RadNet, a diagnostic imaging services operator, has commenced with an upgrade plan to replace all of its analog mammography systems in Maryland with digital mammography. More than 30 digital systems will be deployed during the next six months at an aggregate cost between $10 million and $12 million.

“We have identified digital mammography as a technology that both improves medical care and provides us with significant operating enhancements. Digital technology enables us to image more patients, allowing us to more effectively service the growing demand and existing backlogs for mammography. Further substantiating the significant financial commitment we are making to digital mammography is a higher per scan reimbursement,” said Howard Berger, MD, chairman and CEO of the Los Angeles-based RadNet.

RadNet said approximately 225,000 mammograms are performed annually on its systems in the Maryland market.