Initial Impact of COVID-19 on Radiology Practices: An ACR/RBMA Survey

Abstract

Purpose The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected radiology practices in many ways. The aim of this survey was to estimate declines in imaging volumes and financial impact across different practice settings during April 2020. Methods The survey, comprising 48 questions, was conducted among members of the ACR and the Radiology Business Management Association during May 2020. Survey questions focused on practice demographics, volumes, financials, personnel and staff adjustments, and anticipation of recovery. Results During April 2020, nearly all radiology practices reported substantial (56.4%-63.7%) declines in imaging volumes, with outpatient imaging volumes most severely affected. Mean gross charges declined by 50.1% to 54.8% and collections declined by 46.4% to 53.9%. Percentage reductions did not correlate with practice size. The majority of respondents believed that volumes would recover but not entirely (62%-88%) and anticipated a short-term recovery, with a surge likely in the short term due to postponement of elective imaging (52%-64%). About 16% of respondents reported that radiologists in their practices tested positive for COVID-19. More than half (52.3%) reported that availability of personal protective equipment had become an issue or was inadequate. A majority (62.3%) reported that their practices had existing remote reading or teleradiology capabilities in place before the pandemic, and 22.3% developed such capabilities in response to the pandemic. Conclusions Radiology practices across different settings experienced substantial declines in imaging volumes and collections during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. Most are actively engaged in both short- and long-term operational adjustments.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiologists

“…The outcome of our survey was consistent with some of the recently published literature. [ 5 ] This was due to cancellation of non-urgent elective operations, [ 6 ] clinical and imaging appointments. Some of the patients themselves were apprehensive and chose to defer their appointments.…”

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer screening volumes and patient screening behaviors

“…The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 prompted government and health organizations to implement policies aimed at decreasing the spread of the virus among patients and providers. These strategies and patient perceptions of the safety of in-person medical care led to a significant decline in medical encounters [ 1 , 2 ]. Non-emergent outpatient radiology services were among the most commonly postponed encounters during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 1 ] as the effort to limit the spread of the virus necessitated triaging patients by weighing the risks of delaying care against the risks of potential exposure to COVID-19.…”

“…National organizations including the American College of Radiology, American Society of Breast Surgeons, and Society of Breast Imaging issued statements in March 2020 recommending that all screening mammography be postponed [ 3 , 4 ]. Following these recommendations, many radiology practices saw a significant drop in the number of patients screened during late March–April 2020 [ 1 ], with some facilities reporting total screening volume drops of 99% [ 2 ].…”

Enabling Your Radiology Business to Thrive Strategic Lessons Learned During the Initial and Subsequent Surges of the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…Take advantage of pandemic-specific revenue and loan opportunities (Table 4): over 70% or radiology practices sought some form of financial relief during the most challenging first peak of the Covid-19 pandemic (20). Academic physician groups are often too large to meet criteria for being a small business and thus are ineligible for small business loans; explore whether creating your own small business is wise.…”