Continuous advancements in technology are starting to fuel discussions about how machines will eventually replace humans. This line of thinking has reached even the medical field, as innovations in radiology continue to prop up the belief that radiologists will one day lose their jobs to AI-driven technology.
The concept of machines causing radiologists to become obsolete is fallacious, if not laughable. Radiology is among the fastest-growing fields in the last decade, and the number of radiologists has been steadily increasing over that time. Despite this increase in numbers, some countries are still short on radiologists, giving you an idea of how much demand there is for the profession.
AI Will Reinforce, Not Replace Radiologists
Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly reshape how radiologists do their job, but it can never replace them. Dr. Curtis P. Langlotz, a professor at Stanford University’s radiology department, says that this mentality is a result of how people have oversimplified what radiologists do. One of the most common misconceptions about radiologists is that their work only involves analyzing images.
“A comprehensive catalog of radiology diagnoses lists nearly 20,000 terms for disorders and imaging observations and over 50,000 causal relations. Algorithms that can help diagnose common conditions are a major step forward, but an experienced radiologist is looking for numerous conditions all at once. Only some of these assessments can be performed with AI,” Langlotz explains.
Immediate Changes Ahead
Efficiency is one of the most important aspects of radiology. Fast and effective processing means people will have to wait for less to receive scans and the necessary treatment, which can save thousands of lives through early detection and medication. With the help of new AI technology, radiologists can be alerted to acute conditions in a timely manner, accelerating the time it takes to solve a particular case.
The impact of AI on radiology can best be compared to how autopilot technology affected commercial flights. The innovations on flight systems allowed repetitive and easy tasks such as safety checks and collision-avoidance systems to be fully automated, but the pilots were still there to take over manually when there’s an unforeseen glitch or malfunction in the system.
The same applies to AI technology in radiology. While the new systems will definitely make several detection tasks easier, the radiologist will still be the one to offer a qualified oversight over the diagnostic processes. As AI develops and learns more about the functions of various radiology duties, the radiologist can delegate more tasks to better focus on the patient’s needs.
AI should not be seen as a threat to radiologists. Instead, AI should be embraced and adapted so that patients can receive better quality care while strengthening the industry further.
Suffering a stroke is a serious medical emergency, and it’s important to receive immediate medical attention to avoid any permanent damages. A stroke detection platform developed by a Tel Aviv-based medical imaging business can significantly improve the chances of a successful recovery from a stroke by quickly detecting what caused it.
A stroke is defined as a sudden interruption in the brain’s blood supply, typically caused by an abrupt blockage of the arteries that lead to the brain. Another common cause of a stroke is when a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain tissue.
Suffering a stroke can significantly affect how the body functions. Depending on which area and side of your brain are affected, a stroke patient might experience difficulty with his (or her) movement and sensation, eating and swallowing, vision, perception and awareness, cognitive abilities such as reasoning and memory, and sexual ability.
When a person suffers a stroke, the response time is crucial in preventing further damages to the body. Being able to detect and locate a blocked artery or rupture that hinders blood flow to the brain as fast as possible can save the patient from possible disabilities.
Israeli medical imaging startup Viz.ai has launched a stroke detection platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to detect the source of a stroke in just a few seconds. This breakthrough allows patients to receive immediate medical care and avoid severe health consequences.
Viz.ai’s stroke detection platform uses deep learning technology to find suspected large vessel occlusions in the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the head and brain. These occlusions are usually found in the carotid arteries, which accounts for 20% of stroke patients. Andrew Colbert, senior marketing manager at Viz.ai, notes that by using their technology to effectively diagnose the cause of the stroke, the patients can receive quicker treatment for better chances of recovery.
Colbert says that Viz.ai’s technology “provides easy to use synchronized and secure technologies to healthcare providers while helping to give patients access to the right doctor at the right time.” Once the platform has identified the cause of the stroke, the computer-aided triage software connects patients directly to a medical specialist to receive the necessary medical management.
As of November 2019, Viz.ai’s stroke detection platform has been utilized in more than 300 US hospitals.
After a sharp decline in radiology services, the University of Cincinnati Health followed a data-driven and team-based method to help increase the numbers back up again. The ‘Recover Wisely’ program was launched last May 4 and since then, UHC has been gaining momentum and was able to hit an overall 102% recovery rate.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries have been affected. Back when most services were halted and delayed, UC Health started trying to find ways to reschedule missed appointments and adjusting to the new normal. At first, there was a shocking decline of 53%-55% in nonurgent radiology services. Around 30,000 imaging appointments were rescheduled. The team at the University of Cincinnati Health then decided to have a more data-driven approach, thus, the ‘Recover Wisely’ program was set in motion.
To be able to assure the best care in the safest way possible, simulations were done along with ‘meticulous monitoring and control.’ There was a big amount of backlog, but updates were given to the clients as the program was being slowly rolled out. By week 10, UHC saw a 102% recovery rate compared to pre-COVID numbers, obtaining 172 cases per week.
According to Achala Vagal, MD, together with the UC Health Department of Radiology and 15 other co-authors, “Longer term recovery planning needs to include the possibility of a second or seasonal surge of COVID-19. However, the principles of Recover Wisely should apply to any rescheduling and recovery strategy.” The team also added, “In the dire situation, if a large-scale shutdown occurs again, other departments will find our experience and resumption strategies helpful.”
With this program in place, several modalities had a significantly higher rate compared to others: with MRI at 101%, interventional radiology at 106%, CT at 113%, and nuclear medicine at a soaringly high percentage at 138%.
UC Health believes that a strategy of tailored communication, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and innovative solutions will help them with any bumps in the road that may come next as the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic still isn’t over.
UC Health has acquired new state-of-the-art mobile units that would help them respond to stroke emergencies faster than ever.
The new mobile stroke units, which cost $1 Million worth of training and equipment a piece, are aimed to provide stroke patients the clot-busting drugs they need to get a better chance of recovery and survival much faster. The first unit was dispatched in the Cincinnati region last August 11, and it is only the 23rd of its kind in the whole nation.
In the Cincinnati region, 45 minutes is the average time that stroke patients receive clot-busting medication after their arrival at the hospital. However, the new mobile unit is equipped with a CT scanner and the clot-busting medication tissue plasminogen activator.
The unit deploys with a paramedic trained in mobile care, an emergency medical technician, a critical care nurse, and a CT technician. The unit can reach a stroke doctor via telemedicine and provide hospital-level care in case of an emergency.
According to Dr. Joseph Broderick, director of the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, the unit can “shorten the time between the onset of stroke-like symptoms and the delivery of clot-busting medication.”
“Millions of brain cells die every minute that stroke treatment is delayed, and research shows that mobile stroke units can provide treatment 20 to 30 minutes faster than in an emergency department,” Dr. Broderick added.
The Springfield Township Fire Department, located at 9150 Winton Road, Finneytown, will be the base of the unit. Hamilton County’s 911 call center will be the dispatcher of the unit upon emergencies. People can request the service from 7 am to 7 pm every day, including holidays. The mobile stroke unit will respond to calls within a 15-minute radius and take the patients to the nearest proper medical center.
Amanda Naigeleisen, UC Health’s spokeswoman, admitted that they had been planning to roll out the unit last March, but due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic, they were forced to delay the unit’s start until August.
Since the development of Computerized Tomography (CT) in 1972, CT has always been a software-driven imaging modality.
Medical imaging equipment manufacturers such as GE, Siemens, Philips, Hitachi, and Toshiba/Canon have all developed vendor-specific software platforms along with manufacture specific terminology and technology which must be mastered in order to operate the systems effectively and safely for both the patient and operator.
The difference in the vendor-specific terminology is confusing to most newer CT Technologists, as well as the difference in software and hardware.
The issues arise with the way CT Imaging Technologists are trained to use the systems. Most technologists are trained by other technologists at the facility. Most were trained by someone else who had a varying degree of knowledge regarding proper system operation.
This “Shoulder to Shoulder” style of training leads to incomplete training and a technologist who knows barely enough to get by. Training of this style can be a liability to the patient and the facility.
Often times, the technologist doing the training will withhold information about a specific system operation so that they are perceived by management to be the “expert” and are of more value to a facility. This can hinder any exam from the basic to the more advanced procedures, frustrating many radiologists. This can lead to a catastrophe in an ‘on-call” situation when the ER has to wait for another technologist to come in because the one who is there is not well trained.
Some of the lucky few technologists are chosen by a facility to attend the manufactures training facility. This initial training is then followed by a week or two of onsite training.
Onsite training is meant to adapt the system to the customer’s facility and assure proper system function and acceptable image quality with the radiologist.
The same technologist who went to the training academy should also be attending the subsequent weeks of OEM training to further their knowledge of system operation.
Training which should include not only scan protocol building and basic patient scanning but the advanced procedures and software applications applicable to the system purchased by the facility.
This could include Cardiac Angiography and Function Analysis, Digital Subtraction Software, Brain Perfusion and Dual Energy imaging techniques and CT Fluoroscopy to mention a few.
Since some of the advanced applications require additional training, manufacturers sometimes provide a course at their training facility. However not all clinical applications can be taught effectively at a training facility without actual patients to scan, for example CT Flouro, CT Angiography, Cardiac, Brain Perfusion, and Dual Energy.
For onsite training, patients are required for the exams and may be in very limited supply. Often times, facility budget and time constraints leave the staff as a group of “Button Pushers”, and not well trained. Staff duties should be delegated so as to allow for the full training experience. If not, then the outcome is that not everyone is trained to the same level of expertise.
Staff will leave one facility for a better position, better pay, better hours, better training or a better location, taking the knowledge, and sometimes the training materials given to them for the site, with them. This can also leave a facility with a system that is not being utilized to its fullest potential.
Staff technologists who are well trained are happier on the job. They have the respect of their peers, administration, staff physicians, and patients.
By contrast, those with a lack of training are often classified as button pushers, doing nothing but the most routine scanning having to call in a more experienced technologist to complete the challenging studies, CTA, Cardiac CTA, Perfusion.
This leads to a delay in diagnosis and service to a patient. Technologists often get into the same rut at a facility because the equipment is used past its prime and often not replaced with state of the art systems that have more capability, lower patient exposure, and better image quality with advanced imaging protocols.
These are the staff who leave a facility, for better working conditions, training and pay. Proper applications training will lead to a happier and more productive staff with less turnover, especially with older systems and an untrained staff.
There are many pros to ongoing applications training, some of which are more notable than others. A well-educated staff leads to more complete exams for the reading radiologist and reduces the chance that a patient will be recalled to evaluate a hepatic filling defect or to obtain a proper early arterial phase in a tri-phasic study to evaluate for metastatic disease, or a delay image for contrast filling defect not seen by the Technologist who should review images prior to completing an exam.
This leads to an overall lower cost to the facility. Clinical Applications can review the staff’s operational workflow and offer recommendations for workflow enhancement so that the staff is working smarter and not harder.
Clinical Applications can assure your staff is operating with best clinical practices, assist your reading radiologist with issues regarding image quality, patient exposure, contrast timing, and the development of new imaging protocols and techniques which make diagnosis more accurate. An Applications Specialists can act as a lesion between the CT staff, management, and the Radiologist ensuring an effective educational experience for all your staff.
I recommend that an imaging department budget include clinical applications on-site support at a minimum of every two years. This continuing support is necessary, not only for the CT technologists, but for the physicians and patients as well.
This can be even more critical in a short term lease of imaging equipment, especially when the equipment is different from what the staff is currently using.
Clinical applications support can train your staff answering all their questions regarding system operation, assist with building scanning protocols, train them with the latest imaging software upgrades and suggest workflow modifications to enhance department productivity and patient experience.
Clinical applications support can handle issues with the radiologist regarding missed contrast timing, image quality, and system artifacts which affect their experience with the system.
This can improve transition time to a new system if the leased mobile is from the same OEM as a new system is installed, even though the software may be different or has more enhanced upgrades. At times you need a service engineer, at times your need applications support. They go hand in hand.
Here at Catalina Imaging, our goal is to create an experience that goes beyond your expectations, and applications support is just another way we can enhance that experience. Please feel free to contact us and see what we can do for you.
Meet Catalina Imaging’s Robert M. Phillips, RT, R CT Who is Catalina Imaging’s new Education and Training Director? Read on.
Robert “Bob” M. Phillips, RT, R CT, joins the Catalina Imaging family as our new Education and Training Director. Bob brings with him a wealth of experience spanning 40 years in the Radiologic Technology (RT) and Computed Tomography (CT) industries.
Bob’s Career at a Glance:
● 18 years as a Clinical Applications Specialist
● Clinical CT Class Instructor on Toshiba America Medical Systems, Canon Medical Systems, and Mobile CT Imaging
● 5 years as a Lead CT/MRI Technologist in Computerized Diagnostic Imaging Centers
● 5 years as a Radiology Department Manager at Moreno Valley Community Hospital
Education and Certifications
Bob graduated with an Associate in Arts Degree in Radiologic Technology from Orange Coast College in Santa Ana, California, in 1980. He is a certified member of the American Registry Of Radiologic Technologists (#183641, until March 2021) and the California Department of Public Health (CRT #RHB00045250, until December 2020).
Career in Detail
As a Clinical Applications Specialist (CT) from January 2001 to August 2020, Bob worked in various hospitals, clinics, outpatient imaging centers, and veterinary facilities in the US, Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam.
He gave clinical instruction on Toshiba/Canon Asteon 4, Aquilion 16/32/64, Prime CT, Lightning CT, Aquilion One, and Aquilion Genesis CT Systems in all phases and aspects of CT imaging. This covered basic routine scanning, cardiac CT angiography, brain perfusion imaging, CTA subtraction, dual energy, and post-processing techniques.
Bob was also instrumental in resolving issues like unacceptable image quality, patient dose-related issues, CT artifact troubleshooting and resolution, and contrast timing in CT angiography. He spearheaded the mapping out of protocols for any CT examination. Bob also taught and trained staff in all aspects of CT imaging including systems operation, protocol building, CT file management and archiving, contrast bolus timing, raw data reconstruction, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), 3D, dual energy, brain perfusion, and cardiac calcium scoring.
As a Class Instructor at the Toshiba/Canon Training Academy (specifically the Toshiba/Canon Institute of Advanced CT Imaging), Bob instructed and mentored technologists from across the country on the effective use and implementation of Toshiba/Canon CT systems.
This included delivering didactic and hands-on instruction according to Toshiba/Canon policy and procedures and using Toshiba / Canon training materials. “I always received great reviews from the technologists with whom I served,” Bob recalls.
As a Lead CT/MRI Technologist for Computerized Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Bob led and managed staff schedules in both CT and MRI. He also performed staff training in CT with a new Siemens CT System in their outpatient center. Bob even branched out to the Riverside Community Hospital, maintaining staff schedules for shift and call CT.
As a Radiology Department Manager at the Moreno Valley Community Hospital (now Moreno Valley Medical Center), Bob was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Radiology Department. They serviced the 150-bed community hospital as well as its free, standing outpatient office where radiology services were also provided.
A warm welcome
Catalina Imaging is happy to have Bob Phillips on board. His presence in the organization ensures the continuous improvement and learning of our staff which will, in turn, be felt by the clients who trust only Catalina Imaging for their mobile CT rental needs.
Welcome to the family, Bob!
You can reach Bob by calling Catalina Imaging (844) 949-1664, or by calling him directly (714) 422-6621.
With no end in sight of the pandemic, some radiology clinics need to rethink their practices to better their revenue cycle management and improve their services to stay afloat.
COVID-19 has far-reaching effects more than anyone ever expected. A report, conducted by lead author Richard Sharpe Jr., MD, MBA, a radiologist with the Mayo Clinic, and colleagues about the impact of COVID-19 on radiology, stated, “Some groups may prove unable to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially fueling trends either toward consolidation into larger radiology groups or toward increased employment by hospitals.”
In the first six months of the pandemic, records show a steady decrease in the revenues of many radiology practices. For some, the percentage of this decline reached up to 80%. Most affected by this situation are the smaller private practices whose revenues are dependent on examination interpretation.
Some cost-cutting measures were already adopted by others in the industry, including salary diminution, time off, and reduction of benefits. While these actions worked to keep practices afloat, experts do not consider this viable solution in the long term. They predict that smaller practices will be likely consolidated with larger groups that offer a broader practice model.
The industry remains hopeful as lockdowns are lifted, and communities are reopened, but just like for any other industry, a consistent decrease in revenue remains imminent for some.
According to an Urban Institute estimate, about 10 million people will lose their healthcare coverage from a COVID-19-related job loss. People who previously relied on employer-sponsored health cards are projected to switch to healthcare coverage through other family members as dependent or enroll in Medicaid. Radiology practices will most likely see a rise in Medicaid and self-paying patients.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to batter a lot of industries. Those who cannot transform and reinvent themselves are at a higher risk of losing the battle.
For radiology practices, one point must be highlighted: Patient care is a top priority. Practitioners must deliver client-focused patient care and ensure hassle-free visits to attract more self-paying patients. An over-all pleasant medical procedure will boost the confidence of patients in smaller radiology practices. Hiring highly-qualified staff also guarantees the quality of healthcare provided.
Another highly suggested way for radiology practices to survive is to adopt new technologies and better processes to offset lost revenue opportunities. Investing in technology, streamlining workforces, improving bill cycles are a great start.
Getting a partner to optimize billing and introduce automation is a thing to consider as well. Howard Pingston, Regional VP of Business Development in Radiology with Zotec Partners, stated that “Radiology groups will not only face an increase in bad debt but also potentially an 8 to 11 percent reduction in reimbursement in 2021, depending on the CMS final ruling. Now more than ever, radiology practices need an RCM partner that is truly equipped to help them identify revenue opportunities and provide full transparency throughout the process in order to weather this storm in the near term and succeed in the long term.”
The availability of convenient payment options is also a plus factor. Online payment and special discounts are also appreciated by people who are struggling in this time of pandemic and economic recession.
The answer to the problem faced by radiology practices requires a multi-pronged approach. It is a combination of technological, financial, and personal solutions. COVID-19 is a difficult enemy that everyone wants to get rid of. While the battle is far from over, it pays to prepare and soldier on constantly.
Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS) has implemented an AI-powered system to optimize radiology practice in real-time collaboration and data organization.
Historically, radiology has had a crucial and active role in the evolution of healthcare. Radiology’s role in the current COVID-19 crisis is undoubtedly critical for its prevention and cure for the patients.
The healthcare system worldwide, including radiologists, is facing a never before experienced exhaustion and financial constraints since the virus has spread. Nobody was ever truly ready for it.
Now, more than ever, radiology should adapt to the ever-changing world and technological advancements to avoid specialist burnouts and backlogs.
Yale School of Medicine’s Dr. Irena Tocino, MD, FACR, professor of radiology and biomedical imaging and vice-chair of imaging informatics shared how the AI-based system has improved their workflow and efficiency, “Studies are analyzed first by the AI model. Positive results are automatically prioritized on the appropriate worklist, while negative results move down the list for later review. Having this solution in place helped YNHHS navigate the challenges because of the pandemic – from an influx of COVID-19 patients to the swift transition to remote reading.”
“YNHHS has transformed their reading room experience, keeping colleagues connected, more efficient, and safer in a virtual paradigm, while prioritizing patient care.”
The technology in place has forged a new path in helping the medical frontliners work smarter, not harder — allowing them to focus on analyzing efforts rather than organizing data. Real-time, remote collaborations optimized data analysis, making way for efficient application of healthcare.
In these trying times, the PowerScribe Workflow Orchestration and PowerConnect Communicator is a promising technology that can unload the burden of the already burnout healthcare system if properly implemented.
CT Scanners are a staple in any healthcare facility. It is essential to help diagnose a patient accurately. Simply put, Computerized Tomography scanning is necessary because:
They detect bone and joint problems
They spot cancer, heart disease, emphysema, liver mass
They show internal injuries and bleeding
They locate blood clots, excess fluid, infection, and/or tumors
The list goes on and on. And ideally, a healthcare facility should have a scanner or two, but not all may be able to afford their regular maintenance.
But there may be seasons of high demand, and so additional capacity, by means of mobile CT rentals, may be taken into consideration.
At a time like now when there is a COVID-19 pandemic — while the topic is a hot subject of debate — CT scans may provide some assistance in the early detection or correct diagnosis of the condition. The matter is a double-edged sword, though, and medical professionals are still weighing the pros versus the cons.
How much will a Mobile CT Rental Cost?
When all reasons and factors have been considered, all you now need to know is the Cost of a Mobile CT Rental. Factors that will contribute are:
1. The length of the rent, if it will be monthly or annually
2. The capability of the machine. Depending on a given brand and the features built into a given CT machine.
Please email info@catalinaimaging or give us a call for a Mobile CT Quote
3. Aside from the rent, there are riders like:
The refundable security deposit
The transportation to and from your healthcare facility
The installation and de-installation fees
The cleaning and maintenance fees
It would be wise to study your contract very closely. In some cases, a lease may be the better option.
Why Rent a Mobile CT Machine?
There are a number of reasons why Mobile CT Rental may be the best choice for a healthcare facility. As mentioned earlier, there may be seasons of high demand, and the staple CT machine may not be enough to service all the patients.
There are renovations in your facility and the scanning may need to be done in a temporary space.
The facility’s scanner is starting to show signs of wear and tear and you want to test a new scanner for a possible upgrade.
If you are deciding whether or not to get another scanner for your facility and you want to see if two machines can be maximized.
If your facility is used as a training or continuing education course and you need a machine for demonstration purposes without disrupting regular operations.
If your facility needs to catch up on patient backlog especially at a time like now when there is a pandemic and further testing is necessary for some cases.
In the case of a facility with multiple branches, a rented mobile CT can go from branch to branch on certain days of the week to help service patients.
If you are not allowed to purchase a new machine but you can manage the rental fee in your operating budget.
Other Considerations for a Mobile CT Rental
Do not forget the importance of customer support. Choose a company that provides it 24/7; that provides added data for you; that provides insured equipment, and that offers training to your radiologists and technicians in the use of their machine.
Technology is not only updated but also state of the art. Get your money’s worth with Mobile CT Machines from GE, Toshiba, and Siemens.
Rent from Catalina Imaging
Ron Wright founded Catalina Imaging 30 years ago based on the principle of face-to-face customer contact. Understanding the urgency of maintaining equipment uptime was experienced firsthand. This experience is the foundation of Catalina Imaging today: personnel are familiar with the engineering and workings of our Mobile CT units.
Catalina Imaging also provides:
Customized reliable equipment to support your clinical needs
Customer support 24/7
Affordability
Site assistance, pre-planning, and set-up
Transportation and on-time delivery
Systems that meet OEM specifications or greater
Equipment and trailer service maintenance
Information such as current physicist surveys
Trailers licensed through DOH
Fully insured equipment
Applications training (additional fees may apply)
We are there for you and with you in every step of the Mobile CT rental process, from planning your CT rental to the end of the lease. Delivery, set up, and maintenance of your Mobile CT units are not a problem because we are always there with you. We are also just a call away any time issues come up — and we mean it.
We go above and beyond simply delivering and maintaining your Mobile CT Units.
How much does a Mobile CT Rental cost? At the cost of saving a life, it is absolutely priceless. Rent from the company that will make sure you have all the support you need. Rent from Catalina Imaging.
Experience our Mobile CT Scanner right now inside our mobile imaging unit. We leave you with this video:
In a recent study, it has been found that non-white, Covid-19 patients, are more likely to develop more severe cases of the illness. According to radiologist Dr. Efren J. Flores, co-founder of the study, who works at the Massachusetts General Hospital, “It got to the point where half of our patient population admitted with COVID-19 were underrepresented minorities [in our local population].”
After analyzing data from 326 Covid-19 patients and examining their chest X-Rays, the result became clear: non-white patients coming from lower socioeconomic groups were more likely to be put in ICUsand die.
There is a multitude of reasons that contribute to this phenomenon. On its own, the virus can affect anyone. António Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, said, “The virus does not discriminate, but its impacts do, exposing deep weaknesses in the delivery of public services and structural inequalities that impede access to them.”
It leaves the people with low-wage jobs more prone to severe cases of the disease because they have limited sick leaves and health care benefits from their employers. The authors of the study pointed out that Blacks, Hispanics, and people from other ethnic minorities were more likely to have these kinds of jobs. Dr. Flores noted that these people tend to refrain from going to the hospital, due to the fact that they live on a weekly paycheck and have other dependents.
The authors also observed that the patients in these groups usually live in overcrowded, high-density urban areas that make social distancing more difficult.
Another underlying socioeconomic factor that the authors have found is limited English proficiency. As the new health information regarding Covid-19 was only available in English during the first few months, non-English-speaking individuals had trouble going through the complex medical system.
Lastly, the institutional racism that many of these people have previously experienced resulted in distrust in the medical system. It leads to them not seeking care until the disease becomes severe.
These healthcare problems experienced by the non-white people have already been present way before the pandemic, but the situation exposed and amplified them further.
“The first time we used Catalina was based strictly on the referral from an associate, but we called them when we needed a mobile CT service again because they did a good job the first time.”
– Bill Alexander
Radiology Manager, St. Lukes Elmore Medical Center
“They provided daily calls to make sure the equipment was working properly and if there were ever any issues they were incredibly responsive. We've used them twice and both times were very good experiences.”
– Patty Brodehl
Radiology Manager, Dameron Hospital
“Initially we went with them because of the price and recommendation of someone else. Their follow up after delivery was great.”
– Marvin Sik
Radiology Manager, Memorial Hospital Converse
“We used Catalina Imaging because of their quick response time and flexibility with the duration of the contract. Also we use Toshiba so Catalina was a good fit.”
– David Broderick
Radiology Manager, Heber Valley Medical Center
“It's expected that problems will arise when using a mobile imaging service. What impressed me most was how fast they responded and how far they are willing to go to satisfy their client.”
– Ahmed
Radiology Manager, Victor Valley Medical Center
“Catalina Imaging was referred to us by another client and we were extremely satisfied. Everything they did for us was a 10 out of 10.”
– Alice
Radiology Manager, Malcom Grow Medical Clinic
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