Radiologists’ direct impact on patient outcomes is sometimes swept under the rug between the delivery of the patient report and the hand-off back to the referring physician. While the significance of the radiologists’ role is understood to varying degrees, the manner by which we measure their value is shifting with the times. As we focus more on value versus just volume, all specialties – including radiology –  need to rethink how best to improve and demonstrate their role in the patient care cycle in order to align with this change.

 

A recent piece in The Journal of the American College of Radiology, MeasuringRadiology’s Value in Time Saved,¹ points to one way radiologists can help add value to patient care – by providing physicians with actionable information that helps save time downstream.  The article goes on to say that “using physician time in the most efficient way will be a key element for decreasing health care costs at the aggregate level.”  To decode that, what they’re essentially saying is radiologists must focus on the information they provide and how that information can cut care time and pinpoint next steps for primary care or referring physicians who are waiting for results.  A radiologist’s worth is determined by the quality of information and the time-savings that information provides within the continuum of the larger patient care cycle.  As the piece goes on to state, “Information, unlike imaging devices [or equipment], does not depreciate with time but rather increases in value the more it is used.” 

 

This type of “measurement” makes sense and timely, actionable information is undoubtedly key in any patient care coordination situation, particularly that from radiologist to referring physician. Still, with increasing demands being placed on the types of data that radiologists include in their report – like radiation dose – and the increased pressure this puts on their current productivity level, are we potentially asking too much? 

 

To address this seemingly insurmountable ask, it’s crucial that we arm radiologists with tools that help streamline workflow and  ensure the complete capture of actionable information that impacts the care cycle.  We also need to balance referring physicians’ “need for speed” with the reality of the time it takes to create “actionable information” that includes the necessary details to adhere to regulations and patient safety requirements.  Moreover, we need to find a middle ground for physicians and radiologists alike who are being asked to do more with less and know better than most that work/life balance is not always a reality.

 

As you look to differentiate your practice and/or value-add in the care cycle in the coming year, what type of “measurements” will you be honing in on and what technologies will you leverage to make those measurements attainable?