U.S. radiologists' workload in 1995-1996 and trends since 1991-1992

To measure U.S. radiologists' workload and the variation and trends in workload.

A stratified, random sample of 794 radiology practice groups were surveyed about hiring and workload in 1996; 78% responded. Responses were weighted to represent all U.S. radiologists. Types of procedures performed in Medicare patients in 1991 and 1995 were analyzed.

In 1995-1996, the average workload per full-time equivalent diagnostic radiologist was 11,600 procedures +/- 200 (standard error) annually, an apparent (but not statistically significant) 5% increase from 4 years earlier. Average relative value units per Medicare procedure increased by 8%, due to the increasing role of magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and interventional radiology. The annual average number of procedures varied substantially by group type (e.g., 13,200 procedures +/- 500 in groups of two to four radiologists vs 10,300 +/- 300 in groups of 11 or more radiologists). Within any group type, radiologists at the 75th percentile in terms of workload typically performed at least 50% more procedures than did radiologists at the 25th percentile.

Given the large variability in the annual number of procedures within and across group types, averages should not be taken as norms. Contrary to concerns about a possible surplus of radiologists, the workload per radiologist has increased substantially in the past few years.