Technological advancements, changing perceptions about telehealth, and even shifts in the way we prioritize our time have changed teleradiology. Old myths need to be reexamined. The use of teleradiology has reached critical mass. Radiology practices make teleradiology possible for their radiologists to work from home some or all of the time. The ability to read remotely offers a wealth of career options for radiologists as more and more remote work becomes commonplace.

Let’s dispel some lingering teleradiology misconceptions in this blog post.

6 common teleradiology misconceptions

1. “Teleradiology doesn’t pay well.”

If you are considering pay-per-read work, your income potential is wildly variable. Each radiologist’s earning potential is dependent on the schedule they set and their own personal skills. This can allow for high earning potential, especially for high-volume readers. Not only might the pay differ from job to job, there can be remarkable differences in the flexibility of scheduling and workload.

Many self-employed career teleradiologists prefer the flexibility to increase or decrease their workload on their own terms. They might pursue more or less work due to season, family concerns, or unexpected expenses. The earning potential is there, if that is the priority.

2. “Teleradiology is retirement work.”

While teleradiology can provide satisfying work in retirement, the lifestyle benefits of remote work can be just as attractive to any radiologist.

3. “Teleradiology is isolating.”

Another common teleradiology misconception is that remote work can be isolating.

Work style preferences vary. Some radiologists thrive in a quiet, solitary environment, perfect for independent image interpretation. Remote work creates other opportunities for social interaction. Many radiologists appreciate the additional time they now spend with family and friends.

4. “I won’t have enough patient information to effectively do my job”

Current teleradiology software and IT solutions have developed to provide radiologists with the necessary clinical data for accurate diagnoses.

Additionally, when you are choosing work, ask what communication is in place with the facility you’re reading for, and how they allow for immediate clarification on any questions or potential emergencies.

5. “Teleradiology only provides preliminary reads”

The “only preliminary reads” teleradiology misconception is untrue. In fact, we’ve written a blog post to help debunk this myth.

Medicare regulations restrict reimbursement for final reads from providers outside the U.S., leading to a scenario where some practices offer preliminary reads for later review by U.S.-based radiologists.

Excalibur Healthcare is final reads only. As a U.S.-based teleradiology company headquartered in New Jersey with a team of radiologists located across the country, we are fully equipped to deliver final diagnostic interpretations for imaging studies.

6. “Teleradiology is for for nighthawk and emergency department reads”

This teleradiology misconception simply isn’t true. While teleradiology can be a valuable tool to cover overnight and emergency department workloads, its applications are much broader. The types of telerad jobs vary widely.

Healthcare systems also utilize teleradiology to:

• Managing Imaging Overflow: The over-ordering of images by non-physicians is a real issue, and teleradiology helps facilities address this by efficiently handling imaging backlogs.
• Provide Shift or Volume-Based Support: Depending on the facility’s needs, you could work fixed shifts or handle variable workloads based on their imaging volume, at any time of the day that might be needed.
• Support Rural Healthcare: Teleradiology offers a lifeline to rural health centers that may lack the population density to justify on-site radiologists full-time.

A fact

One fact to conclude this list of myths: Teleradiology plays a crucial role in ensuring timely diagnosis and patient care, regardless of location.

Is teleradiology right for you?

If you are considering teleradiology as a career option, reach out to discuss your needs and learn more about our career opportunities.

Let’s talk telerad.

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