US Radiology Specialists is launching a new teleradiology organization in a bid to attract physicians seeking a flexible lifestyle, the private equity-backed practice announced Tuesday.
Connexia is tailored to address “rapidly growing” demand for outpatient imaging services, USRS said, along with shifting desires from some radiologists who desire remote work, preferably during daytime hours. The Raleigh, North Carolina-based imaging group said it will offer subspecialized reading opportunities, along with part- or full-time work schedules.
“We believe that one of the keys to attracting and retaining talented physicians in this competitive market is providing more options for radiologists who might otherwise consider changing professions, as well as appealing to the next generation of physicians-in-training,” Lindsay Muns, MBA, president of US Radiology Connexia, said in an Aug. 15 announcement.
Connexia also will provide radiologists with home reading stations, “reliable IT infrastructure with comprehensive support,” and “attractive benefits packages, with multiple options to meet your needs,” according to its website. USRS is touting physician collaboration forums, including a National Physician Leadership Board, clinical governance, and working with other company practices, as other potential perks.
“With this strong foundation, Connexia is poised to become the go-to destination for radiologists looking to shape their careers on their terms,” Paul Taheri, MD, MBA, who recently joined US Radiology as chief clinical officer, said in the announcement.
Taheri, the former CEO of Yale Medicine, also is clinical partner at Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, the New York private equity firm that launched USRS alongside Charlotte Radiology in 2018.
US Radiology Specialists’ announcement follows recently published survey data, highlighting female physicians’ gravitation toward academic practice settings that offer part-time work and remote-reading options. Experts interviewed for Radiology Business’ latest salary survey also highlighted members of the specialty’s strong desire for workplace flexibility. Everlight Radiology, another practice supported by private equity, opened a state-of-the-art new reporting hub in May that operates using a “follow the sun” model, allowing rads to read studies from around the world during the daylight hours in their own time zones.
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.