Technology, Lower Reimbursements Reduce Number of Radiology Positions

I have blogged before about the shrinking residency and job opportunities in radiology (see: Job Prospects Dimming for Residents in Radiology; Defining the Underlying Problems; Radiology Jobs Trend Downward; Blame Technology and Reimbursement). Also see this: Job Prospects Are Dimming for Radiology Trainees. This seems to be the result of a number of factors including: (1) incumbent radiologists are able to work more efficiently due to RIS/PACS support; (2) some radiologists have reportedly postponed their retirement due to the financial downturn in 2008; (3) teleradiology enabled some radiologists to find part-time or full-time positions working from home; (4) teleradiology has also enabled some hospitals to outsource their radiology departments to "nighthawk" firms (see: Dayhawk Radiology and the Decline of the General Radiologist). Below is an excerpt from a recent article on this topic (see: Radiologists Having a Hard Time Finding Residency As Teleradiology Takes Over “Day” Jobs): Radiologists and orthopedic surgeons are still at the top of the doctor occupation chain but those jobs too are facing reimbursement cuts. In [one hospital], which is losing money, ...[radiology residents]... were given their pink slips. The hospital is ending the residency program and is going with Teleradiology that reads images remotely. So these students need to look elsewhere to finish their post graduate training. The next obstacle is getting a job as if this hosp...
Source: Lab Soft News - Category: Pathologists Authors: Tags: Healthcare Delivery Healthcare Information Technology Source Type: blogs