Mobile lithotripsy services: best bet for most hospitals

During its short history, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy has revolutionized the treatment of kidney stones and may well have a substantial impact on gallstone treatment. The two technologies are potential money makers for hospitals if properly planned for and conceived. For the majority of hospitals, shared arrangements, whether they involve leases or joint ventures, are the key to a successful lithotripsy program. Rural and midsized communities have the greatest need for renal lithotripsy, and hospitals in these areas should explore mobile programs. Urban hospitals located in areas where there is already adequate access to lithotripters are well advised to work with established programs unless the price of lithotripters drops significantly. The demand for biliary lithotripsy remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: hospitals that don't prepare for it now will be left behind once the technology finds it niche.