Use of Teleradiology Services May Be Slowing

Researchers have found recent evidence that shows the growth of external, off-hours teleradiology services (EOTSs) has slowed in recent years, despite a significant increase in the number of radiology practices using those services between 2003 and 2007. The study appears in the November issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.
 
“Data on the number of examinations performed taken from recent quarterly reports of the largest firm in the industry, Nighthawk Radiology Services, suggests slower growth,” says Rebecca Lewis, lead author of the study.
 
The data collected showed that the number of radiology practices using EOTSs increased from 15% to 44% between 2003 and 2007. In general, patterns of use conformed to expectations; however, contrary to expectations, nonmetropolitan practices did not have high utilization rates. In addition, a survey of a convenience sample of radiology practice leaders found that few were using teleradiology firms for daytime reads or subspeciality interpretations, although providing these services is a prominent expansion strategy of the industry. Also, a considerable number of practices that had been using teleradiology services EOTSs were no longer doing so. The authors concluded that although the use of EOTSs was widespread by 2007, utilization rates could be on the decline, and further research is needed to clarify future trends.
 
— Source: American Roentgen Ray Society