iRADiX

How easy or how difficult is to run a diagnostic center?? Any idea??

Everybody says that Radiologists are the luckiest among the Medical Profession and it is assumed by our Non radiologist friends that Radiologists make a lot of money without much sweat whether working for somebody or running own diagnostic center. .Nothing is far from the truth.

Some of the Radiologists as soon as they successfully complete their course may want to start independent diagnostic center.

The center can just have one Ultrasound machine initially with two receptionists and two helpers in the beginning

Not many problems initially faced by the radiologist and running of the center is a smooth affair.

Once the radiologist starts thinking of expansion either due to severe competition going on in the market or because of customers demanding... add on facilities…….. the problems start one by one.

So as the idea of starting a full fledged center crops up…. more and more machinery are added besides the Ultrasound machine.( the machines include, Digital xray,CT,MRI,,Complete lab equipments, Mammogram, PFT,EEG ,Nerve conduction test ,Endoscopy etc.)

Present day setting up of a diagnostic center is not as simple as one may think .Gone are the days when one was very comfortable by enjoying a decent profit...

Of all the things in life, it is the uncertainty of the future that is the most perplexing to the human beings. We try to gauge the future though scientific and non-scientific means and hedge our forecasts using the terms probability or likelihood or some other jargon. Still, it is the wait that gnaws our heart, doesn’t let us sleep peacefully and makes us prone to panic attacks.

As Radiologists we are the masters of forecasting. A look at a scan and we decide how much longer a person may live, whether he can be cured or what are his chances of having a normal life. We use our imperfect knowledge and imperfect tests to determine someone’s fate. But imperfect tests are all we have, however might a layperson clamor for simple yes-no answers from us.

So often the anticipation of joy turns into fear of unknown, because of our imperfect ways to predict future.

While a resident you are well protected by an armour of your professor, other departmental consultants and your colleagues. You are doing every thing automatically, almost in a carefree manner unmindful of any untoward events which may startle you at times when you are totally unprepared. When you leave this environment, join some hospital or a private practice you are on your own. Totally vulnerable, you imagine contrast reactions occurring, getting sued for wrong reports and derogatory comments of your rivals in the profession.