Tariff Uncertainty Disrupts Healthcare Operations: New Diagnostic Survey Highlights Staffing Changes, Delayed Purchases, and Supply Chain Strain

ARLINGTON, Va., June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey of 195 diagnostic imaging and clinical lab professionals reveals that tariff policy uncertainty is already changing how providers plan staffing, purchasing, and vendor relationships. The latest Beyond the Bench survey report from IMV, a Science and Medicine Group company, highlights how healthcare organizations are bracing for the financial ripple effects of U.S. tariffs—despite many not yet feeling the full impact.

 Download the Full Tariff Impact Survey Summary

While 69% of respondents say tariffs haven't yet impacted technology investments, the majority expect serious disruption across their operations. Nearly one-third anticipate severe delays in supplies, and 25% expect cost spikes in goods and equipment. Nearly half of respondents say their department has no plan in place to offset rising costs.

Key Insights:

• 33% expect extreme disruption in supply chains due to tariffs
  
  
• Only 30% have active mitigation plans—most cite hiring pauses, vendor changes, or reduced purchasing
  
  
• Staffing and reimbursement challenges are already weighing heavily, even before tariffs fully take effect

These findings reflect an industry already stretched thin—and now preparing for yet another wave of financial pressure. As one respondent noted: "We're delaying capital purchases and reconsidering our supplier strategy. Costs are rising across the board, and tariffs are only making it harder to plan."

Department Leaders Are Weighing Tough Trade-Offs

Among departments that have begun planning, the top strategies include:

• Hiring freezes or staff reductions
  
  
• Pausing purchases or delaying upgrades
  
  
• Changing vendors to cut costs
  
  
• Passing on costs through patient billing

But with nearly 50% of respondents citing "no plan in place," this data shows an urgent need for healthcare providers—and their vendors—to align on solutions that address cost control, supply flexibility, and long-term resilience.

"These results are an early warning signal," said Richa Singh, VP of Insight Accounts. "Many departments are walking a tightrope between cost pressures, staffing shortages, and policy changes that are still evolving. Vendors who understand these headwinds will be best positioned to support their provider partners with flexible pricing, streamlined procurement, and more strategic partnerships."

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About Beyond the Bench

Beyond the Bench is a free monthly intelligence series produced by BioInformatics and IMV. Powered by the Science Advisory Board—their proprietary global network of over 55,000 life science and diagnostic professionals—each report delivers timely, survey-based insights on the commercial realities and market shifts facing healthcare providers today.

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About IMV

IMV Medical Information Division, part of Science and Medicine Group, is a leading marketing research and consulting firm founded in 1977, specializing in medical imaging and other advanced healthcare technology markets. IMV's market research services, in combination with its databases of U.S. imaging sites with selected modalities, provide clients valuable assistance in strategic planning, customer satisfaction, product development and sales initiatives.

Media Contact
Alisa Alvich
Marketing Director
IMV, part of Science and Medicine Group
[email protected]
(703) 778-3080
https://imvinfo.com/

SOURCE IMV Medical Information Division