By Krissie D. Stich, MBA, CRA, R.T. (R) and Michelle Dossa, Ph.D., CRA, RT
We have always valued our mobile imaging fleet for what it provides our patients, providers, local communities and organization. The mobile units are a great compliment to our existing stationary equipment and they allow us to navigate an ever-changing health care landscape full of access challenges. Challenges that we have encountered include financial constraints where failing equipment cannot be replaced, smaller imaging sites that are being closed due to an overall consolidation of our footprint but the need still exists to support our patients and providers, and staffing vacancies that reduce available imaging capacity where we may have existing equipment waiting to be utilized. Our mobile fleet allows us to bring services to our patients rather than our patient needing to travel to the next closest location for their imaging.
As our fleet continued to grow and offer different modalities, we recognized the need to standardize and optimize our mobile services. In late 2022, a dedicated mobile supervisor position with direct reporting to a regional hospital manager was developed. Our mobile supervisor is responsible for our entire mobile fleet that support nine counties. The supervisor oversees our fleet of five MRIs, one PET/CT, and one wellness van with screening mammography and point-of-care testing as well as the teams of technologists who support these mobiles.
The leadership structure that is now in place is aligning staffing and utilizing the equipment to its fullest potential. Real-time data is reviewed and drives our decision making in redirecting the mobile fleet to decrease outpatient back-logs/lead times. This ensures we can provide an appropriate level of access to all of our patients regardless of their location. Having this dedicated mobile supervisor specifically allows for increased access to our communities that may not otherwise be available.
The use of mobile imaging equipment may be something you want to consider in the future and we recommend having a dedicated mobile supervisor to own this arm of your business.
Dedicated mobile oversight and supervision has many benefits:
- Ensures proper billing
- Provides consistent services and workflows
- Provides same quality imaging as stationary units
- Allows for staff to be more efficient in their travels
- Improves employee engagement with better communication and focus on their area of expertise
- Optimizes efficiency with the transport of the mobile units to decrease wear and tear costs
- Contributes to future growth strategies for additional mobile units and locations
- Ensures new construction includes mobile pads and cabling
- Increases shared resources
- Provides same positive patient experience
- Ensures seamless integration of mobile services and improves patient access
Krissie D. Stich, MBA, CRA, R.T. (R), is the Radiology Director, East Market at University Hospitals. Michelle Dossa, Ph.D., CRA, RT, is Radiology Director, West Market at University Hospitals.
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