The number of computed tomography (CT) scanners in the ambulatory sector in the US has demonstrated a mix of fluctuations and growth over the past decade, from 5.23 thousand units in 2013 to 5.46 thousand units in 2023. There was a notable decline in the early part of this period, particularly between 2014 and 2015, followed by periods of recovery and gradual growth. Recent years (2022-2023) saw moderate year-on-year growth rates of 2.68% and 2.55% respectively. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years (2019-2023) was 1.39%.
Forecasts for the period from 2024 to 2028 indicate a continued uptrend, reaching 6.11 thousand units by the end of this period. The forecasted CAGR for the next five years is 1.78%, reflecting a steady growth rate that suggests increasing adoption and possibly greater demand within the ambulatory sector.
Future trends to watch for include advancements in CT technology, greater integration with other diagnostic tools, and policy changes that might affect healthcare spending and equipment procurement. The impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing diagnostic capabilities and workflow efficiencies will also be crucial areas of development.