As Patients Become More Aware of Cardiac Health Concerns, Demand for Vascular Imaging Increases

Today’s smart speakers – devices like Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Nest – can do more than check the weather or play music for you. University of Washington researchers have trained smart devices to detect the sounds of agonal breathing – the gasping sounds that follow cardiac arrest. Once agonal breathing has been detected, these devices can alert emergency authorities, speeding the time of rescue response. The faster someone receives CPR, the greater the likelihood of survival becomes.

It’s important to understand that the customer base for these types of consumer cardiac health technologies are also among the most active consumer(s) of health care services in general. While this proactive approach does contribute to more positive outcomes, it does also increase demand for diagnostic imaging. If concerns are discovered, additional imaging is required during common procedures such as stent placement.

Access to diagnostic imaging has a direct impact on patient satisfaction scores, which are used to determine facility compensation. Long wait times and the need for multiple tests frustrate patients, especially if tests need to be repeated due to low image quality or other concerns.

The best way to ensure your facility is offering a superior patient experience is to have sufficient diagnostic testing capacity conveniently available. Researchers have found that having the diagnostic imaging facility within or very close to either the patient’s hospital of choice or primary care physician’s office increases patient satisfaction ratings. For best results, these diagnostic imaging facilities must be furnished with equipment capable of delivering superior image quality reliably and for a long period of time.

One of the most essential pieces of imaging equipment for vascular concerns is the OEC 9900 Elite C-arm. This is the only ‘instant imaging’ fluoroscope available on the market today. Its easy-to-operate interface and superior image quality are why the OEC 9900 Elite C-arm is found in so many OR, ER, and ambulatory surgery centers. Click here to learn more about the OEC 9900 Elite C-arm and how you can save a significant amount of money by choosing a fully refurbished unit.