Survey of After-Hours Coverage of Emergency Department Imaging Studies by US Academic Radiology Departments

Purpose: The aim of this study was to document how academic radiology departments cover emergency department radiologic services after hours. Methods: Program directors of neuroradiology fellowship programs were invited to participate in a web-based survey addressing how their radiology departments covered after-hours emergency department studies. Results: A total of 67 separate institutional responses were obtained from 96 institutions, for a 70% response rate. Seventy-three percent of programs (49 of 67) reported providing exclusively preliminary interpretations on emergency department reports for some overnight hours. Only 27% of respondents (18 of 67) said that they provided 24-hour real-time staff coverage. Among those who provided around-the-clock staff coverage, 72% (13 of 18) did so with dedicated emergency department sections. Only 2 respondents offered 24-hour subspecialty staff coverage. Emergency departments and hospital administrators were noted as the most frequent drivers of these changes. Conclusions: Academic radiology departments vary widely in how they cover after-hours emergency department examinations. A number have recently expanded their hours of coverage under institutional pressures.