Survey Underscores Satisfaction With Teleradiology Providers

A recent survey by healthcare technology research and advisory firm CapSite indicates a high level of satisfaction and lasting relationships with teleradiology service providers among the radiology groups that utilize their services. CapSite’s survey of 363 radiology groups in the U.S. found that the majority of teleradiology users—approximately two-thirds-- had been working with the same outside vendor to regularly read a portion of their radiology studies for three or more years. About 20% of participants had been doing the same for two years. Of the 363 groups participating in the survey, 42% had 16 or more radiologists, 15% had 11 to 15 radiologists, 19% had six to 10 radiologists, and 24% had one to five radiologists. Sixty-three percent were currently using a teleradiology provider, while 37% were not. Customers tended to be satisfied with their current teleradiology provider, according to CapSite, with nearly half of teleradiology users designating the employment of highly qualified radiologists reading studies the most important attribute of, and catalyst for continued loyalty to, these firms. A low miss rate was cited by about 30% of respondents and rapid turnaround time, by approximately 30%. This finding proved surprising to executives of CapSite. "We thought we would see a greater emphasis on turnaround time," notes Bryan Fiekers, director of business development. In additional findings, just 31% of current teleradiology users cited plans to re-evaluate their existing teleradiology services model. Of these, approximately 40% intend to begin the reevaluation process within six to 12 months; about 30%, within 13- to 18-months. Approximately 23% plan to do so in less than six months. Moreover, only 10% of non-teleradiology users reported intentions to reconsider adopting a teleradiology services usage model; 90% claimed they have no such plans. Reasons cited by respondents with no plans to utilize teleradiology services varied, with 66% stating that their group holds responsibility for all reads; 28%, that they are an academic institution and use residents for reads; and 6% noting other reasons.