Physician-owned imaging centers: The future is now

Although changes in the health care arena have made inroads in physicians' autonomy and reimbursement, new opportunities have also emerged. We describe basic principles that can help develop freestanding, independent, physician-owned imaging centers offering cost-competitive, high-quality services. To succeed, physicians must invest in their companies, think strategically, pursue clear objectives, examine data and be willing to assume a certain amount of risk. Marketing their services is critically important and requires careful attention to patients and referring physicians. We have found that, while these challenges are large, the rewards are substantial.