Imaging wait times rise after hospital system purchases private radiology practice

August 28, 2026 - 15:52

Intermountain Health closed its purchase of Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging in January, bringing the 40-year-old radiology practice with twelve Las Vegas area locations under its umbrella. But patients are now reporting longer waits for scans and results, a shift that has frustrated both referring doctors and those seeking care.

The acquisition, which was first announced last year, was meant to expand access and streamline services. Instead, some local physicians say scheduling has become more complicated, with appointment slots filling up weeks in advance for MRIs and CT scans. Patients who once got same-week imaging through Steinberg now face delays of two to three weeks in some cases, according to clinic staff who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Intermountain has said the transition takes time, pointing to system integration and insurance renegotiations as factors. The hospital chain also noted that it kept all Steinberg employees and has added new imaging capacity at some sites. But the reality on the ground is that demand has not dropped, and the private practice's former efficiency has not fully carried over.

One local family physician said the change has been noticeable. "I used to send patients there and they would get in within a few days. Now I am telling them to expect a longer wait, and that is not ideal when someone has a suspicious finding," the doctor said.

The deal is part of a broader trend of hospitals buying up independent imaging centers, often citing the need to coordinate care and reduce costs. But critics argue it reduces competition and gives health systems more leverage over pricing. For now, patients in Las Vegas are simply feeling the squeeze.