During the coronavirus pandemic, most radiology practices
shuttered or scaled back drastically. One service that stood out from the rest
pivoted and focused on Radiology Consultation Service (RCS) to provide consultation
and ensure permanence of care.
A recent study published in Clinical
Imaging followed investigators from Weill Cornell Medical College at
New York Presbyterian Hospital, who clarified how their RCS (launched in 2013)
expanded through COVID-19.
Melissa Reichman, M.D., a women’s imaging specialist and
assistant professor of radiology at Weill Cornell, led the team. Reichman said,
“At a time when radiology experienced an unprecedented decrease in imaging
studies during the initial peak of the COVID-19 crisis, the RCS at our
institution, in contrast, showed a notable increase in services provided. Our
experience demonstrates the value of an organized radiology consultation
service and may serve as an example for other institutions to adopt a similar
program, as patient-centered care is at the forefront of radiology.”
The number of consultations, as well as screening mammograms
and ultrasounds, were compared from January 1, 2020, through July 31, 2020, to
the same 2019 timeframe. Two more periods, March 1, 2020, through June 30, 2020,
were compared to the same dates from the previous year.
Their findings identified many consultations ranging from
1,398 in 2019 to 1,623 in 2020, a 16 percent increase. Also, consultations were
higher from March through June 2020 (679) versus 2019 (538), a 16.9 percent
increase.
Results from the study indicate that RCS presents a route
for radiologists to be at the forefront of the healthcare process, integrating
with patients and providers regarding decisions. To determine the best plan
possible for patients, all parties worked together as a team.
The report stated, “Physicians have become more
conscientious about their imaging recommendations, relying on the radiologists’
clinical judgment of what is essential and minimizing unnecessary potential
viral exposure. As a result, we believe that the radiology consultation service
has enabled a more appropriate use of imaging.”
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Written by
the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.
