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When an MRI takes as little as 15 minutes, waiting three or four weeks for a scan can be infuriating. Yet these kinds of delays reflect complexities within hospital imaging systems that often go unseen.
Many patients spend weeks waiting to see an actual medical professional before finally getting an order for an MRI. Unfortunately, those patients then often have to wait another two to three weeks before the actual scan occurs.
In fact, according to Radiology Business, nearly half of outpatient MRI orders are delayed — taking an average 18.5 days beyond the originally scheduled date in a large academic system of more than 126,000 orders.
Delays aren't just annoying for patients, either. A 2023 study from West Virginia University found a correlation between imaging delays and longer hospital stays and higher costs.
That leaves many wondering why hospital-based MRI services become so busy, and more importantly, how do independent imaging centers compare?
High volume, high profit reality
Hospitals operate imaging departments under pressure to serve urgent inpatients, outpatients and emergency referrals alike. In many systems, MRI machines are scheduled almost continuously, leaving little slack for newly referred outpatient scans. According to American College of Radiology, diagnostic imaging departments are increasingly overburdened, reaching or exceeding capacity.
What's more, hospital-owned imaging services often carry higher overhead and billing rates. Independent imaging centers, on the other hand, can offer faster scheduling and lower costs — a win/win for most patients.
Why buying more scanners just doesn't work
At first glance, the solution seems straightforward: purchase more MRI machines, hire more staff and clear the backlog. But the reality is more complex. MRI machines are extremely expensive (often millions of dollars), and hospitals must ensure they will be sufficiently utilized. New machines requires technologists, radiologists to interpret scans, scheduling staff and integration into hospital workflow. And hospitals must balance urgent inpatient scans, emergency cases, scheduled out-patients and follow-up studies. Even with more machines, administrative and clinical prioritization decisions influence wait times.
Independent imaging vs. hospital imaging
There's a reason independent outpatient imaging centers often present themselves as faster and more convenient alternatives to hospital imaging departments. Many offer flexible scheduling, easier access, and shorter wait times for appointments compared to hospital systems, which are often overburdened by emergency and inpatient demands.
For example, Taylor Med, an independent imaging center with locations in Salt Lake City, Farmington, Lindon and St. George, simplifies the process of getting an MRI — and, in turn, a conclusive diagnosis.
Key takeaways for patients and providers
Patients referred for an MRI often find themselves wondering whether there's an alternative to waiting weeks for a hospital appointment. In many cases, asking about independent imaging centers can make a meaningful difference. These centers frequently offer faster scheduling and lower costs, giving patients an opportunity to complete diagnostic scans without lengthy hospital delays. For physicians, being aware of these options is equally important.
What's best for the patient
For anyone, a waiting period of three weeks for a 15-minute scan is more than just an inconvenience — it points to structural realities in hospital imaging systems. Busy MRI machines, high overhead, competing priorities and differential incentives combine to slow the path from order to scan.
Independent imaging centers can offer faster access in many cases. If you're interested in getting a timely, cost-efficient MRI interpreted by a radiologist within 24 hours, it might be time to think beyond the hospital. For more information, visit Taylor Med.
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