Operational characteristics of radiology groups in the United States in 1992.

Abstract

To determine the operational characteristics of radiology groups in the United States in 1992. The American College of Radiology surveyed a stratified random sample of 695 radiology groups, including academic departments, units in multispecialty groups, and staff of government facilities. After intensive follow-up, a 69% response rate was achieved for in-scope groups. The responses were weighted to show what findings would have been if all radiology groups in the country had responded. Thirteen percent of groups practiced in a university or teaching hospital; 59%, in a nonprofit hospital; and 18%, in a proprietary hospital; 42% routinely read images obtained by other practices; and 15% were involved with mobile vans. Radiologists in diagnostic-only practices averaged 11,100 procedures per year per full-time equivalent. However, the average was about one-third lower in office-only practices and primarily academic practices. Most groups had no female radiologists. Workload data show a great deal of variability and means should not be taken as standards.