The onset of reduced Medicare reimbursement rates, resulting as part the 2005 Deficit
Reduction Act, represents a potential threat to the survival of some outpatient diagnostic
imaging centers. Although the possibility exists that these reimbursement cuts might be delayed
or rescinded, imaging centers are rallying to implement marketing and operational strategies
that will enable them to compete effectively in the post-DRA reimbursement environment. This
report provides specific insights about imaging centers’ plans for investment in new imaging
equipment have changed pending resolution of the DRA issue. The research also highlights
specific strategies that imaging centers are pursuing to generate new referral sources and to
improve operational efficiencies during 2007 and 2008. The research was conducted during
March 2007 with the administrators of 125 outpatient imaging centers located through the
United States.