COVID 19 Initial Impact on Radiology Practices: Survey from ACR/RBMA

Abstract Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impacted radiology practices in many ways. We aimed to estimate declines in imaging volumes and financial impact across different practice settings during April 2020. Methods The survey constituting 48 questions was conducted through members of the ACR and the Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA) during May 2020. Survey questions focused on practice demographics, volumes, financials, personnel and staff adjustments, and anticipation of recovery. Results During April 2020, nearly all radiology practices reported substantial (56.4-63.7%) declines in imaging volumes with outpatient imaging volumes most severely affected. Mean gross charges declined 50.1-54.8% and collections declined 46.4-53.9%. Percentage of reductions did not correlate with practice size. Majority of respondents believed that volumes would recover but not entirely (62-88%) and anticipated a short-term recovery, with a surge likely in the short-term due to postponement of elective imaging (52-64%). 15.6% reported that radiologists in their practices tested positive for COVID. Over half (52.3%) reported availability of personal protective equipment had become an issue or was inadequate. A majority (62.3%) reported that their practices had existing remote reading or teleradiology capabilities in place prior to the pandemic, and 22.3% developed such capabilities in response to the pandemic. Conclusions Radiology practices across different settings experienced substantial declines in imaging volumes and collections during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. Most are actively engaged in both short- and long-term operational adjustments.