Tag: organization

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How To Keep Tabs On Incomplete Radiology Studies

incomplete radiology studies

At least once or twice a week, there are some incomplete radiology studies that you can’t read at the moment. Perhaps, the referring physician is not available to go over the results. Or, maybe the study has a technical issue before you dictate it. Other times, it’s a challenging study you want to share with your colleagues to get another opinion. 

You must complete these cases in any of these situations, but an issue or two prevents you from getting to them. Dropping the ball on any of these cases can lead to problems in the future. So, what is the best way to remind yourself to complete these tasks and finalize them? Should you use electronic or written materials for this task? Let’s go through some options some radiologists deal with some of these issues. Hopefully, this piece will help you to come up with a system as well.

Using Your Memory

For most of you, this technique would be the one I would avoid using alone. It’s a recipe for disaster unless you have a photographic memory you can turn to at any moment. You will most likely forget the critical information you need to look up the patient information and forget about the case itself.

Keeping Cases On Paper

Some real old timers I know kept a list of these critical cases in a tiny notebook they used to whip out at times. I know a few that would swear by this technique. They would typically write the name of the patient, the MR number, the date of birth, the phone number and name of the clinician, and the issue with the case itself. One of the most significant advantages of using a system like this is that you don’t have to worry about HIPAA violations if you keep the book safe. No one can access the patient data except for you. However, if you lose that book, you are SOL. And, it is easy to forget to come back to these patients.

Keeping Incomplete Radiology Studies On A Phone In Notes/Reminders

This method is the primary way I remember to take cases needing further involvement. I will put the patient information in a locked notes folder on my iPhone. And, I typically write down the information I will need to return to complete the case. By doing this, I know that I have all the information for the patient, safe and sound. Additionally, I check these data lists daily to ensure that I do not forget their further workup. If there is something that I need to take care of more urgently, I will typically serve myself a reminder as well to complete the task at a specified time/date.

Using The PACS System To Help You Out

Finally, some PACS systems have features that can help you with these errant cases. Some have instant messages for tech recall issues. And others have automatic messaging of critical findings. At our institution, I will typically tag my name to a study so that I will continue to see it on the worklist until I do the task. This method is another fail-proof way so that cases do not slip through the cracks. But, I recommend you look into some extra features on your PACS system that can help you a bit!

How To Keep Tabs On Incomplete Radiology Studies

We need practical tools to remember to complete delayed cases. Dropping the ball and forgetting about them is a recipe for disaster. So, find a way to recall these cases that work for you. Whether it is paper, notes/reminders on an iPhone, the PACs system, relying on your memory, or any combination of the above, make sure you have a plan in place. Some cases need the extra love!

 

 

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Making A Radiology Schedule Can Be Tough!

radiology schedule

In any stage of radiology, we all want the best schedule possible. Most of us hope for rotations where you can enjoy what you are doing, perhaps within your specialty. We desire vacation time that is fair and equal to others in a similar specialty/situation. And, you want a call that is equitable and reasonable compared to everyone else. Not all rotations fit that bill, though. Nor is it possible to accommodate everyone all the time. If you tweak one person’s schedule, you can make someone else life miserable. The balance is delicate. It’s kind of like when you give medication, and it comes with untoward side effects! So, if you are helping out with the schedule at your institution, how can you make the radiology schedule as palatable as possible for everyone? Here are some of the guidelines that work at our site.

Get The Appropriate Tools For The Radiology Schedule

Our main job is practicing as a radiologist, not as a scheduler. So, make sure that you get all the necessary tools to make your job as easy as possible. Whether it is radiology scheduling software, a business manager, or a secretary for the practice, you should have some assistance to help you along the way. Don’t try to make the schedule without these tools. It is below your pay grade!

Be Redundant

We all are human, and calamities befall all of us at one time or another. Whether it is sickness or taking care of loved ones, we have to expect that not all of us will be available on any given day. So, every practice needs a little bit of redundancy in the schedule. That way, your practice will have adequate coverage when these events happen. It is not feasible to allow just a skeleton crew to steer the ship. It can become a potential recipe for disaster if some calls out sick!

Communicate All Schedule Changes Well

In practice, this statement sounds entirely logical. But, often, lack of communication can represent the downfall of a radiology department. If you decide to change a location or rotation, you need an excellent system to communicate the change. And, preferably, you should make the change well in advance of the new schedule. Radiologists have plans too!

Make Sure There Is A Balance

If you want to stoke the anger of your colleagues, the best way to do that is to make sure that one radiologist gets the most cush rotation at the expense of everyone else. Therefore, it is critical to monitor the different calls and rotations and ensure that the numbers are as equitable as possible for each practice member. This step can be time-consuming. But, recording where each radiologist is working and how many calls they work should become a critical mission to improve the schedule.

Be Nice But Firm

You can’t always get what you want. (Just like the Rolling Stones song!) Sometimes, we need to cover rotations and calls that no one wants. And, everyone at some point will have to take one of these shifts regardless of how they feel about it. So, if you are in charge of the schedule, there are times you have to hold your ground for fairness’ sake, of course, in a friendly way. Scheduling can be a tough job!

Take Suggestions For The Radiology Schedule

Making a schedule for a practice can be complicated. And, you might not have the experience to know what makes sense in all of the subspecialty departments. Therefore, a scheduler must be willing to listen to the suggestions of those folks that may know the rotations and schedule in their area the best. Without the input of others, it is unlikely that you will be able to create a reasonable plan for everyone!

Making A Fair Radiology Schedule

Scheduling is a critical part of any radiology practice. And it is not easy. Moreover, it may be impossible to satisfy everyone. But, if you have the tools you need and take into account the input of others while listening to some of my suggestions, you can make a schedule that will maximize equitability for everyone. It is possible to make a reasonable schedule for your residency or practice!

 

 

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How To Prevent Home PACS Systems From Causing Chaos

chaos

We all have different ways in which we like to work. Some folks find that clutter and chaos foster creativity. And others can’t stand the slightest mess in front of them (or behind them!) I am in the first camp. I find clutter a bit cozy, allowing me to feel comfortable sitting down and starting to write. It is almost like a stimulant. But, this layout does not work for everyone. So, figuring out where to put a bulky PACS system in your office is no small task. Your well-being depends on it.

Integrating our newfound large multi-monitor computers into the overall theme of our office caused chaos. For those of us with other family members in the same workspace, these systems can interfere with the room, taking over large swaths of workspace real estate and increasing the appearance of clutter even more. So, how do you ensure the PACS does not dominate the room? And how can finding a space for it allow the rest of the family to coexist peacefully? Based on my experience, here are some tips to avoid family disputes over losing working real estate to a PACS.

Get A New Connection For A Better Workspace

Sometimes, the internet connection can limit the options for arranging a workspace. I prefer a direct hookup of the PACS system to the ethernet rather than a wireless connection. The information just gets sent to the computer that much quicker. If you don’t have the correct arrangement of hookups in the office, you may be unable to place the PACS in the right spot. Well, there is a quick fix for that. Just get a new connection and put it wherever you want!

Put The System In An Unused Space Within The Office

Only some offices have a ton of space. But, occasionally, a room may have an underutilized unique niche where that PACS system can go. It could cover up a blemish in the room or, even better, make it look more like an office. Go ahead and fill that spot with the computer system. See how it fits. It may make the office space feel like a great workspace.

Build A New Enclosure Within The Room For The PACS System

You may have the room for the PACS at other times, but you may need the appropriate spot to place it. To ensure that you can have the space you desire, you need a bit of creativity to reshape the room, add a desk, or build some cabinets around it. Either hire the carpenter to create what you want or do the woodwork yourself. Either way, a new enclosure may be all you need to make the workspace of your dreams.

Divide The Room

You may have no other option but to divide the room into two. One person wants their workspace without interruption, and the other can’t stand that eyesore called a PACS system. If you have the space to divide the room into two, go for it!

Find Another Room Altogether To Prevent Chaos

OK. Only some people have space in the house to create another office dedicated to a PACS system. But, sometimes, finding that extra room is the only solution. You can’t put an entire PACS system on top of another family member’s workspace. It’s a great way to create a battle royale!

Removing The Chaos Of A New PACS!

For many folks, a bulky PACS system is a necessary evil. It is an eyesore. Yet, it is what allows us to improve our radiology work-life balance. Before plunking it down somewhere random in a room, consider making it more appetizing for everyone. Whether it takes making a new connection, finding a new niche, building a spot for the PACS, dividing the room entirely, or moving somewhere out of the space completely, making space work for everyone is critical. Placing the PACS in the right spot should be more than an afterthought! 

 

 

 

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Why Residents Should Take Charge Of The Worklist

worklist

By the time you start your first radiology attending job, you should feel comfortable getting through a typical day’s work. So, how do you arrive at this point of comfort? Well, it is not via magic. Most successful starting radiologists will have adopted a formula for getting through a day’s trials and tribulations. Moreover, they know how to manage the worklist. And, the easy way to do so? You should have that experience during your radiology residency.

Now, not all residency programs work the same. Some residents plow through whatever cases the attending tell them to go through. In these sorts of residencies, the attending maintains the responsibility for the worklist. They make sure that either the resident or the attending read through the cases that they need to complete.

And at others, the resident starts the day by gathering the necessary cases together and dictating. Attendings will intermittently arrive at the department to read out the studies with the resident. However, the attending charges the resident with the responsibility of getting through the worklist for the day.

I would argue that the latter programs tend to be more helpful for starting in practice. Let me tell you why.

Most Practices Are Run By Radiologists

First of all, in most practices, who is in charge of the worklist? No, it is not the nurse, the technologist, or the radiology assistant. Instead, usually, the radiologist manages the worklist to determine who he should read first, second, and third. Even though artificial intelligence may one day take over some of this process, radiologists should have the background to feel comfortable owning a worklist.

Teaches You How To Get Help From Others

Let’s say that you start on your worklist and you find a case where you are not sure of the diagnosis. Who do you approach? And, how do you contact that person? Do you call or walk over to the other room? Do you interrupt their train of thought or do you wait until they finish up? Or, do you find a clinician in another specialty? These skills only come when you have to manage cases outside of your purview. And, these cases are much more likely to arrive when you control your worklist.

Learning How To Triage Work

In the same vein, when you have an unsorted worklist, how do you know what needs to be read first, second, and third? Sometimes, you arrive at a decision best when you have had the experience to make that conclusion. It takes time to figure out that you should read certain physician’s cases first or a specific type of STAT indication sooner. What better way than to manage a worklist as a resident?

Time Management Skills

Of course, when you learn to control your worklist, in the beginning, you may not realize how much time you have to complete all the work for the day. Unfortunately, you may find that you had less time than you initially thought. So what is the best way to hone your time management skills? Manage the worklist! You’ll eventually learn the ropes.

Patient And Physician Phone Calls

During the day, you are bound to receive multiple phone calls from both referring physicians and patients alike. How do you deal with them in the confines of a busy day when you have a whole bunch of studies to read? Well, when you manage your worklist, you get to figure that out. Do you spend an inordinate amount of time on the phone or do you hurriedly give them an answer? To determine how you should proceed, take charge of the work for the day!

Taking Charge Of The Worklist

It’s more than just lip service. Owning the worklist allows budding radiologists to hone their skills. Whether it teaches you to work with others, time management, the art of triage, or more, it will enable you to get through the day in a timely fashion. More importantly, when you learn all the skills of managing a worklist, you can hit the ground running at your first job. That’s where you want to be!