Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL, has had to close most of its outpatient radiology services, including at least four imaging centers for one week, citing a shortage of radiologists and radiology technologists.
The temporary closure from August 6 to August 13 affects nonurgent outpatient imaging only, according to an August 6 hospital notice. Inpatient and emergency needs, as well as any cases physicians determine to be urgent, are still being handled. Outpatient diagnostic mammography remains open and operating as usual, per the notice.
The situation reflects the ongoing problem of a shortage of radiologists and radiologic technologists, of which professional organizations such as the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute (HPI) have been warning for a number of years.
Anderson noted that it is evaluating progress on a daily basis and actively working to resolve the challenges with additional support.
"Anderson Healthcare has chosen to be transparent with this issue and has taken proactive steps to reduce outpatient radiology volume to allow existing teams to catch up on delayed interpretations," the hospital said. "The radiologist shortage is a national crisis that is now affecting communities in the Midwest -- including Anderson Healthcare and many other systems in the region."
