As a result of recent relationship woes between hospitals and radiologists, the American College of Radiology's (ACR) newly created task force released recommendations for improving and preserving those important relationships. The steps, highlighting the importance of respecting on-site radiologists, appear in the June issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

"Imaging is a rapidly growing and technologically advancing part of medicine," says lead author Cynthia Sherry. "Almost every patient who comes in to a hospital receives an imaging test, and a strong, high-quality radiology department is a very fundamental part of a well-functioning hospital."

The Task Force on Relationships between Radiology Groups and Hospitals and Other Healthcare Organizations presents a variety of recommendations aimed at radiologists, hospitals and the ACR to fight problems stemming from finances, outsourcing, loyalty and "turf wars."
"We looked at the situation as a whole," Sherry explains.

The growing tension seen between radiologists and hospitals is especially visible today due to what could be called the perfect storm of factors, especially finances.

"Because of all the downward finance pressures of hospitals and doctors groups, not just radiology groups, everyone is searching for ways to buttress their revenue stream," says Sherry. "Radiologists try to protect their stream, hospitals try to recover some of the financial benefits from radiology departments."

Outsourcing imaging services is becoming more and more a point of contention between radiologists and hospitals. The task force highlights this problem and suggests that both hospitals and radiologists be aware of the added value having on-site radiological services can bring to a hospital.

"ACR recognizes that there are some practices across the country, in which the best service they can get is from teleradiology," says Sherry. "And that's good they can get it that way. Teleradiology is a tremendous asset to radiology, but I think the [ACR] recognizes that on-site radiology provides much-needed valued services for patients and quality of imaging."

To tackle this problem, the task force reminds both radiologists and hospitals that on-site radiologists serve a specialty. "The task force concluded that on-site radiology provides a value of service that off-site [radiology] can't provide," she says.

In particular, on-site radiologists can build relationships with the hospital staff and patients, and turnaround times for imaging can be quicker.

Other recommendations for radiologists suggest that on-site radiologists be loyal to their hospital and really integrate themselves into the facility to help foster relationships and increase business. Similarly, hospitals are recommended to include radiologists as part of the staff, including them on boards and committees, and keeping the lines of communication open to ensure good relationships.

As a result of the paper, the ACR created the Commission on Leadership and Practice Development, where Sherry sits as chairman. The commission was designed to help put these recommendations into action through various projects. The commission, says Sherry, is not targeting anyone in particular, rather the radiology profession as a whole.

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