A report from Transparency Market Research recently stated that the global teleradiology market was worth approximately $0.92 billion in 2012. The estimation is that this market will grow aggressively with an estimated worth of approximately $3.78 billion by 2019.
Progressive, forward thinking radiology groups are aggressively reassessing their view of teleradiology. They are no longer looking for a vendor or a ‘corporate provider’; they are looking for a partner. The question they have is, “How do I select the right partner for my group, my patients and my clinicians?”
Any relationship needs to be reviewed from time to time, and this is especially true in the rapidly changing world of teleradiology. Advances in cost-effective RIS/PACS architecture have opened the door for new innovative physician run practices to enter the teleradiology marketplace. These providers bring a renewed focus on service and client relationships, as well as hands-on radiologist leadership. This raises the bar for quality and improves the fields of teleradiology and emergency medicine.
Have you considered the following four key points?
- The key is: Partnership
Does you teleradiology provider feel like a partner? Are their interests aligned with yours? These interests can include changes in overnight, off-hours, subspecialty or daytime coverage, new ventures with hospitals, or plans for growth and expansion. The group should feel comfortable working together with their provider and not feel threatened by them. Bringing everyone to the table will create open and transparent lines of communication and benefit everyone involved.
- Choose a partner that can make an impact.
What impact do you want your teleradiology provider to make? Do they share the same focus, meet the same expectations and are they committed to maintaining the same level of patient care as you are? This includes providing high quality interpretations that contain actionable information for patients and clinicians. They should also be available to consult with technologists, clinicians and other healthcare providers whenever the need arises.
- Take some time to find the right provider.
Is your current teleradiology provider still a right fit for you? Do they understand your needs, as colleagues do? A wave of deconsolidation has brought several new physician-driven, high-quality providers into the teleradiology field, creating opportunities for choice. Several of these companies now have established track records. Check references and find the best fit for your practice.
- Avoid companies that have a history of a predatory business strategy.
Have you considered working directly with a radiologist owned and operated company? These providers focus on developing relationships rather than just providing vendor services. They are more flexible and will go the extra mile to gain and keep your business. With new options now available, you can improve services, repair and improve relationships with clinicians and hospital administration and create a future with a better direction.
New radiologist-owned providers are entering the market. These groups work directly with their on-site partners to provide high quality radiology services and interpretations. This symbiotic relationship improves patient care, clinician satisfaction, and decreases cost. Working with teleradiology partners who provide services by radiologists for radiologists will directly benefit your practice, while also ensuring the future and stability of radiology as a whole.
About Direct Radiology
As a physician led organization, the founders and senior physicians at Direct Radiology take these 10 key points very much to heart. Our radiologists are our most important asset and how we lead reflects not only on our company but our commitment to building a strong organization and a physician group.
We “Un-corporate” teleradiology
We are a true partnership, owned and operated by our full-time radiologists and physician leadership. Our goal is to build a long-term, fulfilling teleradiology practice for our physicians while providing outstanding patient care and exceptional service to our clients.
Our Commitment
We work in collaboration with our clients, as an extension of the group. The strength and stability of our client relationships are more important to us than growth.
We are non-predatory. We do not displace or undercut existing radiology groups.
Cost-Effective Teleradiology Solutions
By eliminating executive salaries, private equity profits, and other corporate expenses, we are able to be highly cost-competitive while delivering superior quality and consistency.
Strong physician relationships make for better patient care.
In our experience, teleradiology works best when clinicians are familiar with and comfortable with the radiologist on the other end of the phone. Our clients are covered by small teams of dedicated radiologists who build trust with referring clinicians through frequent direct physician-to-physician communication.
Call us at 651.448.1313 for more information about Direct Radiology and we can you move into the future with a radiologist owned teleradiology solutions provider.
