Radiology is still suffering as the COVID-19 pandemic eases. Much of the public’s attention during the height of the pandemic fell on health care organizations. Scenes of overworked nurses and doctors low on necessary provisions were far too common, but challenges in other health care sectors were also rising.
Many specialty practices saw significant losses. Dermatology services decreased by 73%, ophthalmology by 79%, and radiology by up to 40%. Seemingly across the board, providers and practices that did not have COVID-related functions were severely impacted.
Now that we’re more than halfway through a new year, radiology practices haven’t seen these trends reverse. This has a profound effect on health care revenue cycles. While there has been some recovery in the industry, full recovery for some specialties may not come for some time.
The challenge, then, is to understand current consumer demands better and adapt operational practices to retain revenue where possible—while still improving patient experience in this new climate.
Pandemic Effects
Several factors caused radiology practices to lose patient volume during the pandemic. Much of it was localized, depending on the severity of infections in geographic areas, with certain providers limiting service offerings during outbreaks to minimize potential exposure for staff members and patients.
By T. Scott Law Sr. – Zotec Partners, Founder & CEO
Read more at www.radiologytoday.net.
