Since 1987, Shared Imaging has provided CT programs to U.S. hospitals including upgrades and technology management. The company offers long- and short-term programs to meet clients' needs along with marketing and education.

"We own all the equipment. We are asset managers for CT and MRI systems for the total hospital base from large to small," said Jim Gallagher, executive vice president. "What we will do is start out in a larger hospital providing them with equipment and when that hospital wants to upgrade, we take that piece of equipment and pass it on to a smaller hospital."

The Streamwood, Ill. company owns more than 150 CTs and 45 MRIs, which are sited at hospitals in 42 states. Shared Imaging also operates mobile MR systems in 13 states, primarily in the Sun Belt.


"We can provide mobiles, modular buildings or in-house systems," Gallagher said. "In the CT market we definitely have a niche. But in the MR market we do have competitors. Our biggest advantage is we're the largest of the privately held CT or MRI providers in the country."

In a way the company is a microcosm of the medical equipment industry as a whole. "We buy all new equipment ... and try to keep the revenue stream on it as long as we can."

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