IMAGING PARTNERS ONLINE PROFESSIONALISES REMOTE RADIOLOGY REPORTING
19.06.2009Eighteen-week targets, shortages of radiologists and the European Working Time Directive are causing pressure to build for radiology departments across the NHS. More than ever, trusts are outsourcing radiology reporting and one company, Imaging Partners Online (IPO), is bringing a newly-professionalised service to the marketplace. IPO offers remote radiology reporting from a purpose-designed centre in Richmond, West London. It places quality assurance and low error rates at the centre of ... Read More
Questions to ask when considering a teleradiology provider
04.05.2009With a telephone, laptop computer and an internet connection it is probably possible for an air traffic controller to land a plane while sitting at his kitchen table. In most cases, the plane would arrive safely and nobody would be any the wiser. In a small percentage of cases, the planes would crash as a result of poor internet speed or poor telephone reception with the likely result that home air traffic control would be banned. In the same way, it is possible to provide a teleradiology ... Read More
The Diagnostic Imaging enterprise – radiologists to drive key changes -- May, 2009
by Dr Paul Davis 01.05.2009Last month’s article focussed on a few fundamental issues that represent a challenge to industry leaders – a challenge to review key drivers of the service delivery model from the “ground up”, with a view to greater efficiency and better community service. This process is currently underway, indicating a shared belief that the industry can evolve and improve. Success requires a balanced commitment to both change and enduring values. Ultimately, the functional units of the delivery ... Read More
Growing Private Revenue in Your Department
03.02.2009Increasing demand for radiology services both in and out of hours and a shift to more sophisticated (and expensive) imaging methods is a continuing trend in Australian Hospitals. Typically, Public Hospitals have not actively sought out work external to the hospital due to either lack of capacity or lack of radiologist manpower to report any additional work. Both of these barriers have been significantly reduced through the advent of newer and faster technologies and the emergence of off-site ... Read More
Re-shaping the delivery model – some fundamentals -- February, 2009
by Dr Paul Davis 01.02.2009Recent articles have broadly canvassed macro issues which have put significant stress on DI service delivery; and also technology-driven opportunities to review and improve operational efficiency, while maintaining service levels and quality. But to convert these opportunities there are some fundamentals to consider. Let’s take a look at some of these. As previously noted, the DI sector is dedicated to acquiring and analysing information from patients. In this respect, it acts as an ... Read More
Radiologists Retention and Recruitment: Success in achieving “Preferred Employer” status
02.12.2008It is true that there is a nationwide (and global) shortage of Radiologists, however some managers have realised that it is possible to secure a bigger piece of the “manpower cake” by becoming a preferred employer, rather than the highest payer. Due to both scarcity and changes in attitude towards full time employment, Radiologists are increasingly seeing themselves as a 10 session per week resource and are exercising the opportunity to choose when they work and what type of work they ... Read More
Delivery model – time for a strategic re-think? -- December, 2008
by Dr Paul Davis 01.12.2008Power-brokers in the diagnostic imaging sector have been served a unique opportunity to stamp their bona fides on an industry under stress on several fronts. The confluence of trends and pressure points over recent years signals “game on” for an objective look at some key industry settings. Previous articles in this series have identified some core issues – ie the most appropriate service delivery model and how this is funded. Why does this matter when things seem to be rolling along ... Read More
Industry policy settings – strategic issues -- November, 2008
by Dr Paul Davis 01.11.2008July’s article broadly outlined the impact of stunning technological advances on both the acquisition and management of information in diagnostic imaging practice in recent years. Also raised was the imperative for industry stakeholders to define and deliver a best practice environment thereby ensuring the most efficient use of these advances. Given the rate of change, only a dynamic approach will achieve what we regard as “the standard of care” on a continuing basis. Conceptually this ... Read More
A Unique Approach to Overcoming Radiologist Manpower Shortages
01.10.2008Many Public Hospitals are reported to be struggling with significant backlogs of unread radiology cases. This is both a medico legal headache for administrators and a recognised de-motivator for radiologists. Innovative hospital administrators are taking a fresh look at the traditional radiology model in order to address this problem and are seeing improved service levels and happier staff. By recognising that some facets of radiology work need patient and clinician interaction and other ... Read More
Diagnostic imaging – the broad agenda for change -- October, 2008
by Dr Paul Davis 01.10.2008There is no disputing radiology’s pivotal role in both the diagnosis and management of patients across the health care sector – with increasing utilisation as technology evolves at a seemingly exponential pace. The rapid flow of images of breathtaking clarity from modalities to radiologists for interpreting is now approaching information overload, yet this is but one of the many pressure points the industry is facing. The historical notion of patient imaging with conventional ... Read More
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As a leading provider of 24/7 off-site imaging reporting services, Imaging Partners Online is keen to contribute to the advancement of overall imaging service delivery within Australia and overseas. Accordingly, Imaging Partners Online strives to partner with industry and government bodies, educators, health administrators and the media to identify key industry issues and to play a proactive role in developing innovative solutions.
Imaging Partners Online regularly participates in Industry Events and contributes to industry continuous improvement via press releases, journals and newsletters.
