For many people, CT imaging is still associated with emergency rooms and hospitals. But that perception is quickly changing.
In the latest episode of Frank’s Fast Five with Healthcare Executives, MediGroup’s Frank Gillespie sits down with Karl Kahofer, Director of CT Strategic Corporate Accounts at Siemens Healthineers, to discuss how advancements in CT technology are making high-quality diagnostic imaging more accessible in physician offices, ambulatory surgery centers, and other non-acute healthcare settings.
As Karl explains, “We’re seeing a huge expansion in [CT’s] use for non-acute and screening purposes.” From lung cancer and cardiac imaging to oncology follow-up care, today’s CT systems are helping providers identify health concerns earlier while giving patients greater access to convenient, high-quality care.
The conversation explores how innovations in scanner design are reducing traditional barriers such as cost, installation requirements, and ongoing maintenance. New imaging platforms require less space, lower the total cost of ownership, and even support mobile imaging units that can bring advanced diagnostics directly into communities.
One of the most compelling moments in the discussion focuses on preventive care. Karl notes that low-dose lung cancer screening CT has been proven to reduce lung cancer deaths by about 20% compared to a traditional chest X-ray, yet fewer than one in five eligible patients receive the screening. He asks an important question: “Wouldn’t it make a little more sense to have a CT machine at maybe a physician’s office? Or, even better, let’s bring the CT scanner directly to the patient?”
Frank and Karl also discuss how artificial intelligence is helping healthcare providers overcome staffing challenges. AI-assisted workflow tools now guide technologists through complex imaging procedures, making advanced CT studies easier to perform while maintaining consistency and quality. According to Karl, these solutions allow technologists to focus less on technical complexities and more on what matters most—patient care.
The discussion concludes with a look toward the future of diagnostic imaging, including emerging technologies that promise even greater image quality, lower radiation doses, and broader access to advanced cardiovascular and preventive imaging. As healthcare continues shifting toward earlier diagnosis and more convenient care delivery, CT technology is becoming an increasingly valuable tool outside of the traditional hospital environment.
Whether you’re evaluating imaging solutions for your organization or simply interested in where diagnostic imaging is headed, this episode offers valuable insights into how innovation is improving patient access, supporting healthcare providers, and advancing preventive care.
Watch the full interview to hear Frank and Karl discuss how CT imaging is reshaping non-acute healthcare and what these innovations could mean for your organization.