From the July 2017 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
2. Interventional radiology programs have an identity challenge.
The radiology department generally oversees both diagnostic and interventional radiology, which can cause physicians and administrators to view the two specialties as comparable in terms of roles and resources. However, many physicians do not understand the scope of IR services and send referrals directly to surgeons. IR programs must develop awareness for the services they provide. The best way to do this is to work with leaders of radiology departments to create a protocol that identifies patients who are best suited for IR procedures.
3. Interventional radiology’s value proposition aligns with future market trends.
The potential for growth is strong since IR mirrors three significant health care trends:
• Cost-effective care: Lower-cost, high-quality care sets organizations up for success in risk-based payment models.
• Attractive to consumers: The minimally invasive nature of interventional procedures attracts patients who shop before receiving care.
• Available in an outpatient setting: Many IR procedures can be safely performed in an outpatient setting and offer rapid recovery. This mirrors a broader health care trend in which a growing number of patients are receiving care at outpatient and freestanding facilities.
The IR market is expected to reach $23.50 billion by 2021, up from $16.99 billion in 2016 with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7 percent, according to a recent report from MarketsandMarkets. Achieving the growth potential for ultrasound-guided procedures means administrators and interventional radiologists should look for systems that are tailored to performing IR procedures.
Specialized features deliver important benefits
Expansion in the delivery of interventional radiology procedures is greatly enhanced by the latest generation of ultrasound systems that marry excellent image quality and specialized IR features with a compact footprint.
Interventional radiologists are looking for ultrasound systems with needle guide technology and the ability to steer the transmit beam so it’s always perpendicular to the needle for improved needle visualization. Systems should allow remote control of the transducer when performing procedures — allowing the user to freeze, store or activate cine, color or a biopsy guide, even from the opposite side of the exam table.
Advanced capabilities include image fusion that can enable real-time CT navigation. Rapid, automatic visual registration can lock CT to ultrasound, and IR specialists can navigate through CT slices in real time. Instrument tracking and intuitive target planning also offer important advantages.
