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The Challenge
Red River Radiology Associates, a leading imaging provider in the region, struggled with recruiting radiologists to provide on-site contrast coverage. Despite their reputation for high-quality diagnostic imaging, they encountered significant barriers:
- Radiologist Shortages: The national radiologist shortage made it increasingly difficult to attract talent, especially in non-urban locations.
- Geographical Limitations: Candidates were unwilling to relocate for part-time or full-time supervisory roles, further exacerbating recruitment challenges.
- Operational Strain: The inability to fill these roles placed additional pressure on existing staff, leading to workflow inefficiencies and potential delays in imaging services.
- Patient Impact: Without sufficient coverage, the facility risked service interruptions, which could lead to extended patient wait times and reduced access to timely diagnostic imaging.
For over ten years, the organization had searched for a viable solution to address these challenges—until they discovered Tether Supervision.
The Solution
Tether Supervision introduced a game-changing approach to remote radiology supervision, enabling Red River Radiology Associates to provide real-time contrast supervision without requiring radiologists to be physically present.
Key Implementations:
- Real-time Audio-Video: A custom built platform for contrast supervision, enabling Radiologists to receive alerts and supervise contrast procedures remotely using secure, two-way audio-video communication.
- Tether Mobile Contrast Units (MCUs): Plug-and-play supervision workstations with high-definition cameras, emergency alert and incident protocols, and key contrast management medications.
- On-Site Training and Support: Hands-on technologist training that covers contrast reaction management, escalation protocols, and workflow integration to ensure staff feel confident and prepared.
- Access toSupervising Physician Support: In addition to supporting Red River’s on-site team, Tether provides remote radiologists from its network to ensure consistent coverage and safety when local staffing is limited.
The Results
After implementing Tether Supervision, Red River Radiology Associates experienced immediate and measurable improvements:
- Expanded Rural Patient Access: Remote supervision increased availability, and timely access to contrast-enhanced procedure, reducing delays for rural patients who depend on timely imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Improved Recruitment: Tether enabled Red River to recruit radiologists without requiring them to relocate or travel, opening up a significantly larger pool of candidates. For the first time in over a decade, Red River successfully recruited a new radiologist, with another joining soon, thanks to the flexibility of remote supervision.
- Streamlined Operations: Tether eliminated the need for last-minute reschedules and onsite commuting, enabling radiologists to focus on diagnostic reads and clearing backlogs. As Dr. Spann shared:
“It’s business as usual, whether the radiologist is on-site or not.”
- Standardized, High Quality Patient Care: Tether improved on-site emergency confidence with consistent, protocol-driven responses across all locations, reducing variability of patient treatment, enhancing response speed & quality, and ensuring that every patient receives the same high standard of care, regardless of location.
- Better Work-Life Balance: Tether made it possible for Dr. Spann to practice medicine without sacrificing time with her young children.
“You don’t realize how much your life can improve until you make the leap. Tether changed everything for us.”
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