, software and computer(s).  The average cost to upgrade to digital is $60,000.    

The advantages of CR and DR Vs. film are quick throughput and elimination of x-ray film (No more need for storage, processors, chemistry or darkroom).  The disadvantage is cost of conversion and long-term maintenance.  The average size private practice normally consists of one or two doctors and may take a few x-rays per day.  The cost of one 14x17 x-ray film processed is about $2.50, based on price of film, chemistry and processor maintenance.  That cost of upgrading to DR or CR is about 24,000 conventional x-rays using 14 x 17 films.  For simplicity we did not take into consideration processor repair or x-ray film cassette replacement.  Keep in mind for CR, cassettes are about 5 times the price of a regular film cassette and there is a cost of maintenance.  

We conclude that digital imaging is definitely the future of diagnostic imaging. It is predicted that digital imaging prices will continue to drop and x-ray film prices will begin to increase.  However, today despite the increase in silver price, x-ray film prices are at their lowest.  Unless you are opening a new practice, are a high volume clinic or need a significant upgrade of your analog processing and darkroom equipment, it may not presently be practical to upgrade to digital.   

MyXrayfilm.com