The Radiologist Workload Increase; Where Is the Limit?: Mini Review and Case Study

Radiologist workload had increased significantly within the past three decades. In 2006-2007, the average annual workload per FTE radiologist was 14,900 procedures, an increase of 7% since 2002-2003 and 34.0% since 1991-1992. Annual RVUs per FTE radiologist were 10 200, an increase of 10% since 2002-2003 and 70.3% since 1991-1992.

The study included worksheets data of three radiology specialists in their first three years as specialists. Data were collected and analyzed retrospectively for the period frame January 1^st to September 21^st 2018. The total data of imaging procedures by one radiologist had been collected and then separated by different imaging procedures as followed.

Average total number of imaging procedures per radiologist was 2785. Separately, there were: 850 bone X ray images, 550 chest X rays, 250 ultrasound examinations, 860 CTs and 256 MRIs. Daily average of analyzed imaging procedures per radiologist was as followed: 7.4 bone X ray images, 4.8 chest X rays, 2.2 ultrasounds, 7.5 CTs and 2.2 MRIs. Total working time per radiologist in the analyzed time period was 684 hours. Average time spent for analyzing per one imaging procedure was 14 minutes and 45 seconds spread in total 114 working days.

The conclusion is that current workload for a radiology specialist obviously represents a necessity to be thoroughly explored. This case study and previous literature results indicate that a well constructed large scale study represents a potential in resolving the previous studies limitations and providing relevant data, so correct measures and guidelines could be developed.