Performance measurement for radiology providers: a national study

Hospitals and medical centres' radiology departments, and free standing radiology centres, employ a variety of capital-intensive technologies for patient diagnosis, treatment, and management. In this paper, we report the performance of these entities and illustrate how performance can be improved for the underachievers. Data were acquired through an annual radiologic workplace survey conducted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Using data envelopment analysis, we determined that the majority of departments featuring basic diagnostic radiology are technically efficient. However, as the complexity of technologies increases (e.g., computed tomography, magnetic resonance, etc.), a smaller percentage of departments are efficient. Attention to the best blend of inputs to maximise outputs is critical for maintaining efficient radiology departments in difficult economic times. However, the unique nature of radiology technologies and the referral nature of the profession may impact managers' ability to influence significantly these efficiency parameters.