What Desert Imaging does

Desert Imaging is a privately-owned outpatient diagnostic imaging company headquartered in El Paso, Texas, founded on February 14, 2002, by Leroy Candelaria. As of the June 2025 acquisition by Diagnostic Imaging Centers of Texas (DICOT), the company operates five imaging centers across El Paso County—West (Castellano Drive), Central (Gateway East), East (Lee Trevino), Far East (Joe Battle), and Horizon City (Eastlake Blvd)—plus a fleet of Mammos on the Move (MOM) mobile 3D mammography units serving El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley. The company self-describes as El Paso's only full-service outpatient diagnostic imaging center.

Its service portfolio spans the major diagnostic imaging modalities: MRI/MRA (including a 3-Tesla ultra-wide-bore uMR OMEGA and 1.5-Tesla systems), 80-slice PET/CT with Cardiac PET MPI (claimed to be the only 80-slice PET/CT in the greater El Paso region), Hologic Genius 3D mammography across four brick-and-mortar sites plus mobile units, CT/CTA on a Supria 16-slice scanner, ultrasound/echocardiography, digital X-ray, nuclear medicine, DEXA bone density, liver elastography (FibroScan), thyroid FNA biopsy, and cardiovascular services including stress testing. Notable physical-asset investments include an on-site cyclotron for medical isotope production—first of its kind in Texas—and the integration of PocketHealth for cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant diagnostic image sharing. All radiologists are Board Certified, and the practice holds ACR accreditation across modalities and RBMA Business Excellence Program certification.

Revenue is generated on a fee-for-service basis, billed to insurance carriers and patients, with screening mammograms typically covered at 100% under Texas insurance rules. Distribution is a hybrid of physician referral (supplemented by a four-person physician liaison team led by the Director of Business Development), direct-to-consumer screening (online appointment requests and self-referral for screening mammograms), and employer/community outreach via the MOM mobile mammography fleet. Other programs include a CareCredit financing option, community mammogram voucher partnerships with the Stand with Estela Casas Cancer Foundation, and nursing scholarship/endowment partnerships with TTUHSC El Paso.

Name

Desert Imaging

Legal name

Desert Imaging Services, LP

Website

https://dielp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Desert Imaging is a privately-held outpatient diagnostic imaging provider in El Paso, Texas, operating five imaging centers and a mobile mammography fleet delivering MRI, PET/CT, 3D mammography, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, and nuclear medicine to patients and referring physicians.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outpatient Diagnostic Imaging Services

NAICS

Diagnostic Imaging Centers (621512)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)

akta.pro primary industry

Advanced Imaging & Specialty Radiology Centers (PET/CT, Nuclear Medicine, Interventional Radiology) (HLAFAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mobile Imaging Services (HLAFAKAC), Breast Imaging Centers (Mammography/Tomosynthesis) (HLAFAKAD), Nuclear Medicine Clinical Services & Therapy Centers (HLAIAGAI)

Keywords

• Diagnostic imaging services
• Outpatient radiology center
• 3d mammography screening
• Mri ct pet imaging
• Mobile mammography clinic

Headquarters

HQ city

El Paso

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Diagnostic Imaging and Screening Services: Desert Imaging generates revenue by providing a comprehensive spectrum of diagnostic imaging and screening services (MRI, CT, PET/CT, 3D mammography, X-ray, ultrasound, bone density, nuclear medicine, calcium scoring, liver elastography, and vein treatment) to patients referred by physicians or self-referred for screening mammograms. Revenue is derived from insurance billings and patient out-of-pocket payments, with services provided at five imaging centers and via mobile mammography units. No specific revenue figures are publicly disclosed.
2. Mobile Mammography Services: Mobile mammography units (MOM) dispatched to employers, businesses, schools, churches, and events; enables employers to offer mammogram screenings to employees without requiring personal time off; revenue generated per screening with billing to insurance or patients

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Desert Imaging operates a full-service outpatient diagnostic imaging practice providing MRI/MRA, CT/CTA, PET/CT, 3D mammography, ultrasound, echocardiography, digital X-ray, nuclear medicine, bone density (DEXA), cardiovascular, liver elastography, and thyroid FNA services across five imaging centers and a mobile mammography fleet. Revenue is generated through insurance billings and patient out-of-pocket payments for procedures ordered by referring physicians or self-ordered screening mammograms, with employer-paid mobile mammography events serving as a secondary channel.

Product overview

Desert Imaging is a privately-owned diagnostic imaging company offering a comprehensive suite of diagnostic imaging and screening services through five imaging centers and mobile mammography clinics across El Paso, Texas. The portfolio includes core imaging modalities: 3D Mammography (Hologic Genius system), MRI/MRA (including 3-Tesla uMR OMEGA and 1.5-Tesla Echelon), PET/CT (80-slice scanner), CT/CTA (Supria 16-slice), Ultrasound/Echocardiogram, X-Ray, Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density (DEXA), Cardiovascular services, Liver Elastography, and Thyroid FNA. The company operates specialized facilities including The Women's Center for dedicated women's health imaging, and Mammos on the Move (MOM) mobile mammography units serving businesses and community events. Digital services include PocketHealth for secure online image sharing and a patient portal for accessing results. All radiologists are Board Certified with ACR accreditation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 3D Mammography (Breast Tomosynthesis) Advanced breast imaging service using the Hologic Genius 3D Mammography exam on Selenia Dimensions systems, providing superior image quality with 41% more invasive cancer detection and up to 40% reduction in callbacks compared to 2D mammography. Available at four clinic locations plus mobile MOM units.
• 3-Tesla MRI (uMR OMEGA) Ultra-wide bore 3T MRI service offering faster exams, reduced patient claustrophobia, and best-in-class image quality with the world's largest field of view (60x60x50 cm) and AI-Empowered Compressed Sensing (uAI ACS). Located at the Westside imaging center.
• MRI / MRA Services Magnetic resonance imaging and MR angiography services using both 3-Tesla (uMR OMEGA) and 1.5-Tesla (Echelon) MRI systems for detailed soft tissue, neuroradiology, and vascular assessment. Available at Westside and Eastside locations.
• PET/CT Scan 80-slice PET/CT imaging service for cancer diagnosis, staging, treatment monitoring, and Cardiac PET MPI for coronary heart disease detection. The only 80-slice PET/CT scanner in the greater El Paso region, offering lower radiation exposure and faster scan times.
• CT / CTA Services Computed tomography and CT angiography services using the Supria 16-slice CT scanner for cross-sectional imaging of body structures with faster scan times and reduced radiation. Available at the Central El Paso location.
• Ultrasound / Echocardiogram High-frequency sound wave imaging including ACR-certified obstetric, gynecologic, general, and vascular ultrasound, plus 3D/4D baby imaging and echocardiography using 2D, 3D, and Doppler technology.
• X-Ray Services Digital X-ray imaging for skeleton, soft tissue, chest, and abdominal imaging, with images delivered directly from capture to the radiologist's computer screen for review.
• Nuclear Medicine Diagnostic imaging using small amounts of radioactive material, including bone scans, liver/spleen scans, gastric emptying studies, hepatobiliary (HIDA) scans, stress tests, parathyroid scans, renal scans, and thyroid uptake studies. Available at the Central El Paso location.
• Bone Density (DEXA) Low-dose X-ray bone density testing using DEXA scan to identify osteopenia or osteoporosis, typically examining the lumbar spine and hip. Available at the Horizon City location and other clinics.
• Cardiovascular Services Heart imaging including stress tests, echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, EKG, and cardiac PET MPI for comprehensive cardiovascular assessment, including coronary heart disease detection.
• Liver Elastography (FibroScan) Non-invasive ultrasound-based test measuring liver stiffness to assess fibrosis and cirrhosis severity in patients with chronic liver disease.
• Thyroid FNA Fine needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules guided by ultrasound for tissue evaluation and diagnosis.
• Mammos on the Move (MOM) Mobile 3D mammography service providing on-site breast cancer screenings to employers, schools, churches, and community events across El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley. Custom ADA-equipped units are self-sufficient with their own electricity and internet, capable of seeing 12-15 patients per half day or up to 30 per full day.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3D mammography detects 41% more invasive breast cancers and reduces callbacks by up to 40% compared to conventional 2D mammography (per Friedewald et al., JAMA 2014)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PocketHealthcoreTechnology or Integration · 20 May 2021Desert Imaging deployed PocketHealth's web-based platform to share diagnostic images between patients and physicians, eliminating the use of CDs. PocketHealth enables instant digital delivery of high-resolution diagnostic images through a HIPAA-compliant cloud viewer (eUnity). Used at over 500 healthcare facilities across North America.
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) El PasocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesert Imaging and TTUHSC El Paso established two scholarship endowments for Hunt School of Nursing students: the Desert Imaging Nursing Student Endowment ($5,000 initial installment, matched on El Paso Giving Day) and the Kharisma James Legacy Scholarship Endowment ($25,000, matched by TTUHSC El Paso President's Excellence Fund). Total of $55,000 for future nursing students. TTUHSC El Paso's Medical Student Run Clinic also partners with Desert Imaging's MOM mobile mammography unit for community health events.
• Stand with Estela Casas Cancer FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual partnership providing up to 200 free 3D mammogram vouchers for uninsured women aged 40+ through the 'Stand with Estela' program. Desert Imaging provides onsite mammogram screenings via its MOM mobile unit at the annual 5K run/walk event. The foundation provides vouchers and funding to cover screening and follow-up imaging through Texas Tech's BEST program.
• Diagnostic Imaging Centers of Texas (DICOT)coreOthersDICOT acquired Desert Imaging in June 2025, expanding DICOT's presence to five Texas markets and enhancing its diagnostic imaging and pain management services. Desert Imaging now operates as part of the DICOT network.
• In Tandem Solutions GroupminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThird-party billing company handling Desert Imaging's billing questions and patient billing inquiries. Located in El Paso, contactable at (915) 400-0429.
• HologiccoreTechnology or IntegrationHologic is the equipment vendor supplying the Genius 3D Mammography Selenia Dimensions systems used across Desert Imaging's four mammography locations and mobile units. Hologic is a global medical technology company focused on women's health, acquired by TPG and Blackstone in 2025 for $18.3 billion.
• The Home DepotminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDesert Imaging partnered with The Home Depot for the Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Giveaway in September 2023 and 2024. Home Depot donated a 46-inch mobile workbench (retail value $448) as a prize alongside a $200 Desert Imaging gift card.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Diagnostic Imaging Centers of Texas (DICOT): Parent company and now operator of Desert Imaging. DICOT operates multi-modality outpatient diagnostic imaging centers across Texas; as Desert Imaging's acquirer in June 2025, it shares the same outpatient imaging model, payer mix, and referral-driven GTM motion.
• SimonMed Imaging: One of the largest outpatient diagnostic imaging networks in the U.S., operating MRI, CT, PET/CT, mammography, ultrasound, and X-ray under a multi-site, referral-driven model directly comparable to Desert Imaging's full-service outpatient center footprint.
• Akumin: National outpatient imaging platform offering MRI, CT, PET/CT, mammography, and nuclear medicine through owned centers. Closely comparable in modality mix, multi-site operating model, and reliance on physician referrals.
• Solis Mammography: Specialty breast imaging network offering 3D mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy services across multiple states. Comparable to Desert Imaging's mammography-dominant volume base and Women's Center concept.
• Touchstone Medical Imaging: Outpatient diagnostic imaging chain operating MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, and mammography centers in multiple U.S. markets. Comparable multi-modality, multi-site outpatient model.
• RAYUS Radiology (formerly Center for Diagnostic Imaging): Network of outpatient diagnostic imaging centers offering MRI, CT, PET/CT, mammography, and pain management. Highly comparable service-line breadth and multi-site operating structure to Desert Imaging.
• Envision Radiology: Multi-site outpatient imaging provider delivering MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, and mammography. Comparable outpatient diagnostic center model with similar payer- and referral-driven revenue mix.

Broad incumbents

• US Radiology Specialists: Large radiology group operating outpatient imaging centers across multiple states. Comparable modality coverage (MRI, CT, mammography, PET) though USRS operates at broader scale with sub-specialized teleradiology capabilities.
• Radiology Partners: National radiology practice providing imaging services to hospitals, health systems, and outpatient centers. Comparable in radiologist-led, multi-modality imaging delivery but operates primarily through contracted hospital and outpatient partnerships.

Regional players

• University Medical Center of El Paso (Outpatient Imaging): Local hospital system operating outpatient imaging services in the El Paso market. Competes with Desert Imaging for outpatient referrals in the same geography and offers overlapping modalities including MRI, CT, and mammography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Desert Imaging