Radiologists are facing unprecedented challenges. The healthcare delivery systems continue to increase in size and complexity with radiology now deeply integrated into the hospital workflows and electronic systems. Along the way, accessing these electronic systems have consumed an increasing amount of the radiologists’ time and attention. The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule again cut radiology reimbursement by 11 percent for 2021.

Mammography is one of the great triumphs of innovation in breast cancer care, as it is the only screening technology proven to decrease the breast cancer mortality rate. It is the essential tool in a radiologist’s toolkit for breast cancer screening and detection.

Studies show that radiologists suffer from burnout more than most other medical professionals, in part due to long hours, complex cases and inefficiencies in radiology workflows. And the pressures facing this group of professionals are expected to worsen in the next decade.

I recently came across a very interesting survey conducted by KFF Polling regarding the consequences of both ending—and keeping—COVID-19 restrictions. In late-February, federal, state and local authorities made the decision to ease pandemic restrictions, and though the majority of people are looking forward to easing back into normal life, most still are hesitant about potential lurking consequences of loosening the boundaries.