Several roadblocks exist that impede communication between hospitals and radiology departments, according to a recent article published in Diagnostic Imaging.
In particular, shaky leadership and constant priority changes in radiology departments can undermine what needs to be a solid working relationship for initiatives such as accountable care to work, Cynthia Sherry, chair of Texas Health Dallas Presbyterian Hospital's radiology department, told the publication.
"Radiology departments haven't really developed good leaders who can interact with hospital administrators in a meaningful and effective way," Sherry said. She added that department heads often choose to be stuborn rather than cooperative and that younger radiologists often focus less on creating a working relationship with a hospital and more on work-life balance, Peter Angood, CEO of the American College of Physician Executives, told the publication.
Radiologists are sometimes overlooked in the healthcare system. For example, a KLAS report published last December pointed out that radiology was included in electronic health record incentive program only at the "last minute."
Sherry says her colleagues can remedy the situation by shaking the reputation that they're surly and introverted and paying more attention to providers' needs.
To learn more:
- read this Diagnostic Imaging article
- check out this FierceEMR article