Diagnostic Imaging

Market Challenges

Increasing volumes in Diagnostic Imaging are being driven by several key factors, including technological advances, patient demand, rising MD utilization, and the demographics of an aging population. Patients and physicians increasingly prefer the ease and convenience of outpatient settings.

Continuing advances in technology create financial pressures for institutions needing to upgrade to remain competitive. 1.5 Tesla MRs are now the clinical standard; PET/CT has become the modality of choice for cancer specialists, and 64 slice CTs are becoming increasingly common.

Trouble-shooting consultative assistance is available for new or established imaging centers.

On the near horizon are new, significant and widespread diagnostic applications particularly for CT, including:

  • Cardiovascular screening
  • Virtual Colonoscopy
  • Three-dimensional imaging for sophisticated surgical planning

The number and strength of non-hospital owned imaging centers is a major factor in this market segment. Hospitals and physicians are challenged in efforts to work together to meet market opportunities and capital requirements.

Utilization issues are coming to the forefront as payors take a hard look at their soaring imaging costs.

Mr. Jodon provides Gemstar an extensive background in equipment and supply procurement.

The emergence of non-hospital owned imaging centers contributes to the erosion of revenue and influence for many hospitals, and these institutions are frequently challenged in their efforts to forge creative relationships with their physicians to retain or retake diagnostic market share.

Both hospitals and physician groups recognize the value of imaging services to expand and consolidate referral patterns and enlarge service areas vis-à-vis competition.

The capital expense of new technology and the risk factors in outpatient services call for sophisticated market evaluations, planning, financial modeling, and creative alliances in order to be assure adequate return on investment.

Gemstar Group Solutions
  • Brings a level of skill and experience to our partners, which is unequaled in the diagnostic imaging industry:
  • Quickly and accurately defines and assesses diagnostic imaging needs and opportunities, whether for one location or a regional network. For hospitals, assesses I/P vs. O/P needs, and defines the imaging needs of existing and planned product lines.
  • Defines and assesses competition and opportunity, conducts demographic and demands analyses, assesses and assists with CON issues, address all applicable regulatory and licensing issues.
  • Executes detailed, comprehensive due diligence, including drilling down to projected referrals by source and by CPT code, analysis of payers and prospective reimbursement with trending. Prepare detailed 10 year pro formas with IRR, ROI calculations. Assesses and defines options for partnering with physicians and other entities, and assists in electing and executing the “best” scenario case by case. Gemstar is known for its “hands-on” skills in working with physicians and medical groups. We have structured a wide variety of tailored partnership arrangements.

For our hospital partners, Gemstar Group executives bring an exceptional level of sophistication in understanding and working through institutional issues and corporate planning, legal and financial requirements. We bring experience in working with virtually every major health care system in the U.S., including HCA, Tenet, Bon Secours, UPMC, Adventist Health System and Mt. Sinai.

Comprehensive, hands-on expertise in all factors relating to site selection, construction, equipment selection (both major and minor), staffing requirements, PACS, Policies and Procedures, professional contracting, licensing and payor contracting, business operating systems, ramp-up and roll-out.

  • Preferred relationships with vendors and construction firms give our partners access to optimal pricing and terms.
  • Identifies and qualifies imaging centers for acquisition, and structure buy-sell agreements.
  • Assists in obtaining project and capital financing as required from our many sources.