In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the radiology field is experiencing shifts and challenges, from capacity conundrums to inefficiencies in management. These complexities have triggered a notable trend: an increased reliance on locum tenens in radiology to fill critical services gaps.
These challenges are not standalone issues but part of a broader trend, as highlighted by a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. The study discovered that approximately 35% of academic institutions have decreased their reliance on remote readings in the past year. The report suggests a transition back to on-site reading for 27% of radiologists in academic institutions, compared to just 8% in private practice.
These figures also illuminate an underlying issue. The necessity for locum tenens is often a response to challenges many radiologists face today, including burnout, high workloads and other pressures. These are gaps that, in an ideal scenario, should not exist.
The same study emphasized the benefits radiologists reported from working remotely; radiologists reported improved lifestyle (81%), no commute (76%) and fewer interruptions or distractions (68%). At Essential Radiology, our vision for a seamless marketplace for cloud based services involves connecting existing dots in innovative, future-proof ways. Our approach also emphasizes the advantages of remote work, offering our team of radiologists an enhanced work environment. We strive to be stewards of our stakeholders’ successes, using deep, data-driven disciplines for continuous improvement.
Because of Essential’s commitment to disrupt the status quo, an esteemed large academic institution recently chose us as their partner for telemedicine services. As the Executive Director of Radiology expressed,“After a thorough analysis of our locum costs and w/RVU productivity, it was apparent we needed a more sustainable model. We opted to review teleradiology companies and after vetting other companies, Essential Radiology emerged as the clear choice. Their contract model offered a more sustainable w/RVU to cost ratio and came with a promise of premium specialty coverage. We look forward to working with Essential Radiology”.
While locum tenens do play a crucial role in filling gaps in radiology and teleradiology, it’s critical to understand that these gaps reflect deeper disparities within the field that need addressing. At Essential Radiology, we are committed to being part of the solution in tackling these challenges head-on.