Improving x-ray report turnaround.

Transcription inadequacies within the radiology department can provoke much criticism and can adversely affect a radiology department's relationship with referring physicians. New governmental regulations give added impetus to finding ways to speed x-ray report delivery and improve accuracy. Astute managers are well advised to identify and correct stenographic deficiencies.

X-ray report turnaround studies.

In the attempt to meet the diagnostic requirements of patients, satisfy referring physicians, respond to the mandates of hospital administration and conform to the cost-efficiency commandments of the federal government, most radiology managers realize that expediting the x-ray reporting process is fundamental. Turnaround, or time measurement, surveys are the mechanism by which a radiology manager documents the department's efficiency in producing the typewritten x-ray report. Such surveys measure the time lapse between when a radiographic examination is performed and when the typewritten report is received by physician or nursing station. Turnaround studies reveal the reasons for poor reporting, whether originating from personnel inadequacies or organizational pitfalls. Equal in importance to the gathering of time flow statistics are the problem-solving methods which follow.