It’s no secret that the healthcare industry in the U.S. is among the most expensive in the world, with annual costs reaching $3 trillion—almost twice as much as any other developed country. There are many reasons why it’s so expensive to see a doctor or stay in a hospital, including administrative costs, multiple treatments, high drug costs, and the expense of medical equipment. Among this high-priced equipment are the ultrasound machines that doctors use to diagnose patients. Machines like the Philips IU22 and GE Logiq are highly advanced and don’t come cheap. So, why are ultrasound machines so expensive?
Why Rising Demand Increases Ultrasound Machine Costs
An ultrasound exam is cheaper than a CT scan or MRI and doesn’t use ionizing radiation, which has led to its use in new practice areas. Doctors and medical professionals constantly find new ways to utilize them, such as by anesthesiologists in the intensive-care unit and with obese patients. New and increasing state breast density laws, which require providers to notify patients about whether they have dense breast tissue, are another factor driving utilization trends. These patients often undergo an ultrasound as an alternative form of mammography screening.
The Cost of Advanced Engineering and Development
Even though ultrasound is an older technology, the accompanying technology in these machines is cutting-edge. It takes many talented people to improve upon old technology and make it better. Teams of engineers tweak and fine-tune ultrasound machines to make them more practical, smaller, and easier to use.
High-Tech Hardware and Proprietary Software
The hardware and software that power a standard ultrasound machine come with their own costs. The transducers, monitors, and control panels all feature a high level of engineering and technology. The programs written to store data and images within the machine and make them accessible require a team of programmers, and they don’t work for free.
Constant Technological Advancements and Innovation
The speed at which technology advances is faster than ever. It’s dizzying how quickly computers, machines, and processes improve. Ultrasounds are no different. They are now starting to incorporate AI and 4D imaging, taking the technology into a whole new era. To continue to diagnose and fight terminal diseases, ultrasound machine manufacturers will continue to make better products.
J. Guerra
Ultrasound Imaging Expert
MXR Imaging / Conquest Imaging
