Are you finding that your radiology group has contracted for after-hours teleradiology service with a company that may attempt to steal the very client you hired them to provide assistance with? It’s becoming less of a rare occurrence. Here are three ways to guard against teleradiology putting your business out of work.
#1. Have non-compete/non-preditorial provisions in the contract with the Teleradiology vendor.
Example: for a period of two (2) years from the termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever, neither party shall in any way, directly or indirectly, for itself or on behalf of or in conjunction with any other person, partnership, firm or corporation, solicit for employment, seek to hire, or hire any employee or contractor of the other party, whether as an employee or an independent contractor.
#2. Understand the teleradiology financial backing.
Public and investor (venture capitalists for example) owned teleradiology companies are under intense pressure to grow their investment. When more than 80% of radiology reads are during daytime hours, where will their growth occur once they have maximized their after-hours potential?
#3. Know the values the teleradiology company exhibits.
Radiologist-owned teleradiology companies might be more respectful of their peers. However, to truly understand the teleradiology company’s values, you need to do some homework. How long have they been in business? How long have their clients remained with them (reputation). Speak with multiple departments of multiple clients of the teleradiology company. Ask for the raw feedback provided through surveys of clients conducted with anonymity. How accessible are their staff, radiologists, President?
Bottom-line: Trust is established through transparency reinforced by consistent personal contact.