A Practical Guide for Imaging Program Leaders

As hospitals and imaging centers work to expand diagnostic access, mobile PET/CT has emerged as a strategic solution. Whether you're testing a new market, bridging capacity gaps, or reaching rural communities, mobile PET/CT can quickly scale your services. But the key question remains:

Should you rent a PET/CT unit—or invest in purchasing one?

At USA Mobile Medical, we support facilities nationwide with both rental and purchase programs. This guide breaks down the decision points to help you choose the model that best fits your goals, volume, and budget.

Cost Structure: Rental vs. Purchase

Here’s how the two models compare financially:

PET/CT Financial Snapshot:

Rental: ~$4,000/day = ~$80,000/month
Purchase: $1.0M–$1.8M (new or refurbished)
Reimbursement/Scan: $1,200–$2,000 (CMS avg. ~$1,400 for FDG PET/CT)
Breakeven Point: ~25–30 scans/month for ROI over 3 years

💡Note: These numbers reflect standard oncology scans. Adding urology and cardiology cases may significantly boost reimbursement and ROI.

Speed to Service & Scalability

When Renting Makes Sense:

You need a PET/CT unit within 30–60 days
You're launching a pilot or grant-funded program
You need temporary capacity during renovations or equipment upgrades
You're exploring new markets or outreach zones

When Buying is the Better Fit:

Your imaging volumes are stable and growing
You're investing in long-term infrastructure
You want control, branding, and asset equity

💡 Pro Tip: If you expect 30+ scans/month for at least 3 years, owning a PET/CT system typically yields stronger ROI.

Expanding Beyond Oncology: Urology & Cardiology PET/CT Profit Potential

While oncology remains the foundation of most PET/CT programs, urology and cardiology represent high-growth service lines:

Urology: Prostate-specific tracers (e.g., PSMA) are driving rapid adoption, with reimbursement support and strong clinical demand.
Cardiology: PET myocardial perfusion studies (MPI) are increasingly favored over SPECT, often reimbursing $2,000+ per scan.

Hospitals adding these specialties:

See higher average reimbursement per scan
Expand PET/CT volume from new referral streams
Improve program ROI with a diverse scan mix

Average Reimbursement by PET/CT Application

Note: *Some prostate tracers are separately reimbursed under CMS pass-through, increasing total net revenue.

📈 Many hospitals are building PET/CT programs centered around cardiac or urologic imaging—and seeing significant financial returns.

For a deeper dive into the growing opportunity in Cardiac and Urologic PET/CT review our recent Case Study: Expanding PET/CT Programs in Cardiology and Urology: ROI and Strategic Deployment

Profit Potential: Rent vs. Buy

PET/CT Revenue Breakdown

Example 1 :

30 scans/month (~360/year)
$1,400 average reimbursement/scan

Example 2 :

60 scans/month (~720/year)
$1,400 average reimbursement/scan

Summary:

📉 Renting is more expensive long-term.
📈 Ownership offers higher margins after year 3.

When to Transition from Shared to Full Control

Many hospitals begin with shared mobile rentals—typically 1–2 days/week. But as volume and demand grow, risks emerge:

Shared schedules limit flexibility and patient access
Data and operations are dependent on third parties
If another facility cancels, your service can be disrupted

Transitioning to your own PET/CT program offers:

Full control of scheduling, staffing, and compliance
Ownership of data, protocols, and patient experience
Higher ROI potential and long-term planning confidence

🧠 Ask yourself: Are we ready to move from sharing a program to owning our future?

How USA Mobile Medical Can Help

Whether you're just starting or scaling up, USA Mobile Medical offers tailored solutions to match your goals and budget:

Mobile PET/CT Rentals
- Rapid deployment for short-term needs, pilots, or market testing.
- Long-term rentals available on all units
- Supporting all OEM Technology for Mobile PET/CT
- Service & Maintenance included on all contracts
Refurbished PET/CT Purchases –
- Saving 30–50% versus new purchases
- Certified and cost-effective
- Choice of OEMS: Canon, GE, and Siemens
- Custom options included
- One-year service contract included (with option to extend)
- 3-4 month lead time
New PET/CT Purchases
- Full project guidance from vendor selection to installation.
- Choose from one of Canon’s PET/CT units
- Custom options included
- One-year service contract included (with option to extend)
- 6-8 month lead time
Rent-to-Own Options – Bridge short-term needs while planning for long-term asset ownership.

We work closely with your team to evaluate:

Current and projected scan volume
Reimbursement potential by specialty (e.g., oncology, urology, cardiology)
Budget flexibility and capital planning

And help design a program that meets your clinical needs—while maximizing long-term financial return.

With USA Mobile Medical rentals, you also receive:

Preventive maintenance and service included
Power system and trailer environment monitoring
Remote support, compliance guidance, and training
Optional technologist staffing and radiopharmaceutical logistics

If you purchase a PET/CT, we offer comprehensive service contracts to ensure ongoing reliability and regulatory support—so your investment is protected and your team can stay focused on care delivery.

Strategic Fit: Which Model Matches Your Needs?

Summary: Your Mobile PET/CT Game Plan

If your focus is speed, flexibility, and a lower upfront commitment, renting a mobile PET/CT unit is a smart way to get started—especially for pilots, seasonal expansions, or temporary needs.

But if you’re planning a multi-year program with consistent patient volume, purchasing pays off. After 25–30 scans/month, the long-term ROI from ownership begins to outperform rentals.

We Can Help You Decide

At USA Mobile Medical, we help facilities like yours forecast volumes, assess ROI, and plan for sustainable growth. From short-term rentals to rent-to-own programs, our team can guide you to the right path—so you can focus on delivering care, not crunching numbers.

📞 Ready to talk?
Let’s build a mobile PET/CT program that delivers better care—and better returns.

📩 Contact Form
📞 800-588-2347 ext. 800
🔗 Rent-to-Own Program

Mobile PET/CT: Should You Rent or Buy?