New recommendations for improving medical imaging processes in BC’s Lower Mainland will significantly reduce administrative burdens for physicians. Once implemented, these recommendations will include health authorities taking responsibility for the management of medical imaging appointments, such as X-rays and MRIs, instead of physicians’ offices. This will support a reduction of approximately 180,000 hours (or 7,500 days) that physicians spend on administrative tasks related to medical imaging appointments each year. In addition to reducing administrative burdens for physicians and teams, these recommendations will benefit patients by supporting increased healthcare system efficiency.
Reducing burdens and increasing health care system efficiency
The recommendations were developed by the Administrative Burdens Working Group (ABWG), which includes physicians and representatives from Doctors of BC, the Ministry of Health, Health Authorities, and Health Quality BC (HQBC). Exploring ways to improve processes relating to medical imaging appointments, specifically in the Lower Mainland, is one of the ABWG's three target areas identified in the PMA (Physician Master Agreement), along with forms and processes related to BC Cancer and Special Authority.
Interviews were conducted with referring and receiving physicians, health authority operational staff, patients and Ministry of Health representatives during the review process. The ABWG found that physicians and their office staff interacted with patients between four and six times while managing a single medical imaging appointment. Health authorities taking ownership of the management of the imaging process will save considerable time and work for community physicians and their staff.
The medical imaging recommendations encompass three key areas:
- Responsibility and ownership of the process
- Appointment notifications
- Technical solutions
Next steps
The Ministry of Health has shared the recommendations with the impacted health authorities and will determine the best implementation approach. Doctors of BC will be involved in the implementation phase to ensure the physician perspective is incorporated into any changes and adjustments and will keep members updated on this work.
More information
Doctors of BC negotiated the ABWG as part of the 2022 Physician Master Agreement to help reduce administrative burdens for physicians in their practices.
For more detailed information on the medical imaging recommendations and Doctors of BC’s ongoing advocacy work to address administrative burdens, visit our dedicated Administrative Burdens webpage. If you have any questions about the recommendations, please contact us.
