"It only makes economic sense to switch [from film to CR or DR] when the cost of the system is less than the cost of chemical processing. It depends on each facility, the volume of images and the reimbursement," advises Donnie Torok, Business Manager, Beach Medical Imaging, Indian Harbour Beach, FL.

CR vs. DR


When should you invest in CR versus DR? Industry insiders predict that CR will continue to dominate the market for the next three to seven years but that DR will gain ground thereafter. Most hospital radiology departments have some combination of CR and DR, along with their older film systems. Generally, CR systems are more affordable for imaging centers and private practitioners, and even small and community hospitals, while larger institutions or groups consider investing in DR.

"When you have 100 films per day then DR will make sense. If less than 100 films per day then CR is a good choice," suggests Samuel Sandlin, owner of A.M. X-Ray Service, Miami, FL.

"I don't think CR pricing can go much lower so it's a step between film and DR. But if you don't have a real need for super speed then you really don't need a DR. It's just for hospitals that want the latest and greatest," says Aidone. "I would rather have a new CR than one of those older DRs. It would be faster and the technology is more up to date."

"CR is leading the way into the filmless future. If a facility has a mid- to high-volume throughput and intends to stay in business more than two or three years, then it is irrational not to go with CR. DR, still being very expensive, has yet to secure a major market share," says Joseph Jenkins, International Imaging Ltd., Henderson, NV. He stresses the difference in priorities for large and small healthcare providers. "When you're spending other people's money, you can buy DR, but when you're spending your own money you have to be more practical."

"The larger institutions that are well funded tend to buy the leading-edge technology whether or not they really need it," says Greg Cefalo, U.S. Digital Radiography Business Manager, Agfa HealthCare. "For-profit hospitals are not as well funded and they really have to scrutinize that decision for CR and DR....It's still quite difficult to beat the value of CR."
Still, DR is the cutting-edge X-Ray technology, coveted by clinicians of many specialties. In fact, access to in-office digital radiography (and MRI) capabilities are among U.S. orthopedic specialists' greatest unmet needs, according to IMV. "Digital radiography is a key priority for many orthopedic practices in their efforts to have remote access to imaging results, to better manage large volumes of imaging data, and ultimately to provide more accurate patient diagnoses," concludes Mary C. Patton, Director, Market Research, IMV.

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