Archives for 2020

Benefits of Final Teleradiology Interpretations

In diagnostic imaging preliminary reads in radiology have been considered standard medical practice but over the years, there has been a transition to move toward final reads. Preliminary report was provided for emergency department (ED) exams and general daytime exams for X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and other modalities when there were limited capabilities with archiving of exams and need for rapid response to an exam when the referring physician needed a reading by a radiologist.

Today, with AI (Artificial Intelligence) and integration of multiple platforms that interface for digital archiving and speed of reporting has change perspectives from radiologists, healthcare executives and providers to have either switched or consider eliminating the process of preliminary reads. Final reads are standard for teleradiology companies, such as Excalibur Healthcare, where our teleradiologists read and provide final interpretations which can be used as final reports based on the needs or preference of a facility.

According to Arthur J. Greene, MD/Founder of Excalibur Healthcare, “We have been providing final reads for more than 20 years, the advancement in AI technology and expertise of our physicians result in maximum efficient outcomes that directly interface with hospitals and imaging facilities to be cost-effective and ensure patients get comprehensive interpretations with every exam.”

Top 3 Benefits of Final Reads:

- Clinical cost-savings to streamline billing process to patients and insurances
- Operational efficiency with less administrative work to process overreading reports
- Quality and comprehensive interpretations of medical exams 24/7

Find out how Excalibur can maximize efficiency and optimize cost-savings to help your practice with final interpretations for diagnostic imaging.

Call 888.212.4422 or visit ExcaliburMed.com

If you find that your current teleradiology provider isn’t serving your needs 100%, contact Excalibur. Our team will provide you with a customized teleradiology solution, designed to solve your unique challenges. Our relationships are what set us apart from our competitors…we are here for you!

Nighthawk Radiology – “After Hours Radiology”

by Excalibur

Searching for radiology help during the toughest hours of the day?
We provide nighthawk radiology and other after-hours teleradiology services.

Excalibur Healthcare has been providing teleradiology services for more than 20 years of trusted and reliable service. Our schedule is designed to meet your needs with special attention paid to the hours or days that often lag in resources, such as the overnight hours.
The goal is a seamless operation that fills the need no matter when. We offer 24/7 coverage and work with radiology groups, health systems, rural clinics, critical access hospitals and imaging centers that need extra support during day, evening and night shifts and also weekends, holidays and vacation shifts.

We understand the daily challenges of medical imaging and want to be there to assist you.

Nighthawk Teleradiology services offer:

Personalized service by experienced U.S. board-certified, radiologists
Coverage 24/7 IT/Operations support
Our IT team will design and implement a robust technology for your facility
Customized and cost-effective solutions to both long- and short-term support
Reports with quick turnaround times
Stroke Protocols
Radiologist owned company
Nationwide coverage
Accredited by The Joint Commission

Contact us today for a quote 888.212.4422 or visit ExcaliburMed.com

Apply for Nighthawk Radiology opportunities.

Check out Excalibur’s Top 5 Health News and sign up to get insights daily to your inbox.

Teleradiology Contract Up for Renewal? 10 Questions to Consider First!

by excalibur

#1: Are you staying with your current provider to avoid the hassle of credentialing new physicians?

Working with a provider that is Joint Commission Accredited means that you can utilize “Credentialing by Proxy”. CMS allows the governing body of a hospital or CAH (Critical Access hospitals) whose patients are receiving telemedicine services to grant privileges in reliance on the credentialing and privileging decisions made by the distant-site hospital. This also permits hospitals and CAHs to rely on credentialing and privileging decisions made by “distant-site telemedicine entities,” such as teleradiology groups and ambulatory surgery centers. Excalibur Healthcare is Joint Commission accredited and strives to provide reasonable assurance that our doctors meet or exceed hospital or CAH requirements.

#2: Is your teleradiology provider able to provide you with final interpretations?

With a roster of US-based, board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologists from reputable medical institutions means that you have access to final interpretations. Final interpretations provide the most cost-effective use of your teleradiology dollars and decrease the workload for your current radiology group by eliminating the need for re-reading the overnight exams.

#3: Is your current provider physician owned and operated?

Physician owners empathize with your clinical requirements and are more responsive to your needs as a practicing physician. Many of the largest teleradiology companies are publicly held corporations run by businessmen responding to the demands of the stockholders rather than to your needs. When you have a clinical need, having a physician respond directly to your request rather than a corporate entity leads to a more patient-centric response.

#4: How responsive is the company to your questions and concerns/are you able to call the corporate office and ask to speak with the owner/CEO?

Having direct access to the business owner leads to a more personalized approach to addressing your needs. This streamlines the process and cuts down on any delays that may be experienced when dealing with a corporate entity that must answer to a board to affect change.

#5: Does your remote radiology service provider give you the flexibility you need?

We know that there are situations when practices/facilities face unexpected staffing shortages and nighthawk services are not enough. At those times you need a partner that is able to provide interpretations for daytime reads as well. If your current solution does not provide you with back up/overflow-services with a single phone call, you need to change to a company that can meet your demand at a moment’s notice.

#6: Ask your staff how they view your current provider.

We know that many times the in-house staff can provide the best insights as to how we are doing. It’s important that you consider their feedback at contract renewal as well.

#7: Technologists: Are the radiologists accessible for questions or suggestions on scanning protocols?

Radiologist support is essential when there are patients awaiting scans. A dedicated group of radiologists should be assigned to your practice to facilitate timely communications that lead to improved patient outcomes and fewer repeat scans.

#8: Practice Manager: Are the reports timely and is the quality of service consistent?

Often the Practice Manager is the one who must apologize to the referring physicians if there is a delay in report availability. Consistency is key to maintaining your referral base. There is nothing more important than receiving quality, timely reports from a partner you can trust to deliver 24/7/365.

#9: Physicians: Are they satisfied with reports they receive and are the radiologists readily available for consultations should they have questions?

A designated group of radiologists assigned to each client, who are available to discuss patient history and symptoms facilitates the highest quality reports and best possible patient outcomes. Having a smaller cadre of radiologists reduces the burden of credentialing a large number of physicians and allows for a closer working relationship with your staff. These physicians actually get to know your clinicians and technicians and you get to know them. Your radiologists should be a phone call away and services should be the same as if they were just down the hall…if not, a new solution is in order.

#10: Are you getting the most out of your current teleradiology service provider?

A quality provider is there for you 24/7/365. Value added services should be part of the package, such as assistance with ACR Accreditation and the development of imaging protocols. Service, efficiency, accessibility and costs must be carefully evaluated. If you have question marks in any or all of these areas, we ask you to consider an alternative teleradiology solution…
Excalibur Healthcare.

If you find that your current teleradiology provider isn’t serving your needs 100%, contact Excalibur. Speak directly with Arthur J. Greene, M.D./President, a board certified radiologist, who understands the demands of your practice or facility, because he has been in your shoes. Our team will provide you with a customized teleradiology solution, designed to solve your unique challenges. Our approach is not one-size fits all. We know that your requirements are unique and we take the time to get to know you and your staff and you have the opportunity to know us as well. Our relationships are what set us apart from our competitors…we are here for you! Excalibur has 20 plus years of extensive experience providing teleradiology services. Call us at 888.212.4422 or email info@excaliburmed.com

Teleradiology Services

Teleradiology beyond COVID-19

by excalibur

Teleradiology services can support health systems, clinics, rural health, critical access hospitals, retail health centers and government medical centers. Part of the growth in teleradiology came from the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue with the recovery of diagnostic imaging post-pandemic.

The advancements in technology, shortage of qualified radiologists and physicians and the need for improved diagnostic services has prompted hospitals, radiology groups, clinics and medical imaging facilities to implement teleradiology services.

Teleradiology growth and outlooks beyond 2020:

Allied Market Research’s report, titled “Teleradiology Market” stated “The global teleradiology market accounted for $2,709 million in 2017 and is expected to reach $10,621 million by 2025 with a CAGR of 18.4% from 2018 to 2025.”

With the financial constraints in the healthcare system, Teleradiology improves overall radiologist workflow, patient care and can be cost-effective by reducing on-site costs. Teleradiology service provides coverage during the most challenging times during nighthawk hours which is why many healthcare facilities choose to outsource to ensure 24/7 diagnostic imaging timely for providers and patients.

Click to view: Teleradiology Infographic: Benefits to Healthcare

If you are looking for teleradiology (telehealth) services whether it is to make a switch or to consider teleradiology, we’d enjoy talking with you to see how we can work together to support your medical imaging needs with customized and cost-effective teleradiology solutions for your company.

Call us at 856.231.4300 or learn more about Excalibur Healthcare at excaliburmed.com

Critical times in health care lead to important decisions about Teleradiology

by excalibur

Company Stability
Peace of Mind
Patient Centric Service

Choose Excalibur Healthcare

Excalibur has more than 20 years of experience — a company with stability, security and testimonials from our partnered facilities and healthcare providers. When you want personalized service with physicians that build one-on-one relationships with your medical facility, clinicians, or radiology practice, consider Excalibur as your main support for teleradiology services.

Teleradiology Benefits for Health Systems

Trends in radiology and medical imaging industry continues to quickly change the healthcare landscape affecting radiologists, healthcare facilities and radiology groups.

Challenges in Radiology

Mednax to sell vRad radiology business and the company “now owes about $1.66 billion in net unpaid debt.”^1,2
Medical imaging volume has been sharply impacted where “exam volumes have seen declines of between 40% and 90%”³
Shut down of radiology companies due to lack of funding (i.e., Aris Radiology) or due to mergers^4,5
Shortage of Physicians⁶
Budget constraints to hire in-house radiologists
Getting 24/7 coverage for medical imaging readings during emergency, day and nighthawk times

Read more about these challenges as sourced below.

Sources:
¹Radiology Business News, Marty Stempniak | June 05, 2020 | Healthcare Economics & Policy
²Mednax to sell its $550M Radiology Solutions business line, change name back to Pediatrix
³AuntMinnie.com, Kate Madden Yee. Private radiology practices hit hard by COVID-19. July 17, 2020
⁴COVID or Not, Big Money is Buying Radiology Practices. Should Yours Be Selling? Julie Ritzer Ross | April 29, 2020 | Radiology Practice
⁵AuntMinnie.com, Erik L. Ridley. National radiology group Aris shuts down. March 17, 2020.
⁶Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Patrick Boyle, U.S. physician shortage growing. June 26, 2020

Check out: Teleradiology Infographic: Benefits for Healthcare

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Find out how Excalibur can support health systems, outpatient diagnostic centers, rural health and critical access hospitals medical imaging needs with stability, peace of mind and patient centric service.

Call 888.212.4422 or email us at info@excaliburmed.com

Make the Switch and Feel Secure with Teleradiology

by excalibur

Longevity, Experience and Patient-Centric Approach to Healthcare

Excalibur Healthcare has been well-established for more than 20 years providing teleradiology services. When choosing a teleradiology company to support your facility it is important to look for two things: quality of service and the attention to the facility’s unique needs. We continue to serve you on a a personal level, unlike larger corporate radiology companies. We have a consistent group of radiologists to give you the ability to know them on a one to one basis. The radiology team is available to you 24/7 for consulting.
We strive to make your lives and those of your patients uncomplicated.

Make the Switch and Feel Secure
– Facilities of all sizes can benefit from teleradiology to help reduce radiology costs
– Get the turnaround times that you need for imaging results
– Get cost-effective teleradiology solutions with personalized and high quality of service
– Improved access make facilities more competitive and better able to service the needs of patients
– Better patient outcomes
– 24/7 Physician and IT Operations coverage

With the ever-changing healthcare environment when it comes to medical imaging, recent news will have an impact on the radiology industry, healthcare facilities and radiologists. Read more news about:

Teleradiology Services and the Physician Shortage

Join our team of radiologists and feel secure working with a company that establishes and maintain 24/7 operations necessary to successfully meet the requirements of any healthcare facilities of any size from healthcare systems, rural health, medical practices to mobile imaging companies.

In the rapidly-changing business of healthcare, look to Excalibur’s years and experience for guidance and support.

Find out how Excalibur Healthcare can provide long-term stability and support to radiologists and physicians across specialties.
Learn why medical practices choose to partner with Excalibur because of our Patient-Centric approach to healthcare.

Check out: Teleradiology Infographic: Benefits for Healthcare

Excalibur Healthcare: 20th Anniversary of serving patients, healthcare providers.

by excalibur

Experience, Quality, and Accessibility.

Excalibur’s strength is providing the highest quality service to support healthcare systems, hospitals, clinics, medical practices and mobile imaging companies with teleradiology solutions.
“Bigger isn’t always better,” says Arthur J. Greene, MD, Excalibur’s president and founder.

The firm that got its start in 2000 attributes its success to personalized quality service with superior IT infrastructure.
Excalibur Healthcare provides teleradiology services with quick turnaround times and accurate interpretive reports. Utilization of our IT infrastructure with AI, our U.S. based, board certified physicians provide diagnostic and consultative services 24/7/365.

Excalibur is physician-owned and puts patients first. Excalibur utilizes the standards of the American College of Radiology (ACR), American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and is accredited by The Joint Commission.

The firm has been reading medical imaging for emergency, day and nighthawk times to support healthcare facilities of all sizes. Our Patient-Centric approach to healthcare has been the cornerstone of our success in helping physicians, radiologists and patients get timely medical interpretations of MRIs, CTs scan, x-rays and exams with sub-specialty expertise.

“We have been using Excalibur for many years. We’re consistently impressed with the accuracy and speed of reads on all of our imaging needs. We can contact Excalibur 24/7 for any special needs or emergency interpretations.” – Dr. Brian Kirkham, B.Sc, M.Sc., M.D.,C.M. Staff Physician, Columbia Basin Family Medicine Clinic, Ephrata WA

Why Choose Excalibur?

While there are other teleradiology companies in the market, Excalibur Healthcare’s longevity, sustainability in the market is based on our dedicated team of radiologists and IT/Operations to provide the highest level of service and attention to your facility’s unique needs. We have a successful record of providing services to augment your facility’s staff with a customized and cost-effective teleradiology solution.

If you are considering teleradiology services, make the switch and feel secure with Excalibur Healthcare. We are here to support healthcare facilities with the new world COVID-19 changes to healthcare. As for radiologists, join Excalibur’s team for a flexible and comfortable lifestyle.

Check out: Teleradiology Infographic: Benefits for Healthcare

Teleradiology Services and the Physician Shortage

by excalibur

The impact from a projected shortage of physicians in the coming decade could be alleviated in part by the growth of Telemedicine and Teleradiology.

Consider:

Research from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projected a shortage up to 139,000 physicians by 2033 in its periodic report The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand. AAMC also mentions the physician workforce in a recent article, “U.S. physician shortage growing.” The trend of physician shortage began long before anyone anticipated the demands on the healthcare system inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Projections from the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Radiologic Society of North America (RSNA) show the shortage of radiologists will continue well into the new millennium. The practice of radiology as we know it is changing to meet this critical shortage as technology continues to advance.

Trends emerging from the demand and demographics in radiology, according to the Staff Care article, include:

Practice consolidation
Increased corporate employment
Advancing technology
Faster, patient-centered readings

As the nation’s radiology challenges grow, Teleradiology can offer solutions for many healthcare facilities, particularly those needing quick turnaround for medical imaging.

Excalibur Healthcare’s teleradiology services provides healthcare facilities with the technological advantage to deliver real Patient-Centric Care. Through the use of teleradiology services, the expertise of a board certified subspecialty radiologist may be brought to an area where there may be critical shortages of radiologists. Patients in remote locations may no longer be at a disadvantage because they live in areas with a physician shortage through teleradiology services.

Prepare your medical practice and imaging departments now with customized teleradiology solutions.
Find out more at excaliburmed.com or contact us at 888.212.4422.

Sources:
The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections from 2018-2033. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
“U.S. physician shortage growing” Patrick Boyle, Staff Writer. June 26, 2020.
Merritt Hawkins 2019 REVIEW OF PHYSICIAN AND ADVANCED PRACTITIONER RECRUITING INCENTIVES
8 Trends Affecting Radiologist Jobs in 2019. Debra Wood, RN, contributor Jul 29, 2019

Medical Imaging & Teleradiology in Today’s ER Environment

by excalibur

While many are quick to point to overuse of medical imaging as a culprit for the high cost of hospital emergency care today, the fact is that without rapid access to medical imaging results, diagnosis and treatment delays would be the norm and the cost of care would be even greater.

Medical imaging is critical to the diagnosis and treatment of all patients. The speed and accuracy of diagnosis would be significantly diminished without it, particularly in the case of emergency care. Trends show continued increases in medical imaging for emergency departments according to an article entitled: “Diagnostic Imaging Trends in the Emergency Department: An Extensive Single-Center Experience”, by Juliusson G, Thorvaldsdottir B, Kristjansson JM, Hannesson P.

It is ideal for the emergency departments to have 24/7 access to x-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound. The reality is that many hospitals do not have round the clock on site staff for such purposes and teleradiology provides a viable option. It’s important to work with a reputable provider with a dedicated group of US-based radiologists that is assigned to your facility, to ensure timely communications that lead to improved patient outcomes and fewer repeat scans.

Arthur Greene, MD, President of Excalibur Healthcare and board certified radiologist, says that the best possible outcomes occur when possible and applicable for radiologists to take a more active role in the real time consultation of patient imaging exams with the ED physicians. The environment in which this is likely to occur is when there is an ongoing relationship between the emergency staff and radiologist. The real time consultation provides the opportunity to define with greater precision the patient’s clinical presentation with correlation to the imaging exams for a specific diagnosis and directive report to the clinician. This consultation is more important with the nationwide shortage of physicians, resulting in emergency medicine departments staff by non-emergency medicine trained clinicians and the use of other healthcare professionals such as nurse practitioners and PA’s.

With teleradiology, patients can quickly have diagnostic imaging interpreted without requiring a radiologist on site. Doctors can have access to interpretations 24/7/365 and begin patient treatment. Teleradiology services allow hospitals to treat patients round the clock.

Click to view: TELERADIOLOGY INFOGRAPHIC

Source: Diagnostic Imaging Trends in the Emergency Department: An Extensive Single-Center Experience, by Juliusson G, Thorvaldsdottir B, Kristjansson JM, Hannesson P. Acta Radiol Open. 2019;8(7):2058460119860404. Published 2019 Jul 31. doi:10.1177/2058460119860404.

Why Choose Excalibur Healthcare for Teleradiology?

by excalibur

Longevity, Experience and Patient-Centric Approach in Healthcare

Excalibur Healthcare has been established for over two decades with longevity in providing teleradiology services and has met the surge and emerging changes post-COVID-19.

Find out how Excalibur Healthcare can provide long-term stability and support to radiologists and physicians across specialties. Learn why medical practices choose to partner with Excalibur because of our Patient-Centric approach to healthcare.

In the rapidly-changing business of healthcare, look to Excalibur’s years and experience for guidance and support.

Visit excaliburmed.com or contact us at 888.212.4422