ContrastConnect has announced virtual direct supervision services that match outpatient imaging facilities with licensed radiologists who can remotely supervise contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging procedures. The services were developed in response to the ongoing radiologist shortage with the goal of alleviating bottlenecks and improving patient access to care.
For more information, please visit https://www.contrast-connect.com/
Demand for imaging services is expected to grow within the next few decades, driven primarily by an aging population; estimates from the Radiological Society of North America show that Americans 65 years of age and older account for 30% of all imaging each year, and the United States Census Bureau predicts that 77 million Americans will be 65 and older by 2034. However, persistent radiologist shortages can prevent imaging facilities from meeting this demand; numbers from Diagnostic Imaging show that there are currently 13 radiologists per 100,000 people in the U.S., creating coverage gaps that cause appointment delays and cancellations—resulting in revenue losses for imaging centers and impacting patient access to care.
However, experts like ContrastConnect believe that virtual direct supervision can address these issues. By providing imaging centers with the option to carry out contrast studies without a radiologist on-site, these facilities can proceed with scheduled imaging procedures as long as qualified supervisory personnel are directly available through two-way audiovisual technology. This model also addresses long travel times and poor work-life balance, two factors driving widespread radiologist burnout.
As a radiologist-led virtual supervision provider, ContrastConnect can help outpatient imaging centers extend their operations while meeting the CMS’ federal health and safety guidelines. The company will provide its partners with HITECH- and HIPAA-compliant telecommunications equipment for virtual direct supervision, comprehensive on-site and virtual technologist training, and access to a pool of supervisory personnel trained in remote supervision. The included virtual supervision platform also comes with an onboarding portal and templates to aid documentation during contrast procedures and any adverse reactions that occur.
By partnering with ContrastConnect, outpatient imaging facilities can extend their operating hours and improve patient throughput without hiring a full-time radiologist.
Radiologist coverage is available as part of daily, monthly, and annual plans, which are built for flexibility, consistency, and cost efficiency, respectively. More information is available at https://www.contrast-connect.com/