Changing roles: the radiologist in management

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Radiologists have rarely had direct administrative control of the hospital departments in which they practice. Several years ago, the administration of the medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and its county-owned principal teaching hospital agreed to integrate the physician and administrative management of the radiology department in an attempt to improve operations and reduce expenses. This integration is a pilot plan that will eventually be extended to most departments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors have collected data that measure department function for the seven quarters of physician management and compared these data with those of the previous four quarters prior to physician management. RESULTS: There are substantial increases in department activity, together with reductions in expenses and waiting time for procedures. These changes have occurred while overall hospital activity has decreased. Bench-marking studies show favorable comparison with comparable radiology departments. CONCLUSION: Radiologists can have an important effect on department operations when given the responsibility and authority for managing these affairs.