Imaging centers can license de-identified studies to AI companies when each study comes with its signed report. Published buyer ranges run $80K to $620K for imaging and diagnostics centers of any size, depending on modality mix and study volume. Buyers want DICOM studies paired with reads, raw ECG, EEG or EMG waveforms, and an archive searchable by diagnosis. Every study must be fully de-identified first, including text burned into the pixels.
- Images without reports do not qualify; the signed read is what makes a study useful.
- Normal studies are wanted as well as abnormal ones.
- De-identification covers DICOM headers and burned-in text, not only file names.
What imaging buyers want
Buyers of imaging data publish these requirements:
| Requirement | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| DICOM studies paired with signed reports | Export from PACS and RIS together, linked by accession number. |
| An archive searchable by diagnosis or finding | Reports coded or searchable so buyers can scope by condition. |
| Raw waveforms for ECG, EEG or EMG | Native files from the cardiology or neurology system, not PDFs. |
| Full de-identification | Headers, burned-in annotations and report text all cleaned. |
What raises the value of an archive
Buyers say payouts depend on modality mix and study volume. They name these extras:
- The linked clinical record for each patient.
- Normal studies as well as abnormal ones.
- Ultrasound, chest X-ray, MRI and CT.
- Dermatology photos and retinal scans with diagnoses.
- Video, 3D scans and microscopy slides.
De-identifying imaging studies
Imaging has identifiers in places tabular data does not. HIPAA's Safe Harbor and Expert Determination methods both apply, and the DICOM standard publishes de-identification profiles for header fields.
- DICOM header tags: patient name, ID, birth date, accession numbers, institution and device serial numbers.
- Burned-in text: annotations and secondary captures can show names and dates inside the pixels.
- Report text: names of referring physicians, family members and places inside the narrative.
- Faces: head CT and MRI can be reconstructed into a recognizable face, so defacing may be required.
What rules an archive out
Buyers list two disqualifiers: images without reports, and studies under an exclusive contract with another buyer. Teleradiology groups should also check whether the hospitals they read for own the studies.
Can companies outside the US license these records?
Buyers prefer US centers and have not said whether they consider other countries. Health data is special-category data in every country below, so de-identification has to meet the local standard as well.
The privacy law that applies to any personal data left in the records:
| Country | Main rule to check | Country guide |
|---|---|---|
| United States | HIPAA de-identification | US guide |
| United Kingdom | UK GDPR special-category data | UK guide |
| Ireland | GDPR Article 9 | Ireland guide |
| Germany | GDPR Article 9 and professional secrecy | Germany guide |
| Canada | PIPEDA and provincial health acts | Canada guide |
| Australia | Privacy Act 1988 sensitive information | Australia guide |
Next step
For patient charts and visit recordings, see licensing patient records. Start with a company-level description: which systems hold the records, how many years they cover and who owns them. No files are needed. Request a free review.
Origin Data Partners is independent and is not affiliated with any AI data buyer. We help owners compare buyers and find the best fit for their records. See what your data is worth.
Common questions
Can an imaging center sell scans to AI companies?
Yes, once studies are de-identified to HIPAA standards, including DICOM header fields and any text burned into the image. Identifiable images are protected health information and need patient authorization to sell.
How much do AI companies pay for medical imaging data?
Published buyer ranges run $80K to $620K, depending on the mix of modalities and the number of studies.
Which modalities are wanted?
Buyers name radiology and ultrasound, cardiology ECGs, dermatology photos, retinal and eye imaging, and neurology EEG and EMG. Ultrasound, chest X-ray, MRI and CT are listed as nice to have, along with video, 3D scans and microscopy slides.
Do we need to export waveforms or just images?
For ECG, EEG and EMG, buyers want the raw waveform files, not only rendered images or PDFs. GE MUSE, Natus and Nihon Kohden are among the systems Buyers name.
Sources and further reading
Origin Data Partners is independent and not affiliated with any buyer named on this page.