Skip to content

Diagnostic Medicine in Brazil Emerging Consumption Needs Analysis

Impact of Behavior Changes

Based on the analysis of current behavior changes in the Brazilian Diagnostic Medicine industry, several key shifts are significantly impacting the value chain in 2024 and 2025. The most prominent is the increasing demand for diagnostic services, evidenced by the 2.4 billion exams performed in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, with the private sector showing a 40% growth between 2018 and 2023. This surge in volume, driven by an aging population, rising chronic diseases, and greater health awareness, puts pressure on all steps of the value chain, from the supply of materials to service delivery and financing.

A critical behavior change among health insurance operators is their intensified focus on cost containment and negotiation of reimbursement rates. Despite the higher volume of exams, diagnostic expenses as a percentage of supplementary health costs slightly decreased. This behavior strains relationships with diagnostic service providers, leading to pressure on margins and impacting providers' ability to invest and the types of services covered and accessed by beneficiaries.

The strategic consolidation through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among diagnostic service providers, with large networks like Dasa and Grupo Fleury expanding their scale, fundamentally reshapes the competitive landscape. This consolidation is driven by the pursuit of economies of scale, increased negotiating power, and broader service portfolios. It impacts relationships with manufacturers and distributors by creating larger, more powerful customers, and within the service provision step, it intensifies competition among the large players while potentially challenging smaller independent labs.

Increased investment in and adoption of new technologies by diagnostic service providers is another significant behavior. The medical devices and IVD market, the source of these technologies, grew substantially. This behavior is a response to rising demand, the need for greater efficiency, and the desire to offer advanced testing. It impacts relationships with manufacturers and distributors, driving demand for cutting-edge equipment and reagents, and within service provision, it necessitates skilled personnel and updated infrastructure.

Some large providers are also exhibiting the behavior of expanding B2B service offerings, such as reference laboratory services. This leverages existing capacity and expertise, creating new revenue streams and altering relationships with other healthcare entities like hospitals and smaller labs.

Finally, continuous adaptation to evolving regulatory requirements is a mandatory behavior across the value chain. Compliance with regulations like ANVISA's RDC 786/2023 and LGPD influences operational procedures, data management, and costs for all players, shaping interactions with regulatory bodies.

The combined impact of these behaviors is a value chain under significant pressure to deliver higher volumes of increasingly complex and specialized diagnostic services efficiently and affordably, while navigating intense financial negotiations and a dynamic competitive and regulatory environment.

Value Chain Step Ongoing Behavior Change Impacting This Step Impact on Relationships Impact on Demand
Research, Development, and Manufacturing Increased demand for diagnostic products, Increased investment in Medical Devices/IVD, Consolidation, Technological Adoption, Regulatory Adaptation Stronger ties with larger customers; increased negotiation pressure. Collaboration with R&D for innovation. Compliance shapes ANVISA interactions. Higher volume demand for products. Growing demand for advanced, high-throughput technologies.
Distribution and Commercialization Increased volume, Consolidation, Increased Investment, Regulatory Adaptation Pressure on margins from large customers. Demand for efficient logistics and support. Compliance shapes handling and storage. Increased distribution volume. Demand for logistics supporting specialized products.
Diagnostic Service Provision Increasing demand, Cost containment, Consolidation, Increased Investment, Expansion of B2B, Regulatory Adaptation, Technological Adoption Intense negotiation with insurers. Increased competition among large networks; potential pressure on smaller labs. New B2B relationships. Compliance shapes operations and regulatory interactions. Higher volume of tests and procedures. Growing demand for specialized tests. Demand for B2B services.
Healthcare Service Delivery & Utilization Increasing demand, Cost containment, Consolidation, Technological Adoption Patient/physician access influenced by network, waiting times, accessibility. Insurer-beneficiary relationship impacted by coverage. Higher volume of patients seeking services. Demand for convenient, integrated access and new tests.
Financing and Reimbursement Increasing demand, Cost containment, Consolidation Intensified negotiation between insurers and providers over rates and terms. Financial pressure on SUS providers. Increased financial outflow from payers. Pressure from payers to limit spending growth.
Regulation and Oversight Increasing demand and complexity, Consolidation Increased interaction between regulators and players. Potential scrutiny on market concentration. Indirect impact on demand by influencing available tests and service standards.

Detailed report on emerging consumption needs.

Emerging consumption needs in the Brazilian Diagnostic Medicine sector are a direct consequence of the observed behavior changes and underlying market dynamics. These needs are shaping the types of diagnostic products and services that will be in demand in 2024 and 2025:

  1. Increased Need for High-Volume, Efficient, and Accessible Testing: With the significant increase in the overall volume of diagnostic exams, there is an emerging need for diagnostic services that can handle this scale efficiently. This translates to a demand for higher-throughput automated systems from manufacturers and a need for service providers to optimize their workflows, potentially through centralized processing laboratories and expanded collection networks to improve accessibility. The pressure on the SUS system also highlights a need for more accessible diagnostic points, potentially leveraging technologies like Point-of-Care Testing in primary care settings or expanded partnerships with efficient private providers.

  2. Growing Demand for Specialized and Advanced Diagnostics: The increasing investment in new technologies and the rising incidence of chronic and complex diseases are driving a demand for more specialized and advanced diagnostic tests. This includes molecular diagnostics (for infectious diseases, cancer genomics, pharmacogenomics), genetic testing (for inherited disorders and personalized medicine), and advanced imaging techniques. Patients and physicians are increasingly seeking diagnostics that can provide more precise information for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection.

  3. Need for Value-Based and Cost-Effective Solutions: The strong behavior of cost containment by health insurance operators is creating an emerging need for diagnostic solutions that demonstrate clear value and cost-effectiveness. This doesn't necessarily mean the cheapest option, but rather diagnostics that contribute to better patient outcomes, reduced downstream healthcare costs, or improved efficiency. This pressure is likely to drive demand for innovative business models (like reagent rental or CPT) from manufacturers and for service providers to optimize their operations and negotiate effectively to offer competitive pricing while maintaining quality.

  4. Demand for Integrated and Convenient Service Delivery: Consolidation in the service provision market reflects a move towards more integrated healthcare offerings. Emerging consumption needs include the desire for more convenient access points for sample collection or imaging, potentially through expanded networks of patient service centers or partnerships. There is also a need for better integration of diagnostic results with other healthcare data to support coordinated patient care, highlighting the importance of robust IT solutions and interoperability.

  5. Increased Need for B2B Diagnostic Support Services: As some large diagnostic providers expand their B2B offerings, there is an emerging need from smaller laboratories, hospitals, and clinics for outsourced specialized testing, technical support, and potentially laboratory management services. This allows these entities to offer a broader test menu or improve efficiency without significant upfront investment in specialized equipment or personnel.

  6. Emphasis on Quality, Reliability, and Regulatory Compliance: With evolving regulations and increased health awareness, there is an ongoing need for diagnostic services that are of high quality, reliable, and fully compliant with regulatory standards. Patients, physicians, and payers need to trust the accuracy and integrity of diagnostic results. This reinforces the demand for accredited laboratories and products registered with ANVISA.

These emerging needs collectively indicate a market shifting towards more complex, high-volume, and integrated diagnostic solutions, delivered efficiently and with a strong emphasis on value and quality, all while navigating the financial constraints of the healthcare system.

Table of potential impact of these needs.

Emerging Consumption Need Potential Impact on Manufacturers & Distributors Potential Impact on Diagnostic Service Providers Potential Impact on Healthcare Delivery & Payers
High-Volume, Efficient, Accessible Testing Increased demand for automated, high-throughput equipment and associated reagents. Need for optimized logistics. Investment in automation and infrastructure. Expansion of collection networks and potentially POCT. Focus on workflow optimization. Improved patient access and reduced waiting times (especially in SUS). Potential for better population health management.
Specialized and Advanced Diagnostics Increased demand for complex IVD kits, molecular platforms, and advanced imaging equipment. Need for technical support. Expansion of test menus and adoption of new technologies. Need for highly skilled personnel. More precise diagnosis and treatment planning. Potential for personalized medicine. Increased complexity of covered services for payers.
Value-Based and Cost-Effective Solutions Pressure on pricing for products and services. Development of cost-per-test or reagent rental models. Focus on operational efficiency and cost reduction. Negotiation of favorable contracts with payers. Emphasis on demonstrating value. Pressure on providers for lower costs. Development of value-based reimbursement models. Managing healthcare spending growth.
Integrated and Convenient Service Delivery Demand for compatible and interoperable systems (LIS/PACS). Potential for demand for integrated solutions. Investment in IT infrastructure and interoperability. Expansion and optimization of physical network. Potential for at-home services. Improved patient experience and care coordination. More efficient utilization of diagnostic data.
B2B Diagnostic Support Services Potential for increased sales of reagents/equipment to large labs offering B2B services. Development of service offerings for other healthcare providers. Need for robust logistics and reporting for B2B clients. Access to specialized tests for smaller providers/hospitals. Potential for more cost-effective access to diagnostics in certain settings.
Quality, Reliability, and Regulatory Compliance Emphasis on product quality control and ANVISA registration. Investment in quality management systems and accreditation. Ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Building trust with stakeholders. Assurance of accurate and reliable results for clinical decisions. Regulatory oversight ensures patient safety.

References

  • Afip: Afip lança unidade de negócios de medicina diagnóstica. https://www.afip.com.br/afip-lanca-unidade-de-negocios-de-medicina-diagnostica/
  • Afip: O Dia Nacional da Filantropia, celebrado em 20 de outubro, é um bom momento para se observar os ganhos do trabalho realizado por entidades filantrópicas como a Afip Medicina Diagnóstica que, há mais de dez anos, é o maior laboratório de análises clínicas da rede ambulatorial do SUS. A marca pertence à AFIP. https://www.afip.com.br/o-dia-nacional-da-filantropia-celebrado-em-20-de-outubro-e-um-bom-momento-para-se-observar-os-ganhos-do-trabalho-realizado-por-entidades-filantropicas-como-a-afip-medicina-diagnostica-que-ha-mais-de-dez-anos-e-o/
  • Associação Brasileira de Medicina Diagnóstica (Abramed): Pesquisa revela que brasileiros realizaram 2,4 bilhões de exames de diagnóstico em 2023. https://abramed.org.br/pesquisa-revela-que-brasileiros-realizaram-24-bilhoes-de-exames-de-diagnostico-em-2023/
  • A expansão dos laboratórios clínicos no Brasil: desafios para 2025. https://www.acclab.com.br/a-expansao-dos-laboratorios-clinicos-no-brasil-desafios-para-2025/
  • BizNews Brasil: Fusão mexe com mercado de medicina diagnóstica: Fleury se une a Pardini e pode ultrapassar Dasa. https://biznews.com.br/fusaofleuryhermespardini/
  • Conrad: Perspectivas da medicina diagnóstica para 2025. https://conradweb.com.br/perspectivas-da-medicina-diagnostica-para-2025/
  • Futuro da Saúde: Medicina diagnóstica: o que esperar do setor nos próximos anos. https://futurodasude.com.br/medicina-diagnostica-o-que-esperar-do-setor/
  • Interfarma: Medicina diagnóstica tem papel decisivo na saúde suplementar. https://interfarma.org.br/noticias/medicina-diagnostica-tem-papel-decisivo-na-saude-suplementar
  • Medicina SA: Mercado de dispositivos médicos e diagnóstico in-vitro cresceu 57,9%. https://medicinasa.com.br/mercado-dispositivos-medicos/
  • Mobilemed: Tendências e desafios da Medicina Diagnóstica. https://mobilemed.com.br/tendencias-e-desafios-da-medicina-diagnostica/
  • Mordor Intelligence: Tamanho do mercado de diagnóstico in vitro do Brasil e análise de ações – Tendências e previsões de crescimento (2024 - 2029). https://www.mordorintelligence.com/pt/industry-reports/brazil-in-vitro-diagnostics-market
  • Percepção de Valor em Serviços de Medicina Diagnóstica. https://www.saudebusiness.com/gestao/percepcao-de-valor-em-servicos-de-medicina-diagnostica
  • Revistas PUC-SP: O segmento da medicina diagnóstica no Brasil. https://revistas.pucsp.br/RFCMS/article/download/26500/18754/62758
  • Saúde Business: Medicina diagnóstica: perspectivas otimistas para o próximo ano. https://www.saudebusiness.com/gestao/medicina-diagnostica-perspectivas-otimistas-para-o-proximo-ano
  • Saúde Business: Fusões e aquisições no setor de saúde ganham impulso em 2024. https://www.saudebusiness.com/fusoes-e-aquisicoes/fusoes-e-aquisicoes-no-setor-de-saude-ganham-impulso-em-2024
  • Shift: Tendências na medicina diagnóstica para 2025: inovação, eficiência e foco no paciente. https://medical.shift.com.br/tendencias-medicina-diagnostica-2025/
  • Shopplab Notícias: O Mercado Brasileiro de Medicina Diagnóstica: um Panorama Atual. https://www.shopplab.com.br/blog/o-mercado-brasileiro-de-medicina-diagnostica-um-panorama-atual/
  • Terra: Com crescimento de 25%, fusões e aquisições no setor de saúde quebram recorde. https://www.terra.com.br/economia/com-crescimento-de-25-fusoes-e-aquisicoes-no-setor-de-saude-quebram-recorde,72a1619778a872bb3f2529c7d709520by1u7137k.html
  • Terra: Fusões e aquisições no setor de saúde devem crescer este ano, com foco regional, diz consultoria. https://www.terra.com.br/economia/fusao-e-aquisicao/fusoes-e-aquisicoes-no-setor-de-saude-devem-crescer-este-ano-com-foco-regional-diz-consultoria,5156b31a6f66c4244878f249604280cahc8432oq.html
  • VEJA: Tendências da medicina para 2025: o que vai mudar nos exames | Letra de Médico. https://veja.abril.com.br/coluna/letra-de-medico/tendencias-da-medicina-para-2025-o-que-vai-mudar-nos-exames
  • Hospital São Paulo: Saúde Suplementar. https://hospitalsaopaulo.org.br/saude-suplementar
  • Portal Afya: Quais as expectativas de novidades para a area da saude em 2025?. https://conteudos.afya.com.br/quais-as-expectativas-de-novidades-para-a-area-da-saude-em-2025
  • Hospital Sirio-Libanes: Tendencias da Saude para 2025: novidades e o que deve vir. https://hospitalsiriolibanes.org.br/resources/publicacoes/tendencias-da-saude-para-2025-novidades-e-o-que-deve-vir
  • Ministério da Saúde - Portal Gov.br: Protocolos Clínicos e Diretrizes Terapeuticas - PCDT. https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/assuntos/protocolos-clinicos-e-diretrizes-terapeuticas-pcdt