After-hours coverage: problems and solutions.
Among the problems facing many radiology groups today is how to cover after-hours studies, because the demand is increasing while the number of available radiologists is still relatively low. There are a number of possible solutions, each of which has its own pros and cons, and no solution is right for every group. Recently, there have been a number of companies whose sole business is providing outside teleradiology coverage of after-hours radiology studies, sometimes referred to as "nighthawk" services. This article describes one group's decision-making process in choosing to hire a nighttime teleradiology provider as well as its subsequent experiences and ideas for future solutions.
Wagner
Andrew L
AL
Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Department of Radiology, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801, USA. awagner@rhcc.com
D039602:After-Hours Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D016520:Entrepreneurship; D006123:Group Practice / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D011871:Radiology / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D019112:Teleradiology / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States