UBM Medica's Diagnostic Imaging Explores Life After Radiology Residency

NORWALK, Conn., Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Experts in radiology education say radiology residents entering the workforce today face a tight job market and a different practice landscape than in past years, according to UBM Medica's Diagnostic Imaging.

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Reporting in December's feature article released this week, Diagnostic Imaging found that even as a growing number of medical students choose radiology, practice-setting preferences and skill requirements have shifted. Rather than rely only on image interpretation duties, for example, radiologists today must also focus on cultivating relationships with referring physicians and working closely with their primary-care colleagues to advise on image appropriateness.

Second, more attention must be paid to the business of running a medical practice, such as proper coding and reimbursement trends, as focus shifts to accountable care and bundled payment models, experts said.

"Radiologists often lack a basic understanding of the business management end of practice," Paul Kiproff, MD, chair of the West Penn Allegheny Health System, told Diagnostic Imaging. "But it's good for them to have a grasp of what it means to code for certain procedures, such as CT scans, so they know exactly what they must do to qualify for payment."

At the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago last month, experts described a tight job market for radiology residents, Diagnostic Imaging reported. Further, residents and fellows shouldn't expect to find the perfect job immediately. But by embracing new technologies, becoming leaders in their organization, and polishing their non-interpretive skills, experts said, new radiologists can find success in life after residency.

About UBM Medica

Addressing today's healthcare information needs, UBM Medica, a division of UBM plc (UBM.L), delivers strategic, integrated communications solutions and comprehensive reach—online, in print, live, and via custom programs. Improving the effectiveness of healthcare through information and education, UBM Medica provides unbiased clinical, practical, and business information for physicians, providers, payers, and patients around the world. Through journals, magazines, websites, drug databases, data services, live events, and other valuable resources, UBM Medica also delivers comprehensive communication solutions for the pharmaceutical and related industries. US websites include PsychiatricTimes.com, CancerNetwork.com, DiagnosticImaging.com, ConsultantLive.com, OBGYN.net, PhysiciansPractice.com and SearchMedica.com. Employing more than 1,400 people with offices in 29 countries, UBM Medica is headquartered in London. For more information, visit http://www.ubmmedica.com/.

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SOURCE UBM Medica