**Health Facility Closes Outpatient Imaging Centers Due to Lack of Staff**
Anderson Healthcare, a prominent healthcare provider in the Midwest, is currently grappling with a radiologist shortage that is causing delays in outpatient radiology interpretations. This issue is not unique to Anderson Healthcare, as communities and healthcare systems across the region are experiencing similar challenges.
The radiologist shortage has been a growing concern for several years, with professional organisations such as the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute (HPI) repeatedly warning about the issue. The shortage of both radiologists and radiologic technologists is now a national crisis, affecting communities across the United States.
In response to the radiologist shortage, Anderson Healthcare has been transparent about the challenges they are facing. To alleviate the backlog of delayed interpretations, the healthcare provider has reduced outpatient radiology volume and is actively working to resolve the challenges caused by the shortage.
Anderson Healthcare has implemented targeted staffing strategies, utilised tele-radiology services, and optimised scheduling to mitigate the impact of the shortage. These measures were put in place after the loss of backup radiology at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL, starting August 6, 2022.
Inpatient and emergency needs, as well as any cases physicians determine to be urgent, are still being handled. Outpatient diagnostic mammography remains open and operating as usual. However, non-urgent outpatient imaging has been temporarily affected due to the shortage.
Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL, has temporarily closed most of its outpatient radiology services for one week, from August 6 to August 13. The healthcare provider is evaluating progress on a daily basis regarding the radiologist shortage and is actively working to address the ongoing problem.
Anderson Healthcare encourages patients to contact their healthcare provider if they have any concerns or questions about their imaging needs. The healthcare provider is committed to providing the best possible care to its patients, even in the face of challenging circumstances.
