United States Digital X-ray Devices Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecast(2022 - 2027)

The US digital X-ray devices market is expected to register a CAGR of nearly 7.27% during the forecast period with a revenue of approximately USD 2,871.21 million in 2019. The shift from conventional X-ray imaging to digital X-Ray imaging is a rapid process, and it is expected to become the most widely used imaging method in the United States.

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to boost the growth of the digital x-ray devices market in view of the increasing demand for chest X-rays. Also, digital X-ray devices provide digital images, which is a very important advantage amid the current pandemic, as the maintenance of films could lead to a tedious workflow. Also, many players are actively involved in the development of advanced digital X-ray imaging solutions to be used for COVID-19 diagnosis. For instance, in May 2020, the US FDA approved Aspenstate's AiRTouch Portable X-ray System to obtain rapid chest X-rays among the SARS-Cov-2 virus-infected patients. Thus, in view of the ongoing pandemic and the extensive use of imaging solutions for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of the infection in patients, the digital X-ray devices market is expected to be significantly impacted.

The advantage of exposure to a lower radiation dose by patients is expected to boost the adoption to digital imaging and, thus, aid in the increase of workflow and efficiency, along with the increase in patients’ safety. Currently, with the surging costs of medicines, lowering the cost per procedure while increasing safety is important for better patient care.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, which favors digital imaging over other methods, reduces Medicare payments by 20% for providers using analog X-ray studies. Thus, for those performing imaging studies on computed/digital radiography equipment, payments may be reduced by 7% during 2018-2022 and 10% thereafter. This factor may positively influence the growth of the US digital X-ray devices market.

Additionally, according to the US Arthritis Foundation, in 2019, arthritis was the leading cause of disability among adults in the United States. By conservative estimates, about 54 million adults were diagnosed with arthritis, and almost 300,000 children were suffering from arthritis or a rheumatic condition in 2019. ​The growing number of people suffering from arthritis or rheumatic condition results in an increase in the demand for digital radiographs.

Also, as per the research article titled “Femoral Neck Fractures 2020”, annually, there would be approximately 300,000 cases of hip fractures in the United States by 2030. The economic burden of hip fractures is among the top 20 expensive diagnoses, with approximately USD 20 billion spent on the management of this injury annually.

Thus, the growing prevalence of medical conditions that require X-ray imaging, increasing technological innovations, and government policies may aid the growth of the US digital X-ray devices market over the forecast period.

Key Market Trends

The Direct Radiography Segment is Expected to Witness a High CAGR Over the Forecast Period

Direct radiography is anticipated to observe significant growth and hold a major market share in the US digital X-ray devices market over the forecast period. The major factors driving the growth of the segment include the increasing research and development activities undertaken by key players for the innovation of novel products with sophisticated features and the high standards of healthcare facilities in the country.

Direct digital radiography directly captures the image at the detector with no requirement for any intermediate interface. Thus, it aids in a flexible and smooth workflow. Hence, the added benefits of increased efficiency and productivity of direct radiography over other X-ray imaging technologies are boosting the demand for the increased development and launch of products based on direct radiography technology. For instance, in December 2019, Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas Inc. collaborated with Shimadzu Medical Systems USA to develop a direct digital radiography (DDR) solution, by incorporating Konica Minolta's new advanced image processing system and Shimadzu's RADspeed Pro radiographic imaging system. Thus, they aimed to accelerate the commercialization of dynamic digital radiography in the US healthcare market. Thus, in view of the advanced features of direct radiography and the growing focus by key players on R&D activities, the segment is expected to witness tremendous growth in the United States over the forecast period

DDR systems provide a high-speed workflow for technologists and faciltates speeded-up patient management, which is especially important in outpatient settings where patients need to return to home or work. Less than 1 minute is needed between exposure and image acquisition.

Competitive Landscape

The digital X-ray devices market is moderately competitive, and a few companies are currently dominating the market. These companies include GE Healthcare, MinXray Inc., Varex Imaging Corporation, Carestream Health, and Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, among others. The competition in the market is majorly based on technological advances and the pricing of digital X-ray equipment. Additionally, major players have been involved in various strategic alliances, such as acquisitions and collaborations, along with the launch of advanced products, to secure key positions in the US market. For instance, in January 2021, Carestream Health showcased its expertise in medical imaging at the virtual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), with solutions ranging from advanced bedside imaging solutions to digital radiography room imaging systems.

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