COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Decreased Imaging Utilization: A Single Institutional Experience.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Anecdotal evidence suggested significant declines in radiology imaging volume during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Previous models predicted 50%-70% loss in normal imaging utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the actual changes in imaging utilization and revenue within a radiology practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To provide data-driven insights for future pandemic preparedness and policy adjustments.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed institutional imaging data from March 8 to April 30, 2020, defining this as the COVID-19 crisis timeframe.
• Established normal practice volume using data from the 10 weeks prior to the crisis period.
• Categorized imaging utilization by patient setting (outpatient, inpatient, emergency) and modality (X-ray, CT, Mammography, MRI, Nuclear Medicine/PET, US).
• Collected revenue data from hospital billing systems for the main campus hospital.

Main Results:

• System-wide imaging volume decreased by 55% during the peak week of the pandemic.
• Outpatient exams decreased by 68%, while inpatient and emergency exams declined by 31% and 48%, respectively.
• Mammography (93% decrease) and nuclear medicine (61% decrease) were the most impacted modalities.
• The main campus hospital experienced a 49% negative variance in technical component revenue.

Conclusions:

• Actual imaging utilization data reveals significant, modality-specific declines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Findings underscore the need for evidence-based strategies to manage volume fluctuations and financial impact during public health crises.
• This study informs institutional preparedness for future pandemics and supports policy development.