MRI exams are now being conducted more frequently in hospital settings rather than outpatient facilities, according to IMV data.

In the recently released IMV 2024 MR Market Outlook Report, it has been highlighted that the percentage of MRI procedures carried out in outpatient settings has experienced a decline, dropping by five percentage points to 66% of all MR procedures. Conversely, there has been a noticeable increase in the percentage of MRI procedures conducted in emergency hospital settings, rising by two percentage points to reach 14%, while those performed in inpatient hospital settings have also seen growth by three percentage points to 20%.

The data provided by IMV Medical Information Division, as interpreted by Davin Korstjens, indicates a significant shift in the locations where MRI procedures are taking place, transitioning from predominantly outpatient settings to inpatient and emergency settings.

A detailed breakdown of the mix of MRI procedures based on care settings is as follows:

– Outpatient: 66%
– Inpatient: 20%
– Emergency: 14%

This shift in where MRI procedures are conducted is a noteworthy trend that reflects changing dynamics in the medical imaging landscape, with more procedures being carried out in hospital settings rather than standalone outpatient facilities.

Looking ahead, it is projected that between 73% and 85% of hospitals with over 200 beds anticipate a rise in their MRI procedure volumes in 2025, while 67% of hospitals with fewer than 200 beds also foresee an increase in MRI procedures. Additionally, independent imaging centers estimate that MRI procedure volumes will rise to 63% in the coming year.

The data provided by IMV sheds light on the evolving preferences and patterns of MRI procedures, emphasizing a move towards performing these imaging studies in hospital settings. This change is indicative of a broader trend within the medical imaging field, where the demand for MRI procedures is increasing in hospital and emergency care environments, potentially driven by a variety of factors ranging from evolving patient needs to advancements in technology and healthcare delivery models.

As the landscape of medical imaging continues to evolve, monitoring these trends in the mix of MRI procedures by care setting serves as a valuable indicator of the changing dynamics within the field. The data presented by IMV provides valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to better understand and adapt to the shifting patterns of MRI utilization across different care settings.