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2026 Diagnostic X-ray Market Outlook Report
Publication Date: June 25, 2026
Tags: X-ray
Pages: 203
SKU: 26-063
IMV’s 2026 Diagnostic X-ray Market Outlook Report describes hospital trends in general radiography procedures, the installed base of fixed general X-ray equipment, DR and purchase plans and upgrades, capital equipment budgets, and site operations characteristics. Also included in this report is a summary of respondent’s departmental priorities and the factors affecting the future outlook for X-ray at their facilities.
This report is based on surveys completed by 250 hospitals, that are projected to the IMV identified universe of U.S. hospitals with diagnostic X-ray departments.
Key Features
Diagnostic X-ray department priorities and future outlook
• What are the key department priorities for diagnostic X-ray?
• What factors will impact the outlook for diagnostic X-ray
departments the most?
• What are the preferred information sources for future diagnostic X-ray purchases?
• What are the top-ranked preferred uses of AI in diagnostic X-ray
departments?
Diagnostic X-ray procedures
• How have diagnostic X-ray procedure volumes changed in recent
years?
• What is the trend in the diagnostic X-ray procedure mix by
procedure type?
Diagnostic X-ray scanner installed base and purchase
plans
• How many fixed diagnostic X-ray units are installed by site type?
• What is the trend in installed base market share by vendor?
• What is the adoption rate for key diagnostic X-ray capabilities?
• What is the anticipated age of diagnostic X-ray units upon
replacement?
• What is the mix of new vs. refurbished diagnostic X-ray scanners?
• What type of service providers are diagnostic X-ray sites using?
• What is the brand loyalty of current diagnostic X-ray users?
• What are the key buying criteria for future diagnostic X-ray
scanners?
Site operations characteristics
• How many technologists, nurses, administrators, imaging aides,
and secretaries are employed in diagnostic X-ray departments?
IMV 2026 DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY
MARKET OUTLOOK REPORT
| Chart Title | Page |
|---|---|
| Insight to Impact: How to Utilize this Report for Strategic Advantage | 6 |
| Priorities to the Mission of General X-ray Departments Over the Next Year, as of 2026 Survey | 13 |
| Priorities to the Mission of X-ray Departments Over the Next Year, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 14 |
| Priorities to the Mission of X-ray Departments Over the Next Year, 2010 to 2026 | 15 |
| Factors Affecting the Future Outlook for X-ray at your Facility Over the Next Few Years, as of 2026 Survey | 16 |
| Factors Affecting the Future Outlook for X-ray at Your Facility Over the Few Next Years, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 17 |
| Factors Affecting the Future Outlook for X-ray at Your Facility Over the Next Few Years, 2010 to 2026 | 18 |
| Priority Ranking for Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Tools in X-ray Departments, as of 2026 Survey | 19 |
| Current Use and Consideration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Tools in X-ray Departments, as of 2026 Survey | 20 |
| Current Use and Consideration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Tools in X-ray Departments, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 21 |
| Outlook for X-ray Procedure Volume, Reimbursement, Revenue, and Net Income/Profits, as of 2026 Survey | 22 |
| Outlook for X-ray Net Income/Profits, by Site Type, as of 2026 Survey | 23 |
| Comparison of General X-ray Department Outlook for Procedure Volume, Reimbursement, Revenue, and Net Income/Profits, by IMV Study Year, 2013 to 2026 | 24 |
| AI Impact on X-ray Departments in 2025 – Summary of Open-Ended Responses | 25 |
| Anticipated AI Impact on X-ray Departments in 2026 – Summary of Open-Ended Responses | 26 |
| Suggestions for X-ray Equipment, Consumables & Software – Summary of Open-Ended Responses | 27 |
| Distribution of Sites and Procedures Performed in 2025 Using Fixed X-ray Systems, by Hospital Bed Size | 29 |
| Trend in Total X-ray Procedures Performed in All Hospital Departments*, by Hospital Bed Size, 2017 to 2026 | 30 |
| Trend in Total X-ray Procedures Performed in Main Radiology Department, by Hospital Bed Size, 2010 to 2026 | 31 |
| Distribution of X-ray Procedures Performed in 2025 Using Fixed vs. Mobile/Portable General X-ray Units, by Hospital Bed Size | 32 |
| Mix of 2025 General X-ray Procedures Performed in Main Radiology Departments vs. Other Locations in the Hospital, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 33 |
| Distribution of Sites, by 2025 X-ray Procedures Performed in All Departments, by Hospital Bed Size | 34 |
| Distribution of Sites, by 2025 X-ray Procedures Performed in Main Radiology Departments, by Hospital Bed Size | 35 |
| Average Annual X-ray Procedures Performed per Main Radiology Departments, by Hospital Bed Size, 2014 to 2025 | 36 |
| Percent Distribution of Fixed X-ray Procedures Performed by Procedure Type, 2025 | 37 |
| Total Fixed X-ray Procedures Performed by Procedure Type, 2025 | 38 |
| Number of Sites Performing X-ray Procedures Using Fixed X-ray Syatems and Average Annual Procedures per Site Performing, by Department, 2025 | 39 |
| Percent of Sites Performing X-ray Procedures, by Procedure Type, 2025 | 40 |
| Trend in Percent of Sites Performing X-ray Procedures, by Procedure Type, 2009 to 2025 | 41 |
| Percent of Sites Performing X-ray Procedures, by Procedure Type, by Hospital Bed Size, 2025 | 42 |
| Percentage of Adult vs. Pediatric General X-ray Procedures, 2025 | 43 |
| Number of Sites Performing Pediatric X-ray Procedures and Average Annual Procedures per Site Performing, by Hospital Bed Size, 2025 | 44 |
| Percentage of General X-ray Procedures Performed on Obese Patients, by Hospital Bed Size, 2025 | 45 |
| Trend in X-ray Inpatient vs. Outpatient vs. Emergency Procedure Mix in Main Radiology Departments, 2010 to 2025 | 46 |
| Plans to Acquire Advanced Application Capabilities for Fixed General X-ray Equipment Over Next 3 Years, as of 2026 Survey | 47 |
| Trend in Plans to Acquire Advanced Application Capabilities for Fixed General X-ray Equipment Over Next 3 Years, by IMV Study Year, 2013 to 2026 | 48 |
| Whether Remote Scanning is Utilized for X-ray Procedures, as of 2026 Survey | 49 |
| Tasks Using of Live Streaming Camera Capabilities for X-ray Procedures, as of 2026 Survey | 50 |
| Use of Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR) Capabilities for X-ray Procedures, as of 2026 Survey | 51 |
| Pediatric X-ray Exam Types Performed – Summary of Open-Ended Responses | 52 |
| Distribution of Fixed DR and CR Sites and Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 54 |
| Total Number of Fixed DR and CR General X-ray Systems Installed, by IMV Study Year, 2010 to 2026 | 55 |
| Distribution of Sites, by Number of Fixed General X-ray Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 56 |
| Total Fixed General X-ray Systems Installed in Hospitals, by Year of Original Installation, as of 2026 Survey | 57 |
| Trend in Percent of Sites Having Fixed DR vs. CR General X-ray Systems Installed, by IMV Study Year, 2010 to 2026 | 58 |
| Percent of Sites Having Fixed CR Only, Fixed DR Only, or Both Types, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2010 to 2026 Survey | 59 |
| Mix of Fixed DR and CR General X-ray Systems Installed, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2010 to 2026 Survey | 60 |
| Mix of Fixed DR and CR Systems Installed, by Year of Installation, as of 2026 Survey | 61 |
| Total Fixed X-ray System Installed Base Market Share, by DR* vs. CR Systems as of 2026 Survey | 62 |
| Total Fixed X-ray System Installed Base Market Share, by DR* vs. CR Systems (including DR Retrofits), as of 2026 Survey | 63 |
| First Call Service Support Sources for Fixed General X-ray Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 64 |
| Type of Contractual Arrangement Used When Service Support is Needed from an Outside Service Provider for Fixed General X-ray Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 65 |
| Type of Contractual Arrangement Used When Service Support is Needed from an Outside Service Provider for Fixed General X-ray Systems, by Service Support Source, as of 2026 Survey | 66 |
| Total Number of Fixed DR Systems Installed, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 67 |
| Total Number of Fixed DR Systems Installed, by IMV Study Year, 2010 to 2026 | 68 |
| Distribution of Sites, by Number of Fixed DR Systems Installed in Main Radiology Departments, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 69 |
| Total DR Systems Installed in Hospitals, by Year of Original Installation, as of 2026 Survey | 70 |
| Distribution of Fixed DR Systems, by Year of Installation, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 71 |
| Whether Installed DR Systems were Retrofits to Conventional or CR X-ray Systems, or were Acquired New, by Installation Year, as of 2026 Survey | 72 |
| Fixed DR System Installed Base Market Share, by Whether Acquired as a Retrofit or New, as of 2026 Survey | 73 |
| Installed Base Market Share of Recently Installed DR Systems, Including DR Retrofits, as of 2026 Survey | 74 |
| Percent of Sites Having at Least One Fixed DR System Installed, by Manufacturer, as of 2026 Survey | 75 |
| Percent of DR Detectors that are Fixed and/or DR Cassettes, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 76 |
| Capabilities of DR Systems, with Percent of Sites and fixed DR Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 77 |
| Percent of Sites and Fixed DR Systems that Use CR Cassettes as well as Digital Detectors, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 78 |
| Percent of Sites and Fixed DR Systems Used to Perform Long Leg or Scoliosis Exams, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 79 |
| First Call Service Support Sources for Fixed DR Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 80 |
| Type of Contractual Arrangement Used When Service Support is Needed from an Outside Service Provider for Fixed DR Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 81 |
| Type of Contractual Arrangement Used When Service Support is Needed from an Outside Service Provider for Fixed DR Systems, by Service Support Source, as of 2026 Survey | 82 |
| Distribution of Fixed CR-Only General X-ray Sites and Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 83 |
| Total Number of Fixed CR-Only General X-ray Systems Installed, by IMV Study Year, 2010 to 2026 | 84 |
| Percent of X-ray Sites Having Fixed DR Systems Only, vw. Having at Least One CR X-ray System, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 85 |
| Percent of Sites Having at Least One Fixed CR-Only X-ray System Installed, by Manufacturer, as of 2026 Survey | 86 |
| Planned Actions for Fixed CR-Only X-ray Systems Over the Next Three Years, as of 2026 Survey | 87 |
| Types of Contractual Arrangement Used When Service Support is Needed from an Outside Service Provider for Fixed CR-Only Systems, as of 2026 Survey | 88 |
| Type of Contractual Arrangement Used When Service Support is Needed from an Outside Service Provider for Fixed CR-Only Systems, by Service Support Source, as of 2026 Survey | 89 |
| Floor-mounted or Ceiling-mounted General X-ray Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 90 |
| Hospital Sites Planning to Acquire Fixed General X-ray Systems Over the Next Three Years, as of 2026 Survey | 92 |
| Percentage of Sites Planning to Purchase Fixed General X-ray Systems Over the Next Three Years, by IMV Study Year, 2010 to 2026 | 93 |
| Percent of Sites Planning to Purchase Fixed General X-ray Systems Over the Next Three Years, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 94 |
| Distribution of Sites, by Number of Fixed General X-ray Systems Planned for Purchase, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 95 |
| Planned Mix of Fixed DR vs. CR Systems to be Acquired, as of 2026 Survey | 96 |
| Plans for New vs. Refurbished/Used Fixed General X-ray Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 97 |
| Plans for Purchasing Replacement vs. Additional Fixed General X-ray Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 98 |
| Whether Planned Fixed DR Systems will be Used for Long-leg or Scoliosis Exams, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 99 |
| Detectors Types being Planned for Fixed DR Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 100 |
| Planned Floor-mounted or Ceiling-mounted Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 101 |
| Percent of Sites Mentioning Manufacturers Being Considered for Next General X-ray System Purchase, as of 2026 Survey | 102 |
| Brand Loyalty: Vendor Being Considered by Current Fixed General X-ray Installed Base, as of 2026 Survey | 103 |
| Brand Loyalty: Vendor Being Considered by Current Fixed DR X-ray Installed Base, as of 2026 Survey | 104 |
| Whether Decisions for Purchasing X-ray Systems are Made at the Corporate HQ or at the Individual Facility Level, by IMV Study Year, as of 2013 to 2026 Survey | 105 |
| Trend in Whether the Influence of Corporate HQ in Purchase Decisions for X-ray Systems is Increasing or Decreasing, Compared to 2-3 Years Ago, by IMV Study Year, 2013 to 2026 | 106 |
| Preferred General X-ray Manufacturers in Healthcare System/Organization, as of 2026 Survey | 107 |
| Hospital Sites Planning to Acquire DR Detector Retrofit Kits Over the Next Three Years, as of 2026 Survey | 108 |
| Percent of Sites Mentioning Manufacturers Being Considered for DR Detector Retrofit Kit Purchases, as of 2026 Survey | 109 |
| Hospital Sites Planning to Acquire Fixed General X-ray Systems and/or DR Detector Retrofit Kits Over the Next Three Years, as of 2026 Survey | 110 |
| Whether Sites Plan to Purchase Fixed General X-ray Systems and/or DR Detector Retrofit Kits, as of 2026 Survey | 111 |
| Whether Sites Plan to Purchase Fixed General X-ray Systems and/or DR Detector Retrofit Kits, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 112 |
| Percent of Sites Planning to Purchase Fixed General X-ray Systems, DR Retrofit Kits, or Both Equipment Types, by Current Fixed X-ray System Capability Type, as of 2026 Survey | 113 |
| Current Fixed General X-ray System Capability Types of Sites Planning to Purchase Fixed General X-ray Systems and/or DR Detector Retrofit Kits, as of 2026 Survey | 114 |
| Mix of Fixed DR and CR X-ray Systems vs. DR Detector Retrofit Kits Planned, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 115 |
| Budgetary Status of Planned Fixed General X-ray Systems, by Year of Planned Purchase, as of 2026 Survey | 116 |
| Distribution of 2026 X-ray Capital Equipment Budgets | 117 |
| Distribution of 2026 X-ray Capital Equipment Budgets, by Budget Year, 2025 to 2028, as of 2026 Survey | 118 |
| Planned Capabilities of DR Systems, with Percent of Sites and Planned X-ray Systems, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 119 |
| Average Age of Fixed General X-ray Systems Upon Replacement, by IMV Study Year, 2010 to 2026 | 120 |
| Whether Radiology Owns/Manages Mobile/Portable General X-ray Units, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 122 |
| Total Number of Mobile/Portable General X-ray Units Owned/Managed by Radiology/Imaging Department, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 123 |
| Percent of Sites Having Fixed DR vs. CR General X-ray Systems Installed, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 124 |
| Mix of Mobile/Portable General X-ray Units Using DR Technology vs. CR Cassettes Only, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 125 |
| Distribution of Sites, by Number of Mobile/Portable DR Units by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 126 |
| Percent of Sites Having at Least One Mobile/Portable General X-ray Unit by Manufacturer, for DR vs. CR Units, as of 2026 Survey | 127 |
| Locations/Departments where Mobile/Portable General X-ray Units are Used, as of 2026 Survey | 128 |
| Distribution of Sites, by 2025 X-ray Procedures Performed Using Mobile General X-ray Units, by Hospital Bed Size | 129 |
| Hospitals Sites Planning to Acquire Mobile/Portable General X-ray Units Over the Next Three Years, as of 2026 Survey | 130 |
| Percent of Sites Planning to Acquire Mobile/Portable General X-ray Units Over the Next Three Years, by IMV Study Year, 2015 to 2026 | 131 |
| Distribution of Sites, by Number of Mobile/Portable General X-ray Units Planned for Purchase, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 132 |
| Locations/Departments where Planned Mobile/Portable General X-ray Units will be Used, as of 2026 Survey | 133 |
| Planned Mix of Mobile/Portable DR vs. CR-only General X-ray Units to be Acquired, as of 2026 Survey | 134 |
| Percent of Sites Mentioning Manufacturers Being Considered for Next Mobile/Portable DR Purchase, as of 2026 Survey | 135 |
| 2026 X-ray/DR/CR Survey Hospital Universe, by Hospital Bed Size | 137 |
| Distribution of General X-ray Sites in Survey Universe, by Location Type and Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 138 |
| Average Annual 2025 X-ray Procedures per Fixed General X-ray Room in Main Radiology Departments vs. All Locations in Hospital, by Hospital Bed Size | 139 |
| Trend in Average Annual X-ray Procedures per Fixed General X-ray Room in Main Radiology Departments, by Hospital Bed Size, 2013 to 2025 | 140 |
| Percent of Hospitals with X-ray Staff Types, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 141 |
| Average FTE Staff per Site Having that Type, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2015 to 2026 Survey | 142 |
| Average Annual 2025 Fixed X-ray Procedures per Technologist FTE, by Hospital Bed Size | 143 |
| Distribution of Sites, by Total Radiologists that Read X-ray Procedures, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 144 |
| Whether X-ray Procedures are Read On-site or Off-site, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 145 |
| Whether X-ray Procedures Performed are Read On-site or Off-site, by IMV Survey Year, 2010 to 2026 | 146 |
| Typical Turnaround Time for X-ray Report to be Available on PACS, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 147 |
| Typical Waiting Time for Non-Emergency X-ray Outpatient Visit, by IMV Study Year, 2013 to 2026 | 148 |
| Hours per Weekend for Scheduled X-ray Procedures, by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 149 |
| Hours per Weekday for X-ray Procedures, Including Unscheduled and On-Call (Monday-Friday) by Hospital Bed Size, as of 2026 Survey | 150 |
| Level of Staffing Challenges in X-ray Department, by Site Type, as of 2026 Survey | 151 |
| Financial Health of X-ray Department in 2025 and 2026, by Site Type, as of 2026 Survey | 152 |
| X-ray Department Staffing Challenges – Summary of Open-Ended Responses | 153 |
| X-ray Department Financial Health Outlook – Summary of Open-Ended Responses | 154 |
| AI Impact on X-ray Department in 2025 – Open-Ended Responses | 156 |
| AI Impact on X-ray Department in 2025 – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 157 |
| AI Impact on X-ray Department in 2025 – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 158 |
| AI Impact on X-ray Department in 2025 – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 159 |
| AI Impact on X-ray Department in 2025 – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 160 |
| Anticipated AI Impact on X-ray Department in 2026 – Open-Ended Responses | 161 |
| Anticipated AI Impact on X-ray Department in 2026 – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 162 |
| Anticipated AI Impact on X-ray Department in 2026 – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 163 |
| Anticipated AI Impact on X-ray Department in 2026 – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 164 |
| Anticipated AI Impact on X-ray Department in 2026 – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 165 |
| X-ray Department Staffing Challenges – Open-Ended Responses | 166 |
| X-ray Department Staffing Challenges – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 167 |
| X-ray Department Staffing Challenges – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 168 |
| X-ray Department Staffing Challenges – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 169 |
| X-ray Department Staffing Challenges – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 170 |
| X-ray Department Financial Health Outlook – Open-Ended Responses | 171 |
| X-ray Department Financial Health Outlook – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 172 |
| X-ray Department Financial Health Outlook – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 173 |
| X-ray Department Financial Health Outlook – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 174 |
| X-ray Department Financial Health Outlook – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 175 |
| X-ray Department Financial Health Outlook – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 176 |
| X-ray Department Financial Health Outlook – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 177 |
| Suggestions for X-ray Equipment, Consumables & Software – Open-Ended Responses | 178 |
| Suggestions for X-ray Equipment, Consumables & Software – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 179 |
| Suggestions for X-ray Equipment, Consumables & Software – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 180 |
| Suggestions for X-ray Equipment, Consumables & Software – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 181 |
| Suggestions for X-ray Equipment, Consumables & Software – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 182 |
| Pediatric X-ray Exam Types Performed – Open-Ended Responses | 183 |
| Pediatric X-ray Exam Types Performed – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 184 |
| Pediatric X-ray Exam Types Performed – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 185 |
| Pediatric X-ray Exam Types Performed – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 186 |
| Pediatric X-ray Exam Types Performed – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 187 |
| Pediatric X-ray Exam Types Performed – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 188 |
| Pediatric X-ray Exam Types Performed – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 189 |
| Pediatric X-ray Exam Types Performed – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 190 |
| Pediatric X-ray Exam Types Performed – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 191 |
| Pediatric X-ray Exam Types Performed – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 192 |
| Pediatric X-ray Exam Types Performed – Open-Ended Responses (continued) | 193 |
| Methodology | 194 |
| Study Sample (continued) | 197 |
| About IMV | 203 |


