Radiology procedure volume in the U.S. is down 50%-55% due to the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. But the good news is that the decline appears to have stabilized, according to new statistics from market research firm Quinsite.
In statistics released April 23, Quinsite reported that average daily volumes at practices it surveyed were down 52.9% in what it called week 6 of the COVID-19 outbreak compared with before the survey period started on March 16. In the company's April 13 update, volumes were reported to be down 60%.
For the most recent period, the firm said that estimated average lost revenue from the outbreak was $37,700 per full-time equivalent (FTE) employee, while the work relative value unit (RVU) impact was 44.2%.
Quinsite also measured the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by imaging modality. Hardest hit has been mammography, with a decline of 77.8% compared with the start of the pandemic. Next is MRI, with volumes down 46%, ultrasound down 43.3%, and x-ray down 41.8%.
Despite the declines, Quinsite said it is seeing the first signs of improvement, "albeit very slight." Quinsite updates its analysis on a daily basis.
