Vesta Teleradiology

Addressing the Persistent Radiologist Shortage: Challenges and Solutions for the Future

The ongoing imbalance between radiologist supply and medical imaging demand in the U.S. is projected to continue through 2055 without significant intervention, according to recent research by the Neiman Health Policy Institute, (NHPI), published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology on February 12. As the population grows and ages, and imaging utilization increases, the shortage of radiologists poses a significant challenge for healthcare systems nationwide.

Projected Growth in Radiologist Supply

The NHPI study anticipates a nearly 26% increase in the supply of radiologists over the next 30 years, assuming residency numbers remain unchanged. However, even this growth may not be sufficient to meet rising imaging demands. If residency positions increase, the radiologist workforce could see a 40% expansion by 2055. Yet, attrition rates—especially post-COVID—pose a threat to this growth, highlighting the need for initiatives aimed at improving workplace well-being and retaining experienced radiologists.

Increasing Demand for Imaging Services

The demand for imaging services is expected to rise between 17% and 27% by 2055, driven largely by population growth and aging. Specific modalities like CT scans may see utilization increases as high as 59%, while others, such as nuclear medicine, may experience a decline. These projections underscore the urgency of balancing supply and demand to prevent prolonged patient wait times and compromised care.

Current Impact on Patients and Healthcare Systems

Patients across the U.S., including those in West Michigan, are already feeling the impact of the radiologist shortage. Delays in receiving imaging results have caused frustration, particularly for individuals with pressing health concerns such as fibroids and breast cancer risk. Healthcare providers, from radiologists to patient care technicians, are also facing mounting pressure to deliver timely care amidst workforce shortages.

Potential Solutions to Mitigate the Shortage

To address this crisis, experts emphasize the need to increase radiology residency slots and curb inappropriate imaging use. Monitoring attrition patterns and enhancing workplace conditions are also crucial. Technological advancements, such as AI for improving radiologist efficiency and clinical decision support systems, present promising avenues for alleviating some of the burden on the current workforce.

Conclusion

The radiologist shortage in the U.S. is a complex issue that requires multifaceted solutions. Increasing residency positions, enhancing workplace well-being, and leveraging technology are essential steps to ensure patients receive timely and accurate imaging services.

Top Radiology Company: Onsite and Remote

At Vesta Teleradiology, we are committed to bridging the gap caused by radiologist shortages. Our team of U.S. board-certified radiologists offers both on-site and remote services, providing reliable imaging interpretations to meet your facility’s needs efficiently. Let us help you navigate the challenges of radiologist shortages with our expert solutions.

National Cancer Prevention Month: The Role of Imaging in Early Detection

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a time to focus on the impact of early cancer detection and prevention. As healthcare providers, you know that catching cancer in its earliest stages significantly improves patient outcomes. Advanced imaging technologies continue to play a crucial role in detecting cancers before they progress, giving patients the best chance for successful treatment. This is especially important for facilities in rural or underserved areas, where access to specialized medical services is more limited.

The Importance of Early Detection Through Imaging

Early detection of cancer through imaging allows for interventions at stages when treatment is most effective. Techniques such as mammography, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are instrumental in identifying cancers like breast, lung, and prostate in their nascent stages. Regular screenings can lead to early diagnosis, which is associated with higher survival rates and a broader range of treatment options.

Teleradiology: Bridging the Gap in Underserved Areas

Teleradiology plays a pivotal role in expediting cancer diagnoses, particularly in rural or underserved regions. By transmitting radiological images from one location to another for interpretation by specialists, teleradiology ensures that patients receive timely and accurate diagnoses regardless of their geographical location. This technology mitigates the challenges posed by a shortage of on-site radiologists and enhances the quality of care in remote areas.

Recent developments underscore the significant benefits of teleradiology for healthcare providers. A report from Healthcare IT News highlights how teleradiology enables radiologists to interpret scans remotely, increasing flexibility in work schedules and expanding access to specialized expertise. This approach addresses staffing challenges and enhances patient care by providing timely, expert interpretations.

Furthermore, a comprehensive guide by Philips emphasizes that teleradiology ensures 24/7 availability of radiology experts, allowing patients to receive timely diagnoses regardless of the time of day. This continuous access to radiological services helps alleviate the workload on in-house radiologists, leading to more efficient and focused patient care (Philips).

Additionally, RealTime Medical outlines several advantages of teleradiology, including cost savings, improved patient outcomes, increased efficiency, and better quality control. These benefits collectively enhance the overall performance of healthcare facilities by streamlining operations and ensuring high-quality diagnostic services.

Latest Screening Guidelines

Staying informed about current cancer screening guidelines is essential for both healthcare providers and patients. Here are the latest recommendations for breast, lung, and prostate cancer screenings:

Breast Cancer: The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 45 to 54 undergo annual mammograms. Women aged 40 to 44 should have the option to start annual screening if they wish, and those 55 and older can transition to biennial screening or continue yearly exams. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years (American Cancer Society).
Lung Cancer: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises annual screening for lung cancer with LDCT in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening should be discontinued once a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy (USPSTF).
Prostate Cancer: The American Urological Association suggests that men aged 55 to 69 engage in shared decision-making with their healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)–based screening for prostate cancer. For men younger than 55 at higher risk, such as those with a family history of prostate cancer or African American men, discussions about screening may be appropriate (AUA).

Optimizing Radiology Practices

Healthcare facilities can enhance their radiology services by:

Implementing Teleradiology: Adopting teleradiology services can provide access to subspecialty radiologists, reduce turnaround times for image interpretations, and offer continuous coverage, which is particularly beneficial for facilities in underserved areas.
Investing in Advanced Imaging Technologies: Upgrading to the latest imaging equipment ensures higher resolution images, leading to more accurate diagnoses.
Continuing Education for Radiologists: Encouraging radiology staff to engage in ongoing education keeps them abreast of the latest advancements and best practices in imaging and interpretation.
Community Outreach and Education: Educating the community about the importance of regular screenings and early detection can lead to increased participation in screening programs, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

Recent developments underscore the significant benefits of teleradiology for healthcare providers. A report from Healthcare IT News highlights how teleradiology enables radiologists to interpret scans remotely, increasing flexibility in work schedules and expanding access to specialized expertise. This approach addresses staffing challenges and enhances patient care by providing timely, expert interpretations.
Furthermore, a comprehensive guide by Philips emphasizes that teleradiology ensures 24/7 availability of radiology experts, allowing patients to receive timely diagnoses regardless of the time of day. This continuous access to radiological services helps alleviate the workload on in-house radiologists, leading to more efficient and focused patient care.

By focusing on early detection through advanced imaging and leveraging teleradiology, healthcare providers can significantly impact cancer outcomes, offering patients the best chance for successful treatment. National Cancer Prevention Month serves as a reminder of the strides we can make in cancer care through prevention and early detection.

At Vesta Radiology, we are committed to leveraging the advantages of teleradiology to provide exceptional diagnostic services. Our team of experienced radiologists is available both on-site and remotely, ensuring that healthcare providers receive timely and accurate interpretations tailored to their specific needs. By partnering with us, facilities can enhance their radiology services, improve patient outcomes, and optimize operational efficiency.

For more information about our services and how we can support your healthcare facility, please visit our website at Vesta Radiology.

New CPT Codes for 2025: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know

As 2025 begins, healthcare providers and medical coders must familiarize themselves with the latest updates to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set. Managed by the American Medical Association (AMA), CPT codes are essential for documenting and billing medical, surgical, and diagnostic services. This year brings significant changes, including the addition of 270 new codes, the deletion of 112 outdated ones, and 38 revisions. These updates reflect advancements in medical technology and changes in healthcare delivery. Below, we break down some of the most notable updates for 2025 based on resources from the AMA, AAPC, and CMS.

Highlights of 2025 CPT Code Updates

Overview of the CPT 2025 Code Set: A new subsection introduces six codes for MRI safety services, addressing patient evaluations for implants, devices, or foreign bodies. This update ensures that safety protocols are clearly documented and billable. These codes cover pre-imaging consultations, evaluations, and customized preparations by medical physicists to optimize safety during MRI scans. The 2025 CPT code set includes 420 total updates: 270 new codes, 112 deletions, and 38 revisions. Many of these changes reflect emerging technologies and procedures, such as proprietary laboratory analyses for genetic testing (accounting for 37% of new codes) and Category III codes for cutting-edge services like augmented and artificial intelligence (AI) applications in medical imaging. These updates demonstrate the CPT code set’s role in supporting innovation in medicine while maintaining standardized documentation.

Additionally, the CPT Editorial Panel, an independent body convened by the AMA, ensured these updates align with the demands of modern healthcare through an open, collaborative process.

Source: AMA Press Release

MRI-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) Non-invasive treatments for conditions such as intracranial disorders have received updated codes. MRgFUS, previously classified under a Category III code, now has three Category I codes detailing treatment planning, probe insertion, and ablation processes. These changes aim to facilitate broader use of this cutting-edge procedure.

Source: MSN Healthcare Solutions

Transcranial Doppler Studies The 2025 CPT code set introduces three new add-on codes for Transcranial Doppler (TCD) studies. These cover vasoreactivity testing, emboli detection, and venous-arterial shunt detection, enhancing diagnostic precision for neurological conditions. Additionally, older codes like 93890 have been retired to streamline the process.

Source: AAPC blog

Telemedicine Expansion Reflecting the growing reliance on virtual healthcare, 17 new codes are now dedicated to telemedicine services. These include both audio-visual and audio-only interactions, mirroring the structure of existing evaluation and management (E/M) codes. Notably, CPT codes 99441 through 99443 have been deleted and replaced with updated descriptors for virtual care. A new virtual check-in code has also been added, aligning with HCPCS G2012.

Source: Coding Clarified

Implications for Healthcare Providers

These updates are not just administrative changes; they have real-world implications for patient care and healthcare operations. For instance:

Improved Documentation: New codes like those for MRI safety evaluations ensure comprehensive documentation, which can improve patient safety and reduce liability.
Enhanced Access to Care: Telemedicine codes make it easier for providers to offer virtual consultations, increasing access for patients in remote areas.
Streamlined Neurological Diagnostics: Updated TCD codes support more precise diagnosis and treatment planning for neurological conditions, potentially improving outcomes.

To implement these updates effectively, healthcare professionals should:

Invest in Training:
- Attend workshops and webinars to understand new codes.
- Provide department-specific training on updates.
Update Systems:
- Ensure EHR and billing systems are updated with new codes.
- Test and validate changes to prevent errors.
Audit and Educate:
- Conduct audits to identify gaps in compliance.
- Educate staff on how changes impact workflows.

Key Roles in Overseeing Changes

Successful implementation of new CPT codes involves collaboration across various roles and departments:

Health Information Management (HIM): Leads coding accuracy and compliance efforts.
Revenue Cycle Management (RCM): Oversees billing, reimbursement, and claims processes.
Compliance Officers: Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
IT Departments: Update EHR and billing systems with new codes.
Clinical Department Heads: Ensure providers document accurately for new codes.
Payor Relations Managers: Coordinate with insurers to align reimbursement policies.
Executive Leadership: Provides strategic oversight and allocates resources for training and system updates.

Conclusion

The 2025 CPT code updates reflect the ongoing evolution of healthcare, incorporating new technologies and addressing emerging needs. By staying informed and proactive, providers can ensure compliance while continuing to deliver high-quality care. If you’re looking for expert assistance in adapting to these changes, Vesta Teleradiology is here to help. We provide comprehensive radiology interpretation services and support healthcare facilities in implementing the latest coding updates to optimize workflows and enhance patient care.

Radiologists Say They’d Accept Lower Pay for Better Work-Life Balance

A recent Medscape survey, published on Friday, reveals that around 60% of radiologists would accept lower pay for a better work-life balance. Many radiologists face challenges balancing family and professional demands, with 39% feeling conflicted as parents and 33% struggling to achieve balance. Michael Ziffra, MD, from Northwestern, noted the persistent time issue for doctors, who wish to spend more time with family while also feeling compelled to prioritize patient care.

The survey found that 65% of radiologists consider prioritizing personal and family time very important, while 30% view it as somewhat important. Regarding exercise, 30% of radiologists work out 2-3 times a week, 24% do so 4-5 times, and only 13% do not exercise at all.

Most radiologists do not prioritize reducing screen time, with 63% not attempting to cut back on personal online hours. For personal internet use, 55% spend 2-4 hours daily, while 46% spend fewer than 2 hours on professional use.

Vacation time also varies, with 45% taking more than six weeks annually, 25% taking 3-4 weeks, and 13% taking 5-6 weeks. Only 5% take less than a week off each year.

Can Yoga Help Radiologists with Burnout?

A study published on January 31 in JAMA Network Open suggests that Yoga, specifically Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), could help alleviate burnout symptoms in radiologists. Led by Duygu Sag, PhD, and Fahri Saatcioglu, PhD, the research found that SKY reduced psychological distress and burnout while increasing wellness in physicians, including radiologists and radiation oncologists. The study emphasizes SKY as a safe and practical method to manage stress and burnout, which are significant issues in the medical profession.

yoga practice — Can yoga help with burnout?

Burnout negatively impacts physicians’ well-being, personal lives, and patient care, and has been a factor in their decision to leave the workforce. The study, conducted online from November 2021 to March 2022, involved 129 physicians from Turkey, Germany, and Dubai, comparing SKY with a stress management education program. Participants in the SKY group practiced daily and attended weekly follow-up sessions.

The researchers used various scales to measure the programs’ effectiveness and found that the SKY group experienced lower stress, decreased depression, reduced insomnia, increased professional fulfillment, and reduced work exhaustion and burnout compared to the control group. However, there was no significant effect on self-reported medical errors. The authors conclude that SKY could be a practical tool to mitigate stress and burnout in various professions facing similar challenges.

Is this Affecting Radiologist Staffing?

High workloads and mental demands contribute to burnout among radiologists, leading many to retire early or leave the field. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, accelerating the rate at which radiologists are exiting the profession

How Teleradiology Helps

Teleradiology offers a vital solution to the current radiologist shortage by enabling remote reading of imaging studies, thus bridging the gap between demand and available workforce. By leveraging advanced technology, teleradiology ensures timely and accurate interpretations, especially for underserved and rural areas that struggle to attract full-time radiologists. As a top teleradiology company, Vesta is committed to providing high-quality remote radiology services, enhancing patient care, and supporting healthcare facilities in managing their workloads efficiently. We support small, medium and large volumes for ERs, private facilities, outpatient imaging and mobile radiology.

Sources:

Radiologybusiness.com
diagnosticimaging.com
openai.com

Growth in Demand for Imaging Procedures Will Increase Need for Teleradiology

The healthcare market is experiencing a shift towards outpatient care, driven by reimbursement changes, pandemic effects, and patient preferences, particularly prominent in the U.S. Providers are diversifying into sub-specializations like neurology and oncology, raising the demand for advanced imaging like MRI and CT. This trend has led to increased utilization of outpatient imaging and teleradiology services.

By the NuMbers

Diagnostic imaging is becoming increasingly crucial in healthcare, with the market projected to reach $31.9bn in 2023 and grow at a 4.8% CAGR to $45.8bn in 2030. The rise is driven by chronic diseases, an aging population, and post-Covid-19 demand recovery. To meet this demand, companies are focusing on advanced and accessible technologies, such as handheld ultrasounds. About 1,949 imaging devices are in development, with 112 expected to gain approval in 2023.

According to Fortune Business Insights, in 2022, the computed tomography (CT) segment held the largest market share due to a rise in CT scan procedures and higher average pricing. For instance, OECD data for 2021 showed 84.5 million CT scan procedures in the U.S., up by 15.8% from the previous year. The growing geriatric population has also contributed to increased demand for CT scans.

Key Players

Key players include GE Healthcare, Philips, Siemens Healthineers, and more. Challenges include high equipment costs and a shortage of skilled personnel, impacting accessibility and patient care quality. Opportunities arise from the growing demand for imaging services, especially for chronic diseases, and the development of new modalities like 3D mammography and MRI-guided focused ultrasound. Emerging economies like India, China, and Brazil are pivotal, driven by rising chronic diseases. Major players like Siemens Healthineers are expanding in these markets. Additionally, teaching hospitals are increasing demand for advanced imaging methods to enhance patient care.

Your Dedicated Radiology Partner: Vesta

Partnering with Vesta as your radiology partner ensures access to accurate and timely imaging interpretations and readings for subspecialties. Whether you are an outpatient imaging center or traditional hospital, our collaboration offers a seamless and efficient experience. Trust us to be your reliable radiology partner, empowering you with the insights and tools needed for improved healthcare outcomes.

Sources:

Itnonline.com
Medicaldevices-network.com
fortunebusinessinsights.com
openai.com

How Does Working With a Teleradiology Company Enhance Diagnostic Accuracy?

A teleradiology company is a healthcare organization that provides remote radiology services using telecommunication technology. It connects radiologists with healthcare facilities, allowing them to interpret and analyze medical images remotely, regardless of geographical locations. These companies facilitate the transmission of medical images and reports, enabling timely diagnoses, expert consultations, and improved access to radiology services.

Working with a teleradiology company can enhance diagnostic accuracy in several ways

Access to Specialized Radiologists: Teleradiology companies often have a network of highly specialized radiologists who can provide expertise in specific areas, such as musculoskeletal radiology, neuroradiology, or pediatric radiology. This specialization allows for more accurate and precise interpretations of complex cases.

Peer Review and Collaboration

Teleradiology platforms facilitate peer review and collaboration among radiologists. This enables multiple experts to review and discuss challenging cases, leading to a more accurate diagnosis. Radiologists can consult with their peers, share knowledge, and seek second opinions, which can significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Reduced Turnaround Time

Teleradiology companies typically offer quick turnaround times for reporting. Faster access to radiology reports means timely diagnoses, enabling prompt patient management decisions. Rapid reporting reduces the chances of missed diagnoses or delayed treatment, improving overall diagnostic accuracy.

24/7 Coverage

Teleradiology services often provide round-the-clock coverage, allowing healthcare facilities to access radiology expertise at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This availability ensures that critical cases receive immediate attention, leading to accurate and timely diagnoses.

Subspecialty Interpretations

Teleradiology companies can match specific cases with radiologists who specialize in the relevant subspecialties. This ensures that complex or rare cases are interpreted by radiologists with extensive experience and knowledge in those areas. Subspecialty interpretations enhance diagnostic accuracy by reducing the likelihood of misdiagnosis or overlooking important findings.

Quality Assurance Programs

Teleradiology companies usually have robust quality assurance programs in place. These programs include regular audits, peer reviews, and adherence to strict reporting standards. By maintaining high-quality standards, teleradiology companies ensure accurate and reliable interpretations.

Advanced Technology and Tools

Teleradiology companies often employ advanced technologies and tools to enhance diagnostic accuracy. These include computer-aided detection (CAD) systems, advanced visualization software, and access to a comprehensive database of previous imaging studies for comparison. These tools assist radiologists in identifying subtle abnormalities, improving diagnostic accuracy. Another benefit is that teleradiology offers is the ability for the radiologist to manipulate the images in ways that cannot be achieved solely with film. As a result, it allows for the extraction of additional clinically significant information from the images and leads to more precise diagnoses and clinical decisions.

Vesta Teleradiology: Over 16 Years of Excellence

By leveraging the expertise of specialized board certified radiologists, promoting collaboration, offering fast turnaround times, providing subspecialty interpretations, implementing quality assurance programs, and utilizing advanced technology, teleradiology companies like Vesta can significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy and contribute to improved patient care.

Sources

Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Sciencedirect.com
Openai.com

What is the Function of PACS in Hospitals and How are They Improving?

Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is a medical imaging technology that has become increasingly important in modern healthcare. PACS is a digital platform that allows medical images, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to be stored, viewed, and shared electronically between healthcare professionals. This technology has revolutionized the way medical images are managed and has brought many benefits to hospitals and patients alike.

The function of PACS in hospitals is multifaceted, but its primary purpose is to facilitate the storage and retrieval of medical images. This enables healthcare professionals to access patient information quickly and easily, which can improve patient care, diagnosis, and treatment.

Some of the key benefits of PACS include:

Improved efficiency: PACS eliminates the need for physical film and enables medical images to be shared quickly and easily between healthcare professionals. This can save time and improve the efficiency of medical imaging services.

Enhanced patient care: PACS enables healthcare professionals to access patient information quickly and easily, which can improve patient care, diagnosis, and treatment.

Cost savings: PACS eliminates the need for physical film and the associated costs of processing and storing it. This can result in significant cost savings for hospitals.

How are PACS Evolving?

The benefits of PACS are numerous, and the technology is constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern healthcare. Some of the ways in which PACS is improving include:

Cloud-based solutions: Many PACS vendors now offer cloud-based solutions, which can provide greater flexibility and scalability. This enables healthcare professionals to access medical images from anywhere, at any time.

Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is being integrated into PACS to improve image analysis and interpretation. This can help healthcare professionals to make more accurate diagnoses and provide better patient care.

Mobile access: Many PACS vendors now offer mobile apps, which enable healthcare professionals to access medical images from their mobile devices. This can provide greater flexibility and convenience, particularly for healthcare professionals who are working remotely.

Vesta Teleradiology Works with Your System

Vesta is proud to help integrate their hospital partners with our PACS and systems. This allows clients to provide referring physicians digital access to their own studies, images and reports as soon as they are released. Further, with Vesta Direct Messaging technology, receive reports as well as significant images directly into the RIS. Vesta is always on the lookout to bring the latest technologies to our clients to help improve efficiency, quality while reducing costs

If you need a radiology partner that is not only reliable but can support your workflow, please contact us today: 877-55-VESTA

References

OpenAi.com

https://www.corestudycast.com/news/picture-archiving-and-communication-systems/

State of the Healthcare Industry: Hospital Strikes

Americans, and everyone all over the world, depend on proper medical care. From dental checkups to urgent care visits, medical professionals are absolutely essential, especially when it comes to massive emergencies. If we didn’t learn this fact yet, the pandemic certainly brought it into focus. In 2020, hospitals and medical buildings surged with COVID patients, overloading facilities and professionals alike. Now, with labor shortages, and unfair compensation, nurses and medical staff are going on strike to re-negotiate contracts to make their workplaces a fairer place to be.

Healthcare Strikes Going on Now

Beginning in January of this year, over 7,000 medical professionals went on strike in New York City, says Vox. The strikes involve Mt. Sinai Hospital, and three other facilities, located in the Bronx, owned by Montefiore. Recent contract negotiations failed to provide health care workers with more staff, as well as desired salary compensation, says the article. Over 700 positions are open within the Montefiore facilities, and nurses and medical staff feel overburdened and undervalued. As explained by Vox, when billable hours and revenue collection are limited to doctors who prescribe surgeries and medicine, nurses and other medical staff are a complete cost to the hospital. Even though these professionals are essential to properly run any medical facility, investing in nursing staff becomes a problem when the American structure is a pay-for-treatment transaction in healthcare systems that are for profit.

Last month, on February 27, another strike took place on Long Island with about 800 nurses, says CBS News. At Northwell Health’s South Shore University Hospital, nurses are demanding “safe staffing and fair wage,” says the article. 99% of the nurses voted to authorize the strike.

It isn’t just the United States that’s involved with strikes. Across the pond, in the UK, nurses are also having a difficult time negotiating what they need in their contracts, says IN News. For the first time in Royal College of Nursing history, medical staff, which spanned over 100 services, held England’s largest nursing strike on March 1 of this year. In the 48-hour strike, staff from emergency departments, intensive care units, cancer care, and other services were involved, says the article. Compensation, workload, and workplace conditions are the terms UK nurses are fighting for. Since 2010, nurses’ compensation has fallen 8%, says the article.

Both in the US and UK, nurses have made it clear that they do not want to strike, leaving vulnerable patients in a bind, says USA Today, and IN News. “Bosses have pushed us to strike by refusing to seriously consider our proposals to address the desperate crisis of unsafe staffing that harms our patients,” said a union representative from The Nurses Association to USA Today.

Re-negotiated contracts and tentative agreements were reached in New York, some involving a raise of 5-7% over the next three years for nursing staff, as well as staffing increases, says Today. Negotiations in the UK came to an agreement on March 16, with more than 1 million NHS staff receiving a raise, says gov.uk.

Shortage in Radiologists

It’s not just nurses that are in shortage, but also those in the radiology field as well. Luckily, partnering with a teleradiology company like Vesta allows you to fill in those gaps you have—whether you’re short-staffed for weekend work or simply need reliable interpretations around the clock. Vesta also offers top-to-bottom healthcare staffing from its sister company, Momentum Healthcare Staffing for positions such as locums tenens and permanent nurse practitioners, physicians, medical assistants and more.

Women in Imaging: Historical and Contemporary Figures Advancing Medicine

March is a month set aside to celebrate women. During this month, Women’s History month, people are encouraged to learn about and celebrate the strong women in their lives and throughout history. But women’s history is wide reaching and all encompassing. There are thousands of women in hundreds of different industries that have made lasting impacts.

One of those industries is the medical industry. Women have left their mark everywhere in medicine and have helped develop new ideas, new medicines and treatments, and new pieces of technology. Let’s take a look at pillars in medical imaging.

History of Medical Imaging

But first, what exactly is medical imaging? This section of the medical industry includes different technologies that help medical professionals view various internal body systems within the human body. Medical imaging is used to find, diagnose, monitor, and even treat different medical conditions or injury.

Each piece of technology encompassed in medical imaging focuses on a different area or system of the body. Take x-rays for example. X-rays are used to view the skeletal system – the bones – of the body. X-rays are used to identify different issues with a patient’s bones and joints. Other types of medical imaging includes ultrasounds, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and even mammography.

Medical imaging, as a practice, has been around since the last 19th century. It began with the development of x-rays. The first x-ray was taken in 1895, and since then the industry has grown as new pieces of technology have been developed. And women have played a pivotal role in this development.

Women in Medical Imaging

There have been innumerable women who have had a hand in the development and advancement of medical imaging. Of those, there are a few that we’d like to highlight.

Marie Curie

The first woman of medical imaging was a Polish scientist named Marie Curie. While this name is often familiar to many people, it’s familiar because of her discovery of radium. Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that was instrumental to the development of medical imaging.

Without Marie Curie’s discoveries, medical imaging may not exist, or would at least have been seriously delayed. Medical imaging uses radiation to see within the human body, so Marie Curie and her developments were imperative.

Florence Ada Stoney

Florence Ada Stoney was a radiologist during World War I. While she may not have created a new technology or radiology treatment, she was the lynchpin of women’s participation in medical imaging and radiology.

Stoney was not allowed to serve in the x-ray department of a London hospital during the war effort because she was a woman. Rather than admit defeat, Stoney created a volunteer unit comprised entirely of women. In 1915, Stoney was hired as the head of the Fulham Military Hospital’s x-ray department – the first time a woman headed such a department.

Muyinatu Bell

Muyinatu Bell is a modern counterpart of the forerunners of medical imaging. In the mid-2010s, Bell developed a new ultrasound technique that produces higher-quality images and is most effective for use in obese patients.

Without these women, modern medical imaging wouldn’t be where it is today. But this list is not exhaustive. There are countless more women who have found their place in medical imaging and left their mark.

While the number of women actively working in medical imaging is rarely higher 30%, no matter what area or discipline, they are still making serious gains. Women are a small portion of the medical imaging world, but they are mighty.

Social Media Tips to Help Healthcare Facilities Connect with Patients

Social media is an ever-changing landscape, but it remains one of the best ways for healthcare facilities to reach and engage with current and potential patients. If you’re a healthcare facility looking to get started on social media, here are a few tips to help.

Listen First, Talk Later

Before creating content or engaging with people on social media, listening and observing what’s already happening in your industry is essential. Read up on trending topics, follow influencers, and join conversations relevant to your healthcare facility—this will give you a better understanding of what kinds of content resonates with your target audience.

Once you understand the conversation, you can create content or join existing discussions.

social media for healthcare — How are you connecting with patients online?

Spread Awareness of Services

Content doesn’t have to be hard to produce. Does your facility offer mammograms or other diagnostic imaging services? What type of special treatments do you offer patients? Let it be known through your posts! Whether you make a short informative Instagram Reel or a simple graphic, it’s ever crucial to make sure people know what you offer.

Build Relationships

Social media is all about building relationships, so pay attention to how you interact with others online.

Respond thoughtfully to comments and questions from followers; if someone has taken the time to reach out to you via social media, they deserve a well-crafted response that shows them that their voice matters. When responding directly to a patient’s question or comment, always use a professional tone and be sure not to disclose private information.

The beginning response to a patient with a question about diabetes might be:

“ Managing diabetes is no easy task, and if you’re a diabetes patient, it can be challenging to get your condition under control.”

Or:

“I empathize with the daily struggles you must endure keeping diabetes at bay. The good news is that there are ways to help make this easier for you.”

Be Transparent

Social media should be an opportunity for transparency between yourself and your followers.

health care social media tips — Show the faces behind your healthcare team

Share behind-the-scenes photos and videos from your day-to-day operations; this helps build trust by showing that real people work hard at your facility daily. It also allows patients who may not have visited before to get familiarized with the space beforehand, making them more comfortable when they arrive for their appointment or procedure.

Monitor Your Reputation

As a healthcare facility on social media, you must monitor what’s being said about you online – positive and negative.

Be sure to set up alerts for your company name as well as any hashtags associated with it to allow you to keep tabs on mentions of your brand.

If anything negative is posted about you online (such as negative reviews), you can address it quickly before the situation escalates. When a person posts a positive comment, be sure you “like” them, or comment back, so your followers know you respected their opinion.

A respectful response to a negative review about a rude employee at a hospital might be:

“At our hospital, all our staff members strive to ensure the highest level of quality care and customer satisfaction possible. Unfortunately, it’s not always achieved as intended due to human error and environmental stressors.”

“We recognize that patient care starts with respectful communication and interactions between patients and healthcare providers. To improve communication throughout the institution, we are investing in additional staffing resources so that nurses and other team members feel better supported when high volumes present themselves on certain days or times during their shifts.”

Measure Results

Lastly, measure the results of your social media efforts using analytics tools.

Using these tools will allow you to track how many people are visiting your page (and how often), see where they came from (e.g., organic search vs. referral traffic), and track engagement over time (likes/comments/shares). This information will help inform future decisions about what kind of content works best for engaging with patients online.

By measuring results regularly, you can continually refine and improve your strategy over time, so it eventually becomes second nature.

Social media can provide significant benefits for healthcare facilities looking to connect more deeply with current & potential patients—but only if done correctly.

Following these tips will ensure your presence on social media is practical & compliant with relevant regulations & guidelines set forth by governing bodies.

Take some time today & begin implementing these tips into practice right away. Your healthcare facility’s social pages will become vibrant hubs of conversation & connect with the community.

Good luck & happy posting!