How Imaging Centers Can Address Challenges and Succeed

By Dan Crittenden

Within the ever-changing space of modern healthcare, imaging centers have remained steadfast as a major lifeline for accurate patient diagnoses. However, many are unaware of the struggles these facilities face that can impact this anticipated accuracy and their quality of care. From logistical challenges to major disturbances in the supply chain, the following concerns can undermine the precise outcomes patients expect from reputable imaging centers.

Supply Chain Disruptions

The initial COVID-19 outbreak highlighted the paralyzing circumstances caused by disruptions in the supply chain. There were many unexpected reductions in key manufacturing plants, resulting in global shortages of crucial contrast agents and other testing consumables. Such disruptions led to inadequate rationing of supplies, and in turn, lengthy delays in examinations and procedures.

Staffing Challenges

Staffing levels also come into play, as healthcare systems grapple with a nationwide shortage of radiology professionals. Data published by Radiology Business last year shows more than 80% of health systems reported staffing shortages in the radiology department. The workforce is aging, with more than half of all radiology staff within 10 years of retirement. Additionally, demand for imaging services is booming, leading to increased reports of burnout in the field.

Staffing challenges also tie into quality control concerns. Regulatory bodies enforce standards for all imaging equipment to undergo preventative maintenance, requiring periodic evaluations with supporting documentation. However, the staffing shortage coupled with the need to ration limited supplies between facilities increases the possibility of older equipment slipping through the cracks. Frequently delayed maintenance leads to operational losses that not only disrupt workflow but affect diagnoses for valued patients. The quality of such imaging tests could be compromised, and facilities could potentially face non-compliance issues.

Financial Struggles of Rural Hospitals

Maintaining and upgrading equipment comes at a higher cost for hospitals in our nation’s rural communities. A new report by the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform found that more than 700 rural hospitals are at risk of closing due to financial struggles. Many of these facilities are losing money or otherwise operating on extremely thin margins, putting expenses like equipment upgrades out of reach. Without the ability to upgrade, it can be difficult to ensure updated, optimal diagnostic pathways for patients.

Imaging centers are searching for answers on how the industry can address these challenges and find solutions. Such a multifaceted problem requires innovative, targeted strategies for improving supply chain efficiency.

Cost Management and Inventory Strategies

Hospital systems should prioritize cost management and strategies for handling shortages. A simple first step would be identifying periodic automatic replacement (PAR) levels, for items used daily and high-volume disposables. Facilities that are part of a surgery chain or health network can also match inventory with their partners to see what supplies are available.

Identifying multiple alternative, reputable suppliers and nurturing professional relationships with them is a great way to diversify access to select necessities. It’s important to remain vigilant in terms of regularly assessing and managing vendor contracts. Centralized governance and registering for automatic alerts are key players when it comes to streamlining management of vendor negotiations. Additionally, many health professionals are keen on utilizing peer-to-peer marketplaces. These are user-friendly digital platforms where medical practices can securely resell up-to-date, excess inventory to understocked facilities.

Leveraging Group Purchasing Organizations

Collaborating with group purchasing organizations (GPOs) can also grant access to varying catalogs of dependable suppliers, ensuring a steady supply of intake. During shortages, GPOs can leverage these networks to source imaging tech from distributors in regions that are unaffected by certain supply disruptions. Maneuvering through a GPO’s array of vendors simplifies providers’ ability to procure all materials needed to meet supply needs.

Health systems can also consider value-based contracting, a practice vouched for by the World Health Organization’s Access & Delivery Partnership. This type of agreement entails providers being compensated based on the value their products deliver instead of the volume of the services provided. Value-based contracting encourages mutually beneficial goals between imaging centers and their suppliers. Facilities receive fairly priced materials, and the system incentivizes providers to prioritize their standards of care.

Quality Assurance and Technological Advancements

Improved quality assurance programs are key. In fact, we can use recent technological advancements such as remote monitoring through sensors and AI analytics for real-time, preventative diagnostics. These updated programs make it less likely for device downtime to occur while ensuring compliance standards are up to date. Reports can still be generated even if the facility happens to be short-staffed or if the available in-office physicians aren’t trained for certain quality control tasks.

Subscription-Based Models and Leasing Agreements

Rather than trying to budget for regular equipment upgrades, facilities can take a more predictable approach by utilizing subscription-based models for the acquisition of new imaging tech. Subscribing to ongoing deliveries and updates is a beneficial option for health systems as it significantly lowers the upfront cost of new machinery while lessening the risk of any operational obsolescence.

Engaging in vendor partnerships that offer leasing agreements for new imaging tech can grant facilities the ability to access upgraded medtech on-demand. Some of these agreements support ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs as well. This way, medical practices can maintain care standards for currently offered services while preserving their funding for other strategic investments.

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