#1: Increased reliance on data analytics

More imaging centers are now relying on data analytics software to reduce overhead and make their practices more efficient. With analytics, practices are able to analyze the usefulness of equipment, staff utilization, and identify changing trends in their markets.

Most importantly, analytics are the driving force behind decision support for radiologists, allowing them to improve the quality of care, avoid errors, and help referring physicians make more accurate diagnoses. In reality, it’s only a short matter of time before the use of analytics becomes a minimum standard in the imaging world.

#2: Increased use of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and new coding

While the safety of DBT has been debated in previous years, new studies have shown the efficacy of breast tomosynthesis in early detection. Unlike 2D imaging, DBT displays images in 1mm slices, enabling earlier detection of breast cancer, increased detection accuracy, and a greater ability to detect multiple lesions. As the success of DBT continues, you can expect many more MD’s to request it for their patients, and more imaging centers to meet the increased demand.

Additionally, CMS established four new add-on codes in January for reporting DBT. While these codes were met with some confusion in the first half of 2015, experts predict CMS to establish more codes to improve reimbursement for tomosynthesis.

#3: Continued shift to cloud-based technologies and digital integration

As more physicians are investing in cloud-based EHR technology, more imaging centers are utilizing a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) to meet the demand for digital integration. Investing in cloud-based software can be a challenge for small practices, but it’s vital to be digital, especially if your network of referring physicians have already made the shift.

#4: Ultrasound imaging equipment will take a greater share of the market

Earlier this year, a report by iData Research suggested that the use of ultrasound imaging equipment will continue to grow substantially in the coming years. Researchers believe that this expected growth is largely in part to an increase in radiation-free procedures, such as biopsies.

Coupled with a demand for smaller and less expensive ultrasound equipment, this industry-wide inclination towards radiation-free procedures will cause an increase in the demand for point-of-care ultrasound devices, says iData.

The future of healthcare is NOW

As the future of healthcare continues to unfold, radiology will only become more reliant upon technology to become more efficient, reduce costs, and improve the patient experience. Don’t let the cost of implementing new technology hold you back- instead, look for ways to reduce your overhead or improve cash flow at your facility.

If you work on a lien basis, one of the best ways to reduce your overhead and improve cash flow is by selling your receivables. Whether you’re looking to shift to cloud-based technologies, implement analytics software, or invest in new equipment, a medical lien finance company can help you improve cash flow at your practice, so that you can stay integrated with referring physicians and grow your practice.

However, it’s important to remember that not all medical lien finance companies are the same. You’ll want to work with an experienced company that offers more than simply medical lien servicing and purchasing, such as OMNI Healthcare.

As an affiliate of Global Financial, one of the nation’s leading financiers for attorneys, OMNI Healthcare is well backed and has the resources and expertise to offer you top dollar for your receivables.

When you work with OMNI Healthcare, they’ll connect you to their extensive nationwide network of healthcare providers and patients, so that you can expand your client base and your referral network. But unlike many other medical lien finance companies, OMNI Healthcare charges no application fees, and has the flexibility to wait for PI cases to settle.