If you are a radiologist practicing in the U.S., you most likely know how it feels to be in demand. Of course, with the physician
shortage hitting this specialty particularly hard, you may also know the feeling of being overworked. Many smart radiologists
are taking advantage of the current climate: They are setting their own schedules, testing out new practice settings, and
bringing home a hefty paycheck—all while providing services as locum tenens physicians.
IN DEMAND
Healthcare facilities in the U.S. have been battling a severe shortage of radiologists for more than a decade now. While the
staffing crisis of the early 2000s seems to have leveled off a bit, demand for radiology services is likely to outpace physician
supply for years to come. Why?
The market
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First, the number of radiologists has been holding steady and looks to continue this trend. According to the American Medical
Association, the number of residents entering radiology practice dropped 1% between 1990 and 2002. "In this predominately
male profession, there are roughly 28,000 radiologists in the U.S.," states Tim Hand, CEO of St. Louis, Missouri-based TeneCore,
"and the demand is 5 or 6 times that figure."
Indeed, demand for services is skyrocketing. From 1997 to 2003, the number of imaging procedures performed in the U.S. jumped
41%, thanks in part to the aging population. A recent study by National Imaging Associates, a radiology benefits management
company, indicates that use of imaging technology triples after a patient reaches age 65.
Combine this fact with the cutting-edge technology that is constantly creating new ways to use radiology for diagnosing and
treating a variety of conditions—and you have a doctor's market. This, of course, translates to sky-high compensation for
radiologists—both staff doctors and those who choose to work as locum tenens physicians. A 2004 survey by the American Medical
Group Association found that diagnostic interventional radiologists had a 2003 median compensation of $410,250—second only
to cardiac/thoracic surgeons. And that was a 34% increase from 2000. Says Mr. Hand, "In the last 8 years, we have seen rates
for locum tenens radiologists almost double."
The challenges
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More and more imaging procedures are being done in freestanding centers, but locum tenens opportunities can be found in all
types of organizations nationwide: acute care facilities, imaging centers, multi-specialty practices, and government-run hospitals
and clinics. "While government contracts may pay less than commercial opportunities," notes Mr. Hand, "agreements are longer-term,
usually 6 months or more, so they have the added benefit of stability." He adds, "Regardless of the type of contract, the
greatest demand for services is always in the rural areas. In many cases, it is difficult to attract physicians to permanent
positions in these communities and groups are so small that they often do not have enough staff to provide their own coverage.
That is where qualified locum tenens radiologists can help."
FROM COAST TO COAST
David C. Chaffin, MD, who has been a diagnostic radiologist for 28 years, took his first locum tenens opportunity in the Northern
Plains a quarter century ago. "My wife, Becky, our three children, and I basically made a family vacation out of the opportunity."
