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Tia Albright

Radiology Backlogs: They Don’t Start in the Reading Room 

aiOS, Care Coordination, Outcomes
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When thinking about backlogs in healthcare, the radiology worklist is often what comes to mind first. But backlogs often start much earlier in the healthcare process with access to care. 

A recently published AMN Healthcare survey found that it takes an average of 31 days to schedule a doctor appointment in 15 of the largest United States metro areas. This is a 19% increase from 2022 and a 48% increase from 2004. Among these areas, Boston had the longest average doctor appointment wait time at 65 days. 

The longer patients wait to see specialists, often the sicker they are when they arrive. This makes the need for triage and prioritization even more critical. 

Is Your Health System at Risk? 

An aging population. Rising imaging demands. Radiologist shortages. It’s a perfect storm for exam backlogs. 

And with 685 of surveyed radiology practices having unreported radiology exams, according to a 2024 Journal of Clinical Imaging study, your health system could be at risk (or already experiencing) extended inpatient stays, postponed patient treatment and lower patient satisfaction. 

Read more about the challenges of backlogs and how it impacts your health system.


3 Ways AI Can Help Battle Backlogs

While there are things that need to improve on the front-end of the healthcare process, what can your health system do in the meantime to ensure backlogs are mitigated?

  1. Embrace an enterprise-wide AI platform. As demands on radiology increase, it’s important for health systems to standardize operations. This helps streamline workflows and improve communication between departments.
  2. Improve efficiency and reduce mental fatigue. Radiologists are feeling the pressure and burning out, which can increase the risk of diagnostic errors. Bringing in an AI solution can help improve efficiency and relieve administrative burden, reducing provider fatigue and improving outcomes.
  3. Leverage AI for faster care coordination.  Once potentially life-threatening findings are brought to light, the next step is coordinating care. AI can help empower care teams with real-time alerts and communication tools to ensure timely care for patients. Read how healthcare leaders are using AI to battle backlogs.

Ready to start battling backlogs at your health system?
Set up a demo today.

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Tia Albright
Tia Albright
Manager, Radiology and ED Marketing Communications

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