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Editor's E-Note
Administrators are always looking for ways to make the most of their resources, and one of the key resources in radiology departments is the people who actually perform the scans. Radiological technologists are in demand, but the rising demand for medical imaging is stretching availability. This shortage is particularly acute in outpatient imaging centers. Could remote scanning help to alleviate tech shortages? We’re considering that question in this month’s Exclusive.
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Enjoy the newsletter.
— Dave Yeager, editor |
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Extended View
By Orson Tarver
Is remote scanning the key to addressing tech shortages in outpatient centers?
When it comes to radiologic technologist staffing shortages, the first question to ask is what problem are we trying to solve? Is there really a shortage, and are volumes truly increasing?
For outpatient imaging centers, the answer is yes on both counts. Supply and demand are out of balance. There is a well-documented technologist shortage that shows little sign of easing. According to a recent survey from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, staffing vacancies are at or near all-time highs, with CT and MRI showing the highest vacancy rates. At the same time, patient volumes continue to rise.
The current operating model was not built for this level of sustained demand. Combined with labor constraints, this creates a range of downstream challenges including technologist burnout, delays in diagnosis, and delayed treatment.
When techs aren’t available, scanners sit idle. Whether that’s during normal operating hours or due to an inability to cover evenings, weekends, or holidays, the financial reality is that if scanners are not in use, costs are still incurred. Lower patient throughput directly impacts both revenue and patient care. Outpatient imaging centers already operate on tight margins, and adding further pressure to this reduces financial stability for the future. The outpatient model relies on volume for sustainability.
Reduced availability causes referral patterns to shift. If a center cannot meet demand, referring providers will send patients elsewhere. Over time, this erodes market share.
Operationally, the impact is equally significant. Wait times increase, backlogs grow, and scheduling becomes more complex. Most outpatient centers operate with lean teams, so there is limited redundancy when staff are unavailable. This has a direct effect on patient care. Delays in imaging lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Meanwhile, existing staff try to absorb the pressure. Increasing workloads contribute to burnout and make retention more difficult, further compounding the problem. It’s also worth highlighting that while technology may be reducing the burden in some areas, the promise of shorter exam slots could serve to increase pressure on local teams.
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COVER STORY
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