Sharon,
These are two separate topics:
1. Availability for "stipends" from hospitals and health systems for Stroke/Trauma coverage. In my experience such stipends have been available to Radiology Groups over the years - but in today's universe stipends are very difficult to obtain versus just a few years ago primarily due to eroding financial conditions of certain hospitals and health systems. As we all know, most every hospital and health system would like to be known as "stroke program central" as well as "heart central" and "women's health central" in their communities. The facts are that many hospitals and health systems do not have sufficient referring physicians to support such programs profitably. So the gamble for many Radiology Groups is to what degree they are able or willing to staff the service with very expensive Radiologists if the volume of procedures and payment for services does not support the service. Thus, many groups, in the past, have been able to obtain stipends of one form or another while the service grows over time. Today, many hospitals and health systems "demand" specialized Neuro Interventional coverage and are not willing to underwrite the service with a stipend. As with all things these days, the decision set for the group must consider the implications to the group across the board if they do not provide the service as well as the financial implications to the group if they do. Keep in mind, many "raiders" will try to insinuate themselves into the hospital by offering this service without a stipend. The most successful strategies I have seen for Radiology Groups has been a strong and persuasive presentation and discussion with hospital leadership with facts regarding number of cases - historically as well as "forecast" using hospital numbers - supporting evidence of the need for a "stipend" from a financial perspective, as well as a commitment to help "market" the program - and most importantly a path to elimination of a stipend at some time based upon demonstrated metrics as the program grows to a sustainable state.
2. Stipends for Department Chairs etc. - This is one that in my experience has gone away totally. Hospitals and health systems see these positions and the participation by Radiology Leaders as a "cost of doing business" and included in the contract with the institution. There may be rare cases where the hospital provides "medical directorships" with pay - but they are few and far between.
Hope this helps.
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Douglas Smith FRBMA
President & CEO
Phase 4 Radiology Business Strategies, LLC
Canton GA
770-213-4605
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2018 10:13
From: Sharon Iverson
Subject: IR/ Stroke/ Trauma Call
Greetings,
We are an independent radiology group covering the IR/ Stroke/ trauma call for an area hospital, in addition to 24/7 reads. The stroke/trauma certification that the hospital holds requires IR participation and availability.
I'm curious how the relationship works for other groups. Do you receive a stipend for covering the call or do most independent groups cover the program without compensation? Do physicians get a stipend for Department Director positions that require meetings and management time?
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Sharon Iverson
Executive Director
Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
Topeka KS
(785) 234-2306
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