Sheridan, Wyo. – September 19, 2026 -- The global diagnostic imaging market will expand from $26.5 billion in 2026 to $33.2 billion by 2031, a 4.6% compound annual growth rate, according to a new study by Wissen Research.
AI moves inside the scanner, cutting exam times sharply
Deep learning reconstruction algorithms are now embedded directly into image acquisition pipelines rather than applied after scanning. GE HealthCare's Sonic DL sequence allows complex multi-sequence brain and joint MRI protocols to complete in under 15 minutes, letting hospitals raise per-scanner throughput without new capital equipment. Radiology remains the top specialty for AI device clearances, with more than 1,100 cleared by the U.S. FDA to date.
Cloud PACS and photon-counting CT accelerate reporting and resolution
Cloud-native PACS and teleradiology platforms are displacing on-premise archives, enabling remote reads across multi-site hospital networks and shortening reporting turnaround. Photon-counting CT and hybrid imaging systems are simultaneously raising resolution and lowering radiation dose, supporting earlier detection in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
US reimbursement cuts squeeze providers on premium equipment
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduced an efficiency adjustment in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule that permanently reduces work relative value units by 2.5% across roughly 7,700 diagnostic and procedural codes. New combined head and neck CTA codes have triggered global payment reductions of up to 30.8%, pushing many provider networks to extend equipment life cycles rather than upgrade to newer scanners.
High system costs and radiologist shortages compound pressure
Acquisition and maintenance costs for MRI and CT systems remain a barrier for community hospitals and providers in developing markets. A persistent shortage of qualified radiologists is contributing to reporting backlogs, while the shift to cloud-based imaging adds cybersecurity considerations for healthcare providers.
Manufacturers launch new platforms across MRI, CT and ultrasound
GE HealthCare introduced next-generation SIGNA MRI technologies, including new 3T and helium-free systems, at ISMRM 2026 in May. Siemens Healthineers the same month launched an integrated workflow solution combining CT imaging, plaque analysis and cath lab guidance for percutaneous coronary interventions. Samsung Medison consolidated its NeuroLogica and Boston Imaging U.S. divisions under the Samsung HME America brand in March, expanding into AI ultrasound and photon-counting detector technology. Fujifilm Holdings launched its ARIETTA Deep Insight x ultrasound platform in February, applying deep learning to image quality and automated workflow.
X-ray and 2D imaging retain the largest market shares
X-ray systems led the market by modality in 2025 on the back of the highest global procedure volumes and lower installation requirements than other modalities. 2D imaging held the largest share by technology type, reflecting faster acquisition times and the fact that most AI triage algorithms were built around standard 2D radiography and ultrasound workflows.
North America leads while Asia-Pacific grows fastest
North America held the largest regional share in 2025, supported by strong reimbursement, high per-capita imaging volumes and large health systems with significant purchasing capacity. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by healthcare infrastructure expansion and rising adoption of AI-enabled and portable imaging across China, India, Japan, South Korea and Australia.