Longer Waits for Scan Results: A Growing Gap
The gap between the time patients get their scans and when they receive the results has nearly doubled since 2014, according to a study that examined over two‑million Medicare imaging orders from 2014 to 2023.
The study reveals that the pace of delays was steady for most of the decade, but a sharp rise began in 2022 and accelerated again in 2023.
Key Findings
| Imaging Modality | 2014 Wait Time | 2023 Wait Time | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CT Scan | 1 week (≈ 7 days) | 4 weeks (≈ 28 days) | ×4 |
| MRI | 2 weeks (≈ 14 days) | > 6 weeks (≈ 42+ days) | >×3 |
| Ultrasound | 1 week | ~ 2 weeks | ↑ |
| X‑ray | 5 days | ~ 10 days | ↑ |
The table shows a dramatic increase across all modalities, with CT and MRI experiencing the steepest climbs.
Driving Factors
- Radiologist Shortage – The primary culprit identified by researchers.
- Low‑Income Communities – Bear the brunt of delays, exacerbating health inequities.
- Rising Demand – More imaging orders without a commensurate increase in workforce capacity.
Implications
If the workforce cannot keep up with rising imaging demand, waiting times could worsen further, especially for patients already anxious about their health outcomes.
The findings underscore the urgent need for policy interventions to expand radiology training, improve workforce distribution, and ensure equitable access to timely diagnostic imaging.
