France CT Scan Market Analysis

France CT Scan Market Executive Summary

France CT Scan Market was valued at $126.78 Mn in 2023 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 6.87% from 2023 to 2030, to $201.85 Mn by 2030.  

A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, is a sophisticated imaging procedure that uses X-rays to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body. Unlike traditional X-rays, CT scans capture multiple views from various angles, which a computer then processes into a three-dimensional representation of internal structures such as organs, bones, and soft tissues. Before the scan, patients may prepare by wearing a gown and removing metal objects. Depending on the type of scan, they might need to ingest a contrast material to enhance the visibility of specific tissues. During the scan, patients lie on a table that moves through a donut-shaped scanner while X-ray images are taken. Afterward, a radiologist interprets the images to diagnose conditions like cancer, heart disease, bone fractures, internal bleeding, and injuries. While CT scans offer detailed diagnostic capabilities, they involve radiation exposure and can be costly, though advancements have minimized risks and enhanced safety. Other imaging options like X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI scans are considered based on specific medical needs and radiation concerns.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in France affects 1.5% to 2.1% of adults aged 18-74 years, with a higher prevalence in women and older adults, reaching up to 9.9% in those aged 65-74 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, chest CT scans played a crucial role in diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia, especially when RT-PCR testing was unavailable or delayed, showing high sensitivity (87%) and specificity (85%), with a negative predictive value of 97%. From March 2020 to January 2021, 19% of 100,018 CT scans in France were conducted using the COVID-19 workflow.

The market therefore is driven by significant factors like the rising burden of chronic diseases, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and the aging population. However, high costs, regulations, and reimbursement, and radiation exposure concerns restrict the growth and potential of the market.

A prominent player in this field is GE Healthcare, which launched a new refurbishing unit in Bangladesh for A1-Sure Ultrasound Systems, aiming to enhance accessibility to affordable ultrasound technology in developing regions, and Siemens Healthineers partnered with Microsoft to utilize Azure cloud services for AI-powered medical imaging solutions, aimed at advancing healthcare delivery with secure and scalable cloud computing. Other contributors include Canon Medical Systems, and NeuroLogica Corp. among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rising Burden of Chronic Diseases: France is experiencing a growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. CT scans are essential for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of these conditions. According to the French Public Health Agency (Santé Publique France), chronic diseases account for over two-thirds of deaths in France.

Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure: Investments in both public and private healthcare facilities are enhancing the availability of CT scanners across France. This trend is expected to continue, thereby improving access to diagnostic imaging services for a larger segment of the population.

Aging Population: The demographic shift towards an aging population in France is increasing the demand for CT scans. The French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) projects that by 2050, over 30% of the French population will be 65 or older, a group that is more susceptible to medical conditions requiring CT imaging.

Market Restraints

High Costs: The cost of CT scans can be a significant barrier for some patients, especially those without adequate health insurance. The cost varies depending on the type of scan, use of contrast material, and facility fees, with industry reports suggesting a range between $580 - $1,750 per scan.

Regulations and Reimbursement: Strict regulations and potentially complex reimbursement procedures can create administrative burdens for healthcare providers, which may impact the utilization of CT scans.

Radiation Exposure Concerns: Despite advancements in reducing radiation doses, there remains a small risk associated with CT scans. This risk might prompt healthcare providers and patients to be cautious and refrain from undergoing unnecessary CT scans.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

The French CT scan market is regulated by the ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé), which requires manufacturers to obtain marketing authorization for new CT scanner models before they can be sold or used in France. The regulations are aligned with European Union Medical Device Regulations (MDR), ensuring safety, performance, and quality standards for CT scanners. Additionally, strict radiation protection regulations are in place to minimize unnecessary radiation doses to patients, and professional medical societies establish clinical practice guidelines to guide the appropriate use of CT scans.

Reimbursement for CT scans in France is managed by the national health insurance system, Assurance Maladie, which covers medically necessary CT scans for French citizens and residents. The government sets fixed reimbursement rates based on a national fee schedule, and physicians typically receive direct reimbursement from the health insurance system. In some cases, prior authorization may be required to ensure the scan meets medical necessity criteria, helping to control healthcare spending and maintain the efficient use of resources.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the France CT Scan Market:

• GE HealthCare
• Koninklijke Philips N.V.
• Siemens Healthineers AG
• Canon Medical Systems
• NeuroLogica Corp.
• Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co., Ltd.
• Fujifilm Holdings Corporation
• Shenzhen Anke High-tech Co., Ltd.
• Koning Health
• Carestream Dental LLC.