Radiologist Shortage: A challenging era for radiology
A number of factors, including a shortage of radiologists, increased procedure
volume and shrinking reimbursements have created one of the specialty's most
challenging eras.
The Radiologist Manpower Crisis – At a Glance
Flat Supply Due to Resident Programs – The number of new radiologists is
increasing by only 2% per year, according to Dr. Charles Williams, chair of the
American College of Radiology's Commission on Human Resources. Since 1996,
radiology programs have increased from 442 to 458. This growth is due to an
increase in vascular/interventional programs. Without taking the significant
increase in vascular/interventional programs into account, the number of
radiology residency programs has actually decreased from 372 in 1996 to 356 in
2001. (JAMA, 9/4/02)
Subspecialty Training – A trend towards subspecialty
training poses a supply and demand challenge with rural hospitals and
facilities. Recent surveys indicate that 70 percent of radiologists are
generalists while the remaining 30 percent are sub-specialists. This trend is
tough on smaller hospitals and those in rural settings where general diagnostic
radiologists are typically required — not sub-specialists.
Imaging Services – Better Technology, More Demand
– Radiology is a technology-driven field. New technologies (such as the
development of ultrasound - CT, magnetic resonance scanning and nuclear
medicine) coupled with an aging population are responsible for an increased
demand for imaging services. According to a study by the Sr. Director of
Research at the American College of Radiology, MRI, CT, and interventional
radiology services have increased, on average 7.3 percent annually over the
past 12 years. The number of new radiologists is increasing by only 2 percent
per year, according to Dr. Charles Williams, chair of the American College of
Radiology's Commission on Human Resources.
Utilization data concludes that persons 65 years and older utilize imaging
services three times more often than younger population. According to the U.S.
Census Bureau, by the year 2020, the national population is projected to be 325
million - a 16 percent increase. The percentage of the population projected to
be 65 and older in the year 2020 is expected to be 53 million, a 50 percent
increase - the huge leap in this age bracket is attributed to the aging baby
boomer generation. And, the baby boomer generation is more preventive-medicine
oriented than the generation before them. That trend will certainly continue.
Impact on Hospitals – Diagnostic imaging is a clinical
necessity in every hospital. RSNA News states that the average radiologist
bills approximately $1.46 million a year in revenue. An interventional
radiologist bills $1.58 million. With radiology services being such a strong
financial contributor, many hospitals are realizing that they cannot afford to
have a vacancy in the department, not even temporarily. How do they manage the
workload and keep the revenue coming in?
Teleradiology – Technology paves the way for
radiologists to read images from remote locations, 24/7. A U.S. Radiology
Partners survey of radiology practices found that 70 percent do at least some
night call outsourcing. The use of teleradiology is being expanded to
redistribute workloads. Initially, Nighthawk services provided second and third
shift, weekend, and vacation coverage only. But a new trend toward reading
weekday shifts is emerging - especially in rural areas where PACS and
teleradiology are letting radiologists in metro areas interpret studies from
less populated regions.
Locum Tenens Coverage – Many facilities are finding that
a temporary staff shortage is not necessarily short-term. Reports estimate that
it takes 11.9 months, on average, to fill a staff vacancy. As a result, many
are considering locum tenens coverage to maintain the revenue base and relieve
existing staff. As supply tightens and workloads increase, maintaining high
morale is crucial. Locum tenens coverage allows the facility to run at 100
percent. Having the extra staff also provides significant lifestyle benefits to
existing staff by easing the heavy workload.
With all of the challenges and changes in radiology, one thing that remains
constant – radiology remains at the center of medical practice. In order
for a patient to receive adequate medical care, the input of the radiologist,
both in diagnosis and treatment is necessary. With current estimates for the
shortage to continue for at least ten more years, facilities need to plan ahead
and keep their staffing at 100 percent.
Register now. Its quick, easy and free!
|