Radiology on a patient-centric roll
If necessity is the mother of invention, compassion must be something like the uncle of ingenuity. We’ve seen as much at points of care in U.S. medical imaging over the past few weeks.
In Tennessee, a radiology technologist saw discomfort in his patients and designed a pain-relieving device in his garage.
In Nebraska, a nurse who survived breast cancer saw racial disparity in survivorship rates among women hit by the disease. She responded by going into breast cancer outreach work.
And in Indiana, a radiology group practice saw pain in its patients’ pocketbooks. The group decided to risk sacrificing real dollars in order to go transparent and guarantee patients reasonable—if not downright low—rates on all outpatient imaging exams.
So radiology is on a roll as regards the most important persons in the picture, the patients. Here’s hoping the momentum carries as debate rages over age-based coverage for breast cancer screenings. Payers, please do the right—and compassionate—thing.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.