The use of radiographic fluoroscopy (R/F) for gastrointestinal contrast studies has declined at least 7% since 2002, according to a new report published by market research and consulting firm IMV Medical Information Division of Des Plaines, IL.
The 2004/05 edition of IMV's Radiographic Fluoroscopy Census Database estimates that 19.3 million procedures, involving 8.5 million patient visits, were performed using R/F imaging equipment in hospitals with 150 or more beds in the U.S. in 2004.
According to the report, 55% of the R/F exams were for GI contrast studies. The next largest segments were urinary studies at 14%, myelography at 10%, arthrograms and orthopedic/joint studies at 7%, and ERCP studies at 7%. Other R/F patient visits that comprise the remaining 7% include ob/gyn studies, peripheral vascular studies, vertebroplasties, and biopsies.
The document notes that GI contrast studies as a proportion of total R/F studies have declined from 62% in 2002 to 55% in 2004, but urinary studies have increased from 9% to 14% of the total. Even though GI studies with R/F show a percentage decline, the report states that total volume is still increasing.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
December 12, 2005
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