October 11, 2012 — In a new report from Sectra, 150 neurologists, neurosurgeons, urologists, orthopedists, internists and general surgeons reveal what radiology needs to focus on in order to provide quality service to referring physicians.
The healthcare environment is under increasing strain. Radiology is at the very center of the healthcare chain, putting it in a position to influence both the quality and effectiveness of care by providing its customers, the referring physicians, with the right tools and services. But what tools and services matter the most?
The survey shows that referring physicians would like to see an easy procedure for ordering studies, shorter report turnaround times, and an efficient and secure method for notification of critical results. However, the survey also provides details as to what referring physicians actually express with their demands. In the survey, 71 percent of respondents refer patients to multiple facilities. Consequently, in a private healthcare market, the service level provided would influence a referring physician’s decision on where to send patients.
The report also reveals that six out of 10 respondents think radiologists should provide 3-D visualization with the reports, and seven out of 10 respondents think images sent to orthopedists should be taken with a calibration marker.
“The findings in this report confirm our view that radiology, being in such a central position, has great potential to influence the overall effectiveness in the healthcare chain,” said Mats Björnemo, director of product marketing at Sectra.
For more information: www.sectra.com
April 15, 2026 
