Which digital X-ray OEMs are generating the most interest, and what are the price quotes like?
December 09, 2024
By Julie Johnson
By 2029, the global market for digital radiography (DR) is expected to grow to $1.9 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% over the forecast period.
Key factors driving the demand for digital radiography are the aging population in the U.S. and the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions like cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis, and dementia. Additionally, the prevalence of other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, has also heightened the need for frequent diagnostic imaging. Demand is also being driven by significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and advancements in digital imaging technologies, which improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
The DR market segments include fixed radiography systems (ceiling and floor mounted), portable radiography systems, and digital retrofits (flat panel detectors). Numerous vendors offer a variety of imaging systems to meet specific facility needs. Healthcare systems can evaluate multiple vendors and seek strategic partners to help standardize their imaging equipment fleet and streamline capital purchasing processes.
Fixed digital radiographic systems
symplr collects data from over 3,000 provider customers, who submit their capital quotes for a customized price benchmarking analysis. Fixed digital radiography systems comprised 59% of symplr's quoting activity over the past 12 months. These systems vary in configuration, from high-end systems with advanced features to more cost-effective models, allowing healthcare systems to pay only for necessary features.
Large-scale healthcare facilities with high patient volumes typically opt for automated systems with advanced technologies such as digital tomosynthesis, image stitching, and artificial intelligence (AI) analytics to improve workflow. These systems often include a 14x17 wireless detector, a 17x17 fixed detector in the table or wall bucky, an overhead tube crane, and an elevating or float-top table. Smaller detectors (8x10 or 10x12) are used for specialized exams such as orthopedic or pediatric imaging.
Smaller healthcare facilities or clinics usually select single-detector systems equipped with a 14x17 wireless flat panel detector. These systems are more affordable but still offer many features found in higher-end models. Facilities can also choose between floor-mounted and ceiling-mounted systems, with floor-mounted options providing a more economical solution without costly infrastructure.
Portable radiographic systems
Portable radiography systems comprised 37% of symplr's quoting activity over the past 12 months. These systems provide flexibility for point-of-care use, particularly for patients unable to be moved to a radiology department. These portable systems are smaller, lighter, and more compact, making them ideal for emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units. When selecting mobile units, key considerations include maneuverability, extended battery life, image quality, and detector configurations. Like fixed systems, there is the option to purchase smaller detectors for pediatric and orthopedic imaging alongside the standard 14x17 wireless detector.
Digital retrofits (flat panel detectors)
Digital retrofits comprised 4% of symplr's quoting activity over the past 12 months. The demand for retrofits has decreased in recent years, as most DR systems have already been replaced with new digital systems or upgraded to digital technology. When purchasing flat panel detectors (FPD) for new systems or retrofits, image quality, flexibility, and dose rate are critical considerations. Cesium iodide (CsI) detectors are preferred for their superior image quality and lower radiation dose. Recently, glass-free digital detectors, which use thin-film transistors (TFTs) instead of glass substrates, have gained popularity for being lighter and more robust.
Facilities with budget constraints often opt for gadolinium oxysulfide (Gadox) detectors, which offer quality imaging at a lower price. Vendor-neutral detectors are also in demand, as they can be used with various manufacturers' equipment, allowing detector sharing across departments. Retrofitting with digital detectors offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing entirely new systems.
Market popularity and pricing
In the past year, the top vendors in the Fixed DR market across all segments are GE Healthcare (28%), Siemens Healthineers (19%), Carestream Health (18%), and Shimadzu (12%).
In the Single Detector segment, the leaders are GE Healthcare (32%), Carestream Health (20%), Konica Minolta (15%), Shimadzu (15%), and Del Medical (10%).
For Multiple Detectors, the top vendors are Siemens Healthineers (30%), GE Healthcare (22%), Carestream Health (16%), Shimadzu (12%), and Philips (11%).
The top vendors in the Portable DR Systems market are GE Healthcare (40%), Shimadzu (22%), and Carestream Health (19%).
In the Digital Retrofit replacement/upgrade market, Konica Minolta leads with 44%, followed by Carestream Health (22%), Canon Medical (11%), Fujifilm (11%), and GE Healthcare (11%).
Other vendors account for less than 10% of all segments.
Several factors influence purchasing decisions in DR, including patient volumes, the current imaging equipment, and staff preferences, but ultimately, budget often plays the most significant role. The budgetary price ranges for DR systems, including all vendor models, vary depending on the vendor, model, configuration, and purchase scenario.
The typical price ranges are:
• Fixed Multiple Detector Systems: $220,000 to $378,000
• Fixed Single Detector Systems: $115,000 to $264,000
• Portable DR Systems: $124,000 to $196,000
• Flat Panel Detectors (14x17, the most popular size): $29,000 to $65,000
Artificial intelligence in DR
AI has transformed DR by enhancing image analysis, improving workflow efficiencies, and aiding in diagnostic accuracy. AI algorithms can quickly identify abnormalities in radiographic images, assisting radiologists in detecting conditions such as fractures, lung nodules, or other subtle pathologies that may be missed during a manual review. Multiple imaging vendors offer software packages with AI technology.
One key benefit of AI in DR is the ability to automate time-consuming tasks. For example, AI can assist with image stitching, detecting the optimal alignment of multiple images for clearer and more accurate diagnostic views. AI can also help prevent human error by flagging areas of concern and ensuring that scans meet quality standards before they are reviewed.
AI is also being integrated into radiography systems to optimize workflow. It automates tasks such as positioning the patient, adjusting exposure settings, and even pre-configuring images based on the patient's medical history. These capabilities help streamline the imaging process, reduce technologists' workload, and improve overall department efficiency.
Additionally, AI-driven analytics provide valuable insights into imaging trends, patient data, and equipment usage, which can help healthcare providers make data-informed decisions about resource allocation and system optimization. As AI progresses, it can further revolutionize digital radiography by improving precision, reducing errors, and enhancing patient outcomes.
Additional considerations
Third-party dealers are an excellent option for purchasing DR systems. They can provide a wide variety of new OEM vendor and dealer-configured systems, along with demo, used, and refurbished systems, at more affordable prices.
One often overlooked aspect of purchasing a DR system is the maintenance agreement. symplr recommends full coverage service contracts for DR equipment that covers both the tube and detectors, including accident/drop protection. While glassware and detectors are generally reliable, they can be expensive to replace if these components should fail. At a minimum, vendors should provide upfront pricing for the term of the service agreement to lock in replacement costs, including labor, ensuring that unexpected failures don't lead to significant financial strain.
About the author: Julie Johnson is manager of Spend at symplr, where she has worked for 16 years. With a degree in Healthcare Administration, Julie also serves as an advisor, focusing on digital radiology, fluoroscopy, radiation oncology, MR, and PACS. Her extensive experience in healthcare and spend management enables her to guide strategic decisions and improve operational efficiencies within these specialized areas.
By 2029, the global market for digital radiography (DR) is expected to grow to $1.9 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% over the forecast period.
Key factors driving the demand for digital radiography are the aging population in the U.S. and the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions like cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis, and dementia. Additionally, the prevalence of other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, has also heightened the need for frequent diagnostic imaging. Demand is also being driven by significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and advancements in digital imaging technologies, which improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
The DR market segments include fixed radiography systems (ceiling and floor mounted), portable radiography systems, and digital retrofits (flat panel detectors). Numerous vendors offer a variety of imaging systems to meet specific facility needs. Healthcare systems can evaluate multiple vendors and seek strategic partners to help standardize their imaging equipment fleet and streamline capital purchasing processes.
Fixed digital radiographic systems
symplr collects data from over 3,000 provider customers, who submit their capital quotes for a customized price benchmarking analysis. Fixed digital radiography systems comprised 59% of symplr's quoting activity over the past 12 months. These systems vary in configuration, from high-end systems with advanced features to more cost-effective models, allowing healthcare systems to pay only for necessary features.
Large-scale healthcare facilities with high patient volumes typically opt for automated systems with advanced technologies such as digital tomosynthesis, image stitching, and artificial intelligence (AI) analytics to improve workflow. These systems often include a 14x17 wireless detector, a 17x17 fixed detector in the table or wall bucky, an overhead tube crane, and an elevating or float-top table. Smaller detectors (8x10 or 10x12) are used for specialized exams such as orthopedic or pediatric imaging.
Smaller healthcare facilities or clinics usually select single-detector systems equipped with a 14x17 wireless flat panel detector. These systems are more affordable but still offer many features found in higher-end models. Facilities can also choose between floor-mounted and ceiling-mounted systems, with floor-mounted options providing a more economical solution without costly infrastructure.
Portable radiographic systems
Portable radiography systems comprised 37% of symplr's quoting activity over the past 12 months. These systems provide flexibility for point-of-care use, particularly for patients unable to be moved to a radiology department. These portable systems are smaller, lighter, and more compact, making them ideal for emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units. When selecting mobile units, key considerations include maneuverability, extended battery life, image quality, and detector configurations. Like fixed systems, there is the option to purchase smaller detectors for pediatric and orthopedic imaging alongside the standard 14x17 wireless detector.
Digital retrofits (flat panel detectors)
Digital retrofits comprised 4% of symplr's quoting activity over the past 12 months. The demand for retrofits has decreased in recent years, as most DR systems have already been replaced with new digital systems or upgraded to digital technology. When purchasing flat panel detectors (FPD) for new systems or retrofits, image quality, flexibility, and dose rate are critical considerations. Cesium iodide (CsI) detectors are preferred for their superior image quality and lower radiation dose. Recently, glass-free digital detectors, which use thin-film transistors (TFTs) instead of glass substrates, have gained popularity for being lighter and more robust.
Facilities with budget constraints often opt for gadolinium oxysulfide (Gadox) detectors, which offer quality imaging at a lower price. Vendor-neutral detectors are also in demand, as they can be used with various manufacturers' equipment, allowing detector sharing across departments. Retrofitting with digital detectors offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing entirely new systems.
Market popularity and pricing
In the past year, the top vendors in the Fixed DR market across all segments are GE Healthcare (28%), Siemens Healthineers (19%), Carestream Health (18%), and Shimadzu (12%).
In the Single Detector segment, the leaders are GE Healthcare (32%), Carestream Health (20%), Konica Minolta (15%), Shimadzu (15%), and Del Medical (10%).
For Multiple Detectors, the top vendors are Siemens Healthineers (30%), GE Healthcare (22%), Carestream Health (16%), Shimadzu (12%), and Philips (11%).
The top vendors in the Portable DR Systems market are GE Healthcare (40%), Shimadzu (22%), and Carestream Health (19%).
In the Digital Retrofit replacement/upgrade market, Konica Minolta leads with 44%, followed by Carestream Health (22%), Canon Medical (11%), Fujifilm (11%), and GE Healthcare (11%).
Other vendors account for less than 10% of all segments.
Several factors influence purchasing decisions in DR, including patient volumes, the current imaging equipment, and staff preferences, but ultimately, budget often plays the most significant role. The budgetary price ranges for DR systems, including all vendor models, vary depending on the vendor, model, configuration, and purchase scenario.
The typical price ranges are:
• Fixed Multiple Detector Systems: $220,000 to $378,000
• Fixed Single Detector Systems: $115,000 to $264,000
• Portable DR Systems: $124,000 to $196,000
• Flat Panel Detectors (14x17, the most popular size): $29,000 to $65,000
Artificial intelligence in DR
AI has transformed DR by enhancing image analysis, improving workflow efficiencies, and aiding in diagnostic accuracy. AI algorithms can quickly identify abnormalities in radiographic images, assisting radiologists in detecting conditions such as fractures, lung nodules, or other subtle pathologies that may be missed during a manual review. Multiple imaging vendors offer software packages with AI technology.
One key benefit of AI in DR is the ability to automate time-consuming tasks. For example, AI can assist with image stitching, detecting the optimal alignment of multiple images for clearer and more accurate diagnostic views. AI can also help prevent human error by flagging areas of concern and ensuring that scans meet quality standards before they are reviewed.
AI is also being integrated into radiography systems to optimize workflow. It automates tasks such as positioning the patient, adjusting exposure settings, and even pre-configuring images based on the patient's medical history. These capabilities help streamline the imaging process, reduce technologists' workload, and improve overall department efficiency.
Additionally, AI-driven analytics provide valuable insights into imaging trends, patient data, and equipment usage, which can help healthcare providers make data-informed decisions about resource allocation and system optimization. As AI progresses, it can further revolutionize digital radiography by improving precision, reducing errors, and enhancing patient outcomes.
Additional considerations
Third-party dealers are an excellent option for purchasing DR systems. They can provide a wide variety of new OEM vendor and dealer-configured systems, along with demo, used, and refurbished systems, at more affordable prices.
One often overlooked aspect of purchasing a DR system is the maintenance agreement. symplr recommends full coverage service contracts for DR equipment that covers both the tube and detectors, including accident/drop protection. While glassware and detectors are generally reliable, they can be expensive to replace if these components should fail. At a minimum, vendors should provide upfront pricing for the term of the service agreement to lock in replacement costs, including labor, ensuring that unexpected failures don't lead to significant financial strain.
About the author: Julie Johnson is manager of Spend at symplr, where she has worked for 16 years. With a degree in Healthcare Administration, Julie also serves as an advisor, focusing on digital radiology, fluoroscopy, radiation oncology, MR, and PACS. Her extensive experience in healthcare and spend management enables her to guide strategic decisions and improve operational efficiencies within these specialized areas.