[Colby]

OK, so I don't normally get so personal. BUT...today is an exception. Maybe I'm feeling overwhelmed since the Tot isn't sleeping and TinyE is rebelling and everything already seems out of whack...<br><br>
DH just called. He's completely upset. He's dedicated 4 years of undergrad, 2 of a MA, 4 years of medical school, 5 years of residency and a year of fellowship to come to get to his desired profession. That's 16 years.<br><br>
It seems that folk in the medical community are wanting to start outsourcing diagnostic "reads" (ie: reading the CT scan or MR) to places like India, where "trained" people will do the work. Apparently, there is a group in Spokane that has just decided to do this "teleradiology" deal.<br><br>
The problem has several angles: First and foremost is patient care. Without adequate access to all patient history by a qualified MD and board certified radiologist...what are you going to get?? Second is quality of life for us. He's concerned that salary options are going to tumble and that work will be given to the person who reads fastest, not necessarily the best. Third is that it will be increasingly difficult to find a job in a place where he'd LIKE to work. He may just have to take the one job that is available. I know, welcome to the real world, but he did all of that work so that he could have the ability to have a say in those sorts of things.<br><br>
Anyway...all of that to say, he's in a lather and I can hardly blame him. I barely know any of the details or issues or problems...I don't even know if what I'm saying is exactly right for that matter...and I don't know what to say or do to help except to be there for him and listen. It's hard on all of us when he's like this...and I'm a little lost.<br><br>
...

 

[Xavier Dan Q]

(((Colby and family)))<br><br>
I don't have any answers for you, other than to say sometimes things do look darkest just before the dawn.<br><br><br>
I wish nothing but the best for you and your family. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[dcoroner77]

((((((The Colby Crew))))))<br><br>
Outsourcing radiology reads is becoming a huge thing. I don't get it. I don't think it is a wise idea. Seems like a lot of the radiologists I know have started to go the interventional route because of this.<br><br>
I wish you all nothing but the best.

 

[sierra]

You know who's hands its in. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> The road may be challenging, but it will work out!<br><br>
((((colby and DH))))

 

[bootsie]

((((Colby and Family))))

 

[equinox marathon 43]

No answers for you Colby, but I feel for you and the family.

 

[bethebunny]

{{Good vibes coming your way.}}

 

[Buxtehude]

Good vibes are being sent....

 

[jebba]

(((Colby)))<br><br>
I totally understand those days. When mr colby gets home, go for a walk or have a glass of wine.<br><br>
You know...you could move to Costa Rica, and he could read scans from his home office facing the ocean.

 

[sistergoldenhair]

Well first of all, that would be a very very poor decision in terms of quality of care ... which is often poor enough as it is when *not* outsourced (sorry, that is bringing my own gripes of the health care field based on frustrations this week in to your thread).<br><br>
Does your DH have a good perspective on to how much this trend is taking off or projected to take off? Is this Spokane group an early adopter? I think outsourcing like this will NOT be met with positive public opinion once it is more widely known, which HOPEFULLY would influence administrators.<br><br>
I do think the role of some health professions if not the system will be changing dramatically within your DH's career anyway. Trust that he is devoted and talented and will come out right side up.<br><br>
It is discouraging and frightening as a well-informed patient to realize how much we all need to advocate for our own care. I can imagine a dedicated MD like your DH shares the frustration.<br><br>
((Colby & DH))

 

[mandaroo]

Nothing more frustrating than when you over qualify yourself for some shit. Even when you would think, that all that hard work and being an expert in your field will pay off. Sadly, its often mostly about the bennys. Wish I had advice besides keep your chin up. ((((family))))

 

[RaisingArizonainNH]

Well that stinks...and I hope it is a directive the fails miserably so that he ( and you all ) can find a position which is will be enriching ...in more ways than one.<br>
How about taking a little different spin on the idea. If some are outsourcing, those who don't will be considered more elite, more personalized and of better quality. I would imagine that quality medical practices will distinguish themselves in the "market" ( sadly that is what it is now a days) by having excellent, trained and educated radiologists on site to interpret individually. It could work out to his advantage. I certainly would be asking who it was that interpreted my problems and where they practiced... if the answer was India or other.. think there would be a need for another opinion or two.

 

[diablita]

Sorry Colby. I'm sure this is distressing. The trend has been around for a couple of years now, but it is becoming more prevalent. For all of its disadvantages, its not just the reduced cost or idea of oursourcing tht attracts many, it's the fact that if the radiograph is taken today, it can be sent to India to be read overnight, and the result report arrives first thing the next morning.<br><br>
I think I mentioned that one of our good friends is a radiologist. He keeps his eye on the changes this is causing to the specialty, but is not too worried. It's just one more symptom of our sick healthcare system.

 

[Martin]

As usual Diablita is correct.<br><br>
Some of the outsourcing is even done to Australia, so as not to disturb the peace of mind of the patients.

 

[Colby]

I'm a fan of the moving to Costa Rica idea....<br><br>
Things look better now...I mean, DH seems to feel better about life, so that's always good...<br><br><img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[mrscoby78]

{{{Colbyfamily}}}

 

[refinnej10]

<br>
I'm willing to demand that any and all x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds of mine be read by Mr. Colby and only Mr. Colby. Will that help? <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
In reality, I understand the concern/stress - my industry has similar outsourcing trends.<br><br>
You can only do your best and try to position yourself as irreplaceable.

 

[triciaflower]

There may be a company that refuses to outsource. Maybe dh will get on with them? In a very very very pretty place.. like Hawaii?!<br><br>
I think it will all work out. These stresses and bumps in the road always do. You will get through this.

 

[Colby]

<img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
He's pretty amazing at what he does... <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
I guess I just don't understand how you can outsource a doctor, an M.D., to 21 year old guy who took an anatomy class...<br><br>
Oh well. I'm sure it can't go too far...patients my not like the idea...