On-site imaging equipment can improve access, reduce wait times, and allow patients to receive results more quickly without the added stress of traveling to external facilities. This is particularly important as cardiac disease, a leading cause of death, affects a growing number of Americans. In crowded healthcare markets, where patients have many options, health systems with dedicated cardiac CT scanners can better meet patients’ needs while standing out for their ability to deliver timely care.
Why Invest in On-Site Scanners?
Navigating the diagnostic process can be overwhelming for patients. Studies show that many face barriers such as cost, travel distances, and the complexity of interpreting their illness and diagnosis. When these challenges become too burdensome, patients may delay testing, switch providers, or even turn to self-treatment. Simplifying this process, through innovations like point-of-care testing and on-site imaging, can make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes.
At Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute, investing in a dedicated cardiac CT scanner, in partnership with our radiology colleagues, has helped us address some of these challenges. Bringing this advanced technology on-site allows the team to provide faster and more precise diagnostics, reducing the need for patients to seek services elsewhere. The technology allows us to deliver improved care, particularly for those undergoing advanced cardiac procedures.
Transforming Patient Care with On-Site Imaging
On-site imaging systems remove common barriers to care, such as long wait times and the need to travel between departments or facilities. This technology is especially impactful for diagnosing and managing complex conditions like coronary artery disease, plaque buildup, and structural heart issues. With on-site imaging systems, healthcare teams can detect these issues with greater accuracy, enabling better treatment planning for advanced procedures.
On-site imaging also reduces delays caused by scheduling and result-processing bottlenecks common with external imaging centers, while also eliminating the need for repeat scans—a major source of patient frustration. The scanner’s cost-effective and superior image quality minimizes the need for re-scanning, which is often necessary with lower-quality technology. This clarity is particularly important for complex procedures like TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) planning, where precise imaging is essential.
Optimizing Healthcare Operations
Beyond enhancing patient experiences, advanced imaging technology contributes to more efficient healthcare operations. By integrating high-quality scanners into specialized departments, healthcare systems can reduce delays and improve the flow of care. This is particularly valuable in high-demand markets with growing patient populations, like Lehigh Valley, where efficient operations help support both staff and patient needs.
Since implementing the scanner, we’ve seen a notable reduction in patient prep time, benefiting both staff and patients. Its compact design and advanced features, such as enhanced rate control flexibility and the ability to capture high-quality images, enable us to achieve the same results with less prep. Additionally, using pre-testing oral beta blocker protocols for certain cardiac procedures has simplified the process even further.
Standing Out in a Competitive Market
Patients have a lot of choices when it comes to where they can seek care. Investing in specialized on-site imaging technology helps healthcare systems establish themselves as leaders in their field. Dedicated cardiac CT enhances the diagnosis and treatment of complex heart conditions while demonstrating the system’s expertise. As a result, healthcare systems can better attract patients and strengthen their position in a competitive market.
For our health system, the addition of on-site advanced imaging has drawn patients with complex cardiac needs who value the convenience, efficiency, and access to comprehensive care in one location. Installing advanced imaging technology is a strategic decision that enhances patient care and ensures healthcare systems can continue delivering the best care possible.
