The data on computed tomography (CT) scanner utilization among ambulatory care providers in the US shows a varied trend over the years. From 2013 to 2015, there was a significant decline in usage, followed by a moderate recovery and a more stable period from 2016 onwards. By 2023, usage stood at 16.58 units per million persons, marking a modest growth trajectory over the past decade. Year-on-year variations ranged widely, with a noticeable dip in 2014 and several periods of recovery thereafter.
In terms of growth over the last two years, the year-on-year variation showed a consistent and steady increase of around 1.5% per year, reflecting a stabilizing trend in the utilization of CT scanners in ambulatory settings. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last five years before the forecast period was estimated at about 1.23%, indicating a gradual upward trend.
Looking ahead, the forecasted data suggests continuous, albeit moderate, growth in the utilization of CT scanners, with a forecasted 5-year CAGR of 0.91% and an overall growth rate of 4.64% by 2028. This indicates a sustained but steady demand for imaging services in outpatient settings.
Future trends to watch for include advancements in CT technology that may enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, potential impacts of healthcare policy changes, and evolving patient demographics which could influence the demand for imaging services. Adoption of AI-driven diagnostic tools and telehealth integration could also play pivotal roles in shaping the utilization patterns in the coming years.
