In the August 1996 issue of Applied Radiology, the editorial was
focused on "The Radiology Vision." One year later, it is
appropriate to revisit this subject. The approach used below is to
provide the original statement (in segments) followed by more
specific information, which was gleaned from several of my heroes
at the Diagnostic Imaging conference (April 1997, San Francisco)
and the Health Tech '97 conference (May 1997, San Diego). The
purpose indicates where we want to be. The mission describes how we
can achieve that purpose.
Purpose:
Provide continually improving healthcare decisions, in imaging
and treatment, in the most cost-effective manner to an
ever-increasing patient population.
Ed Staab-The focus for the future includes cost, productivity,
and diagnostic accuracy.
Mission:
Combine technology, clinical service, and socioeconomics to
optimize value.
Jim Thrall-The game today is market-driven healthcare. It is
important to understand the carve-in model (integrated delivery
systems) and the carve-out model (radiology supergroups).
Achieve strategic value by becoming healthcare information
managers.
Steve Horii-Benefits of information technology include
productivity, retention of turf, improved diagnostic ability, and
reduced operating costs.
Establish the radiologist as a primary team member connecting
diagnostic information and the patient.
Ed Staab-Radiology and surgery are going to blend in the future.
In less than ten years, minimally invasive surgery will become 70%
of all procedures.
Be a visionary planner by adapting behavior modification to
effect change in healthcare.
Bob Pyatt-The radiologist must "take charge of quality." Quality
is the key to success. It is the differentiating factor for
survival.
Actively support the investigation, discovery, and development
of new technology.
Bill Hendee-There are many "innovative frontiers" that are
providing a foundation for the growth of diagnostic imaging. These
include molecular biology, genetics, computational biology,
functional imaging, information systems/networking,
nanotechnologies, and microelectronics.
Educate the radiological community and its customers to
influence and manage the destiny of radiology.
George Leopold-Surgeons believe that they must "never let the
skin stand between ultrasound and a diagnosis."