Providers have become more discriminating about radiation dose reduction, making that factor increasingly influential in new Computed Tomography (CT) purchases, according to a new report from KLAS.

For the report, CT 2010: Slice and Dose, KLAS interviewed 265 provider organizations about 12 products from four CT vendors. Unlike a similar 2009 report, all four vendors have progressed in client satisfaction and development of dose-management functionality.

Toshiba’s products took the top spots in this report overall; however, Siemens’ received the most praise related to dose.

“All vendors are rolling out dose-reduction applications, but there is still a tremendous need for functionality that automates dose monitoring and reporting,” said Kirk Ising, KLAS research director and author of the report. “Providers see Siemens as a leader in this area, because they have delivered the first applications for automatically tracking and reporting dose. Providers believe these applications will only become more essential as additional quality initiatives are mandated.”

The report also addresses next-generation CT solutions, all of which aim to address increased coverage. Although providers find the new scanners exciting, they wonder if the extra cost is worth it.

“While providers recognize the tremendous capabilities of these newer CTs, they come with a higher price," said Ising. "Providers are weighing the possible benefit to the total population against waning reimbursement dollars. For some, the 16- and 64-slice scanners are the options that make the most sense. For those providers not ready to make the jump to a next-generation CT, service and support become more influential in the decision process."

In CT 2010: Slice and Dose, Toshiba maintained its perennial top rankings for both 64-slice and 16-slice CT products, with scores of 91.4 and 91.1, respectively. GE, Philips, and Siemens solutions (64- and 16-slice) were also highlighted in the report, as were next-generation products from all four vendors.

For more information about the CT market, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of participating vendors, CT 2010: Slice and Dose is available to healthcare providers online for a significant discount. To purchase the full report, providers and vendors can visit www.KLASresearch.com/reports.