Hospitals grapple with radiologist shortage

Increased reliance on imaging for diagnosis and efficient patient care mixed with higher volumes of patients has left US hospitals scrambling to meet demand with the few radiologists they have.

There are over 1,400 vacant radiologist positions posted on the American College of Radiology's job board, according to a bulletin posted on its website. The total number of active radiology and diagnostic radiology physicians has dropped by 1% between 2007 and 2021, but the number of people in the U.S. per active physician in radiology grew nearly 10%, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. An increase in the Medicare population and a declining number of people with health insurance adds to the problem.

"Demand for imaging services is increasing across the country, creating longer worklists for radiology staff at the same time the healthcare system is experiencing a workforce shortage in radiology," Michigan Hospital Association CEO Brian Peters told The Detroit News in an April 28 report. "The combination of vacancies and increased demand can force imaging delays measured from days to upwards of two weeks."

CMS also cut fees for both diagnostic (3%) and interventional radiology (4%) this year, according to an article published on healthcare technology company XiFin's website. This leaves many hospitals having to use external groups to stay on top of demand.

Mr. Peters told Detroit News, "Hospitals and health systems are also competing with practices offering remote-only positions, which allows Michigan radiologists to work for out-of-state providers at higher rates."

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Source: Becker's Hospital Review, 29 April 2024