Diagnostic radiology: usage and trends in the United States, 1964-1980

From recent surveys and other sources, an estimate has been made of the utilization and trends in medical and dental diagnostic radiology as practiced in the United States from 1964 through 1980. Trends in estimated number of diagnostic x-ray examinations, age distribution of patients, and number of diagnostic x-ray machines are presented. In the decade 1970-1980, x-ray film sales increased 57%, while the number of all types of hospital-based x-ray examinations increased by over 60%. Increases have occurred not only in hospital-based examinations but in private office examinations as well. In 1980 there were estimated to be 180 million medical x-ray examinations and 101 million dental x-ray examinations.