Portable X-Ray 2016
New Provider Preferences Reshaping the Market

A number of smaller providers have ruled out Carestream over concerns that the extra features offered on the DRX-Revolution (such as the collapsible tower, additional screens, and other advanced technology) will lead to a high cost for maintenance/support and cause durability issues; current users of the DRX-Revolution report no issues around these areas with their own units and are very positive about the benefits received. Providers from typically larger organizations view Carestream as one of the technological leaders in portable x-ray with superior ergonomics, great image quality, seamless integration with PACS solutions, and a footprint and mobility that allow providers to increase efficiencies and deliver more timely care.

Despite GE Healthcare having once led the market, GE customers are replacing GE portable x-ray equipment quickly, with the majority of customers turning to other vendors for their needs. While most of these customers are CR customers, KLAS has validated some DR customers leaving as well. Providers state that GE’s technology has fallen behind that of other vendors, suffers from deficient hardware that breaks often and causes extended downtime, suffers from battery challenges, and is less ergonomic than other solutions. Although GE was considered in a majority of decisions by users who already used another vendor, no providers interviewed by KLAS outside of GE’s current customer base selected GE as their go-forward vendor. Those that selected GE said that low pricing due to bundling was the driving force behind their decisions to purchase the Optima XR220amx.

Providers view Shimadzu, a smaller but highly focused vendor, as one of the technological leaders in portable x-ray, and smaller hospitals consider Shimadzu often. Users say that in addition to offering competitive pricing, Shimadzu provides easy-to-use equipment with interchangeable panels on a lightweight detector and outstanding image quality at a low dose. They say the unit is easy to maneuver and is backed by excellent support and an exceptional reputation among providers. On the other hand, Siemens, an extensive vendor offering multiple modalities, has seen only limited adoption of their new Mobilett Mira Max due to mediocre technology, awkward mobility, poor connectivity, and problems with integration compared to other vendors.

Customers using both Fujifilm and Philips for their portable x-ray needs have reported very positive experiences around patient convenience and organizational efficiency. Providers who chose Fuji often praised their vendor for good working relationships and the delivery of new technology, pointing to great image quality and small panels, which benefit infants in the NICU, as strengths. Users of Philips’ MobileDiagnost say that their vendor works hard to maintain productive relationships and provides continuity in the user interface between portable units and fixed x-ray rooms. Providers also note excellent image quality, functional integration, and mobility that helps providers improve workflow and efficiency and deliver better care.