Mr. Lindsey has two projects, E$$ENTially, PACS and voice transcription. Hopefully, at least one will make it to fruition.
One locum (temp)radiologist that is unable/unwilling to use their PACS, would prefer to have his CTs on film, and is unable/unwilling to do interventional studies. (At least he recognises his limitations and doesn't attempt it with liquid courage.) The other rad apparantly has an aversion to reading plain films...the rumor is he's already been fired...everything is meshungina.
Radiology is a diagnostic tool that we cannot afford to minimize, which the administration apparently has. Studies that we need and that are unable to be performed on in-patients require one of two things: transfer to a facility that can do them, or bring in a radiologist that is qualified.
Reports were processed within an hour...but, having spent a million dollars on a PACS, hiring two additional transcriptionists, and pulling overtime restrictions, would you expect less? Would the results have been any different with the Red River group, given those resources? And, how long before the emphasis returns to normal with staff levels and overtime? (Tokhis oyfn tish, bubbala.)
But, radiology wasn't the only subject raised. The hospital is contracting for some services that are out of network for some of the largest insurers in the area. In one case, the very same lab was used by the urology clinic and the hospital. With the clinic, it was in-network, with the hospital, it was out. Go figure. The billing for the Emergency Room physician is listed as out of network for BC/BS, another major carrier in the area.
But, what strikes at the heart of the matter wasn't even brought up as an issue: The hospital apparently files liens against its patients, insured or not, dropping them only when the bill is paid. They might lose cars, property, and bank accounts. Only homes are exempted, as this is a homestead state. The hospital with a heart ...pickled in a jar ....their pound of flesh.
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