Market research report: Dose standards driving CT market
The global CT market is projected to grow 5.5 percent to $5.1 billion by 2018, driven by product enhancements and standards related to radiation dose levels, according to market researchers at Kalorama Information.
According to Kalorama’s latest report, Computed Tomography Systems: World Market Analysis, there are approximately 6,000 scanners currently in use in the U.S. Sales are being boosted by a 2013 federal standard from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).
NEMA Standard XR-29 identified four key CT scanner features that help manage and optimize ionizing radiation dose. These standards include dose structured reporting, CT dose check, automatic exposure control and reference protocols for both adult and pediatric patients.
As part of 2014 legislation that delayed Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate cuts, providers will be required to comply with these standards by Jan. 1, 2016, or face five percent reductions in technical component payments. This penalty will increase to 15 percent in 2017.