Outsourcing to Teleradiology Companies: Bad for Radiology, Bad for Radiologists

Outsourcing night and weekend call to teleradiology companies has become a common practice among private radiology groups. While this may lead to an easier lifestyle, the authors discuss the serious negative consequences for radioligists and the specialty as a whole. These include the likelihood of commoditization of the field, lowering of fees, displacement from hospital contracts and outpatient reading contracts, greater encroachment by other specialties, and lowering of quality.