Insight Into Limited X-ray Operators
Our country is facing a shortage of many different types of medical professionals, radiologic technologists included. The rad tech shortage is exacerbated in the urgent care setting as radiologic technologists tend to steer clear of the setting due to the vast underutilization of their skillset. In many states, the limited operator (name varies by state) is a viable alternative to the radiologic technologist to perform the limited radiographs that we see on a daily basis. A limited X-ray operator is someone who, after meeting any applicable didactic and clinical education requirements outlined by the state, and passing any applicable exam that the state requires, can take only general radiographs of the anatomical areas in which they have achieved licensure. Where state law allows, the limited operator is a perfect fit for the urgent care setting! If you you are seeking insight into how to incorporate limited operators into your organization, please reach out for a consult!
Insight Into Regulatory Compliance/QA/QC
Regulations governing X-ray vary greatly from state to state, with some states being extremely strict, to others being rather lax. Urgent care operators must start navigating X-ray regulations even prior to building out new clinics as documentation/evaluations like shielding plans are often required prior to the buildout of the X-ray room. X-ray regulations that urgent care operators should have a keen understanding of include those surrounding X-ray registration and renewal, required physicist testing and QC/QA, preventative maintenance, and those dictating who can operate X-ray equipment. While UC Rad Insights is not a law firm, nor do we claim to be, we do have an in depth understanding of state X-ray regulations and would be happy to provide insight!
Insight Into Radiology Workflows/Efficiency/Policy
Radiology workflows are unique and differ from other aspects of urgent care operations. For example, in urgent care, radiographs are often sent out to be over read by a teleradiology service. Alternatively, you may decide to incorporate more of an “in-house” radiologist model. To make either work, requires an understanding of radiology IT. UC Rad Insights can help you make these decisions. Aside from workflows, we can also provide valuable insight into radiology policies (including those that certain states/accrediting bodies look for) and we can help with means by which to instill efficiency into your radiology operations.