Mobile imaging trailers have become far more than a temporary fix. As healthcare systems balance growing demand for advanced imaging with capital constraints, equipment replacement projects and the need to expand access, today’s mobile MRI, CT, PET/CT and other imaging units help organizations maintain continuity of care during renovations, extend specialized services into underserved communities, reduce appointment backlogs and test new markets before investing in permanent facilities.
For this Director’s Circle discussion, three imaging leaders share how their organizations are leveraging mobile imaging trailers along with the operational and infrastructure challenges they face. These imaging leaders also share best practices that ensure patients receive the high-quality experience they expect.
Director’s Circle participants are:
- AdventHealth Manager of Imaging Services Casie Miller, MHA CRA RT(R)CT M;
- Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital Radiology Director Rich Egan; and
- University Hospitals Radiology Supervisor Mobile Fleet Kelly Waddell M.B.A., R.T. (R) (CT)
The Role of Mobile Imaging Trailers in Imaging Strategy
Q: What role do mobile imaging trailers play in your organization’s imaging strategy?
MILLER: Imaging trailers have become an important asset for our organization. We are currently using MRI trailers to help meet the growing consumer demand across our area. Having a mobile imaging solution gives us the flexibility to serve our communities where the need is greatest, allowing us to provide MRI services at all our AdventHealth Heartland locations. This approach improves access to care while helping the continuity of services across our market area.
EGAN: I have used mobile imaging trailers to launch new programs and to provide temporary support while new equipment is being installed. At the last few facilities where I worked, we offered mobile PET/CT services, typically one day per week. Because my experience has been primarily in community hospitals, volume has not supported purchasing our own unit; however, the service remains important for the community. At another facility, we also used a short-term mobile unit while replacing our cardiac catheterization lab. That arrangement worked well because the cost was included in the capital project rather than the operational budget.
WADDELL: Mobile imaging trailers play a vital role in University Hospitals’ (UH) imaging strategy by expanding access to advanced diagnostic services at not only our hospital-based locations but also our ambulatory locations that may not have certain on-site imaging equipment. Rather than requiring patients to travel long distances for specialized imaging, our mobile fleet brings these services directly to the communities we serve, providing greater convenience and improved patient experience.
Mobile imaging also helps address one of the most significant challenges in diagnostic care, access to timely appointments. Patients requiring advanced imaging, such as MRI, often face lead times of several weeks before an appointment becomes available. These delays can postpone diagnosis and treatment, ultimately affecting patient outcomes. By strategically deploying our mobile imaging units to areas with the greatest need, we can increase imaging capacity, reduce lead times and help patients begin treatment sooner. This approach not only improves access to care but also enhances the overall quality of life for the patients we serve.
When Mobile Imaging Delivers the Most Value
Q: Under what circumstances have you found mobile imaging trailers to be the most valuable?
MILLER: Mobile imaging trailers have been especially valuable for expanding capacity, improving access in our rural communities and maintaining services during renovation or equipment replacements. They allow us to meet the needs of our growing patient population, bring imaging services closer to rural customers and avoid significant backlogs of exams when permanent equipment is offline. Overall, they have been an effective solution for maintaining patient access and operational continuity.
EGAN: Mobile imaging trailers are most valuable during equipment replacement, especially when bridging the gap during construction and installation of systems such as CT, MRI, PET/CT or cath lab equipment. This is particularly important when a facility has only one unit, because maintaining continuity helps prevent delays, avoids frustration among referring providers and ensures patients can be scheduled in a timely manner. For IR and cath lab services, mobile support also helps protect provider revenue by allowing procedures to continue during the replacement period.
WADDELL: As part of UH’s ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality diagnostic imaging, the health system has undertaken a comprehensive initiative to replace imaging scanners across our system with a standardized platform. These technology upgrades are a significant investment in patient care; however, each installation can take several months to complete, temporarily limiting access to imaging services at the affected location.
Mobile imaging units play a critical role in ensuring continuity of care throughout these projects. Rather than requiring patients to travel to another facility, often a considerable distance from their homes, our mobile units allow imaging services to remain available within the community while construction is underway. By maintaining access to essential diagnostic services, we minimize disruption, reduce inconvenience and ensure patients continue to receive the exceptional care and experience they expect from University Hospitals.
Operational Challenges of Running a Mobile Fleet
Q: What are the biggest operational challenges involved in deploying and managing mobile imaging trailers?
MILLER: The biggest operational challenges involved in mobile imaging trailers are the coordination of site-to-site transfers, maintenance of site infrastructure at each location to ensure proper trailer support and seamless patient experience for our consumers.
EGAN: Over the past few years, the biggest operational challenges have been IT connectivity and phone access. The hospital-side connection can be exposed to weather, so it must be properly protected from the elements. Reliable phone service is also critical in case staff need to report emergencies on the trailer, such as a Code Blue for cardiac arrest or a Code Red for fire. Another key challenge is maintaining compliance with accrediting bodies, such as The Joint Commission, by ensuring protocols, policies, procedures and annual physicist equipment checks remain current.
WADDELL: Operating a mobile imaging fleet presents a unique set of challenges that extend beyond those of a traditional imaging department. Among the most significant are equipment reliability, staffing and ensuring that each location has the infrastructure necessary to support a mobile imaging unit.
Our mobile imaging trailers travel to different communities nearly every day. Like any vehicle that is frequently on the road, they experience wear and tear that stationary imaging equipment does not. In addition to the imaging system itself, each unit includes numerous mechanical components, such as the trailer chassis and all its moving parts, leveling systems and patient lift. These are essential for safe operation. When any of these systems require maintenance or experience an unexpected failure, it can impact our ability to transport the unit to its next destination, potentially delaying patient care. Preventive maintenance and proactive equipment management are therefore critical to maintaining reliable service.
Staffing presents another important challenge. Similar to healthcare organizations across the country, recruiting experienced imaging technologists remains competitive. Because the word “mobile” can sometimes create uncertainty about the role, prospective candidates may initially hesitate to apply. However, once they learn more about the position, they often recognize the unique opportunities it offers, such as working in diverse communities, building relationships across multiple care sites and making a meaningful impact by expanding access to advanced imaging services.
Perhaps the greatest operational challenge is preparing each site to accommodate a mobile imaging unit. Every location requires specialized infrastructure, including a reinforced concrete pad, adequate electrical service, and reliable network connectivity to support clinical operations and image transmission. These infrastructure investments require significant planning, coordination and financial commitment well in advance of deployment. While these requirements can limit flexibility, they ensure that patients receive the same high-quality, safe and reliable imaging experience they would expect at any imaging location.
Delivering a Traditional Patient Experience on a Mobile Unit
Q: From a patient experience standpoint, what steps are important to ensure mobile imaging services provide the same level of quality, comfort and confidence as a traditional imaging department?
MILLER: Great patient experience starts with making the process safe and easy for the consumer. Clear communication, easy access and a welcoming team all contribute to the experience. The consumer should receive the same exceptional care, compassion and professionalism on a mobile unit that they would receive in any of our onsite imaging departments.
EGAN: At the recent AHRA meeting in Orlando, I met with several mobile imaging providers offering modular units designed to fit on the same pad as an existing trailer. From a patient experience standpoint, this approach is beneficial because the unit looks and feels more like part of the hospital. The newer designs also included gradual-entry ramps instead of the traditional lifts many providers still use today. In Florida, where summer rain is frequent, overhangs are essential. A reliable air-conditioning system is also critical for patient comfort and equipment performance.
WADDELL: Our goal is to create an experience in which patients feel they are entering a traditional imaging suite, with the added convenience of receiving care closer to home. Many of our locations feature a climate-controlled, enclosed walkway that connects the medical office building directly to the mobile imaging unit, providing patients with a comfortable transition regardless of the weather. We also take great care to ensure these areas remain clean, safe and well maintained throughout the year.
Inside each mobile unit, patients receive the same high standard of care they would expect at any UH imaging center. Our mobile fleet is equipped with advanced imaging technology comparable to the systems used in our hospitals and ambulatory facilities, enabling us to deliver high-quality diagnostic imaging without compromising clinical excellence. Every mobile unit operates in compliance with the rigorous standards established by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), ensuring the same commitment to safety, quality and regulatory excellence found throughout the health system.
Ultimately, our objective is to make the mobile imaging experience as seamless and reassuring as possible. From arrival through exam completion, we strive to provide a welcoming, efficient and comfortable environment so that every patient leaves with confidence in the quality of care they have received.
Mobile Trailer vs. Permanent Imaging Space: How to Decide
Q: What factors should imaging leaders consider when deciding whether to use a mobile imaging trailer instead of purchasing or expanding permanent imaging space?
MILLER: It is important to review the data surrounding the project before planning the use of a mobile unit. Data such as patient volume, projected growth, available capital and expected timelines should all be considered. Mobile units can also be an effective solution to test demand before making any long-term, permanent moves.
EGAN: The primary factor is expected exam volume. If volume supports it, permanent onsite equipment is usually the better long-term option. However, some organizations have limited hospital space, especially near the imaging department, and onsite construction depends on approved capital funding. Mobile imaging is often funded through the operating budget, which can make it easier for administrators to justify.
WADDELL: One of the most important factors imaging leaders should consider is patient demand. Before investing in a permanent imaging suite or deploying a mobile imaging unit, it is essential to evaluate whether patient volumes justify the investment. Key performance indicators such as equipment utilization rates, appointment availability and scheduling backlogs help determine whether additional imaging capacity is needed. For example, if patients are waiting several weeks for an MRI appointment, it may indicate a need to expand capacity. But, if an existing scanner is not being fully utilized, adding another unit may not be the most effective solution.
Financial considerations are equally important. Whether investing in a permanent scanner or establishing a mobile imaging site, the upfront capital costs can be substantial. Ensuring there is sufficient patient volume to support these investments is critical to long-term operational and financial success.
Flexibility is another significant advantage of mobile imaging. Smaller facilities may not have the patient volume to justify multiple permanent imaging modalities, yet they still need to provide access to a broad range of diagnostic services. A single mobile imaging site can accommodate a rotating schedule of modalities, such as MRI, CT, PET/CT or mammography, allowing healthcare systems to match services with community demand while maximizing the utilization of both equipment and infrastructure.
By carefully evaluating patient demand, financial sustainability and operational flexibility, imaging leaders can determine the approach that best meets the needs of their patients and the communities they serve.
Advice for Imaging Leaders on Mobile Imaging
Q: What else can you share with the ICE Magazine community regarding mobile imaging trailers?
MILLER: A major takeaway from this discussion is a mobile unit shouldn’t operate like a temporary solution – it should operate as an extension of the imaging department. Consumers should experience the same quality, safety, workflow and customer service regardless of the environment – mobile unit or imaging department suite.
EGAN: Imaging leaders should ensure the mobile provider contract clearly includes the appropriate radiopharmaceuticals, such as FDG or other tracers needed for specific exams, including prostate imaging. The agreement should also define expected unit uptime, especially when the trailer rotates among multiple sites. Whenever possible, request a unit that your radiologists are comfortable interpreting from, as their input is important for buy-in and protocol development.
WADDELL: I spent seven and a half years working as a CT technologist before transitioning into the role of supervisor for the mobile fleet approximately a year and a half ago. Having experienced mobile imaging from both the clinical and operational perspectives, I have developed a deep appreciation for the unique value it brings to patients and caregivers alike.
As a technologist, the mobile environment offers a refreshing change from a traditional imaging department. Each day brings the opportunity to work with different teams, serve diverse communities and enjoy a dynamic work environment. Whether transporting patients between the imaging lobby and the mobile unit or collaborating with staff at multiple locations, the experience is engaging and rewarding.
From a leadership perspective, overseeing the mobile fleet has challenged me in new and meaningful ways. Managing a highly coordinated operation that spans multiple communities requires strategic planning, collaboration and adaptability. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to help expand access to advanced diagnostic imaging while ensuring patients receive the same high standard of care they would expect at any medical facility.
What I find most fulfilling is knowing that our mobile imaging program extends the reach of exceptional healthcare. By bringing advanced imaging services directly to the communities we serve, we improve access, reduce barriers to care and help ensure that more patients receive timely, high-quality diagnostic imaging close to home.
Across three very different systems — a growing suburban network, a set of community hospitals and a large multi-site health system — the same themes surface: mobile imaging trailers succeed when they’re treated not as a stopgap but as a genuine extension of the imaging department, backed by the right site infrastructure, reliable logistics and an unwavering focus on the patient experience. Deployed with that discipline, they expand access to care in ways a fixed suite simply can’t.
