Dear Imaging Center Insider,
Centralization and consolidation are generally assumed to provide economies of scale. Agribusiness in North America, for example, shows how the concept can be an economic powerhouse in practice. At the same time, poor implementation can lead to disaster.
For a multisite imaging center practice, centralizing scheduling activities at one facility is more convenient for patients and their referring physicians, and it improves operational efficiency while reducing costs. Achieving these goals is a result of closely examining existing scheduling processes and noting their limitations.
Although marginal technology can support good process, even the best technology cannot compensate for poor operations. The success of a centralized scheduling initiative is a blend of technology and operational process, according to healthcare management consultant Patricia Kroken, president of Albuquerque, NM-based Healthcare Resource Providers.
Kroken recently shared her thoughts on creating a successful centralized scheduling operation during an American Healthcare Radiology Administrators teleconference.
If you're interested in what it takes to implement centralized scheduling, or you'd like to re-examine your current scheduling operation, you’ll want to read what Kroken has to say here. As an AuntMinnie Imaging Center Insider, you have access to this story first.
While you’re visiting the Imaging Center Digital Community, be sure to take a look at our USCS Radiology Service Trackers. Developed in collaboration with USCS Equipment Technology Solutions of Brookfield, WI, the trackers offer a snapshot of modality maintenance economic considerations.
As always, if you have a comment or story to share about any aspect of imaging center practice, management, administration, or financing please contact me at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.
