AWAI B2B SPEC ASSIGNMENT
24/7 Support of Diagnostic Ultrasound Leads to Better Patient Outcomes
A Special Report for Healthcare Professionals
Ultrasound247
Executive Summary
Medical and veterinary professionals have come to rely on ultrasound to accurately assess the condition of their human and animal patients. A correct diagnosis, achieved in a timely fashion, leads to proper and prompt treatment. In the case of an emergency, time is of the essence, and treatment can be a matter of life or death.
There are numerous ultrasound manufacturers in the market today. They provide a wide range of options to meet a variety of needs. Portability, image quality, durability, versatility and cost are just some of the important considerations in product selection.
Ultrasound diagnosis is only as good as interpretation of the results. Medical situations are often challenging, where a patient’s status may be changing rapidly, and it may be difficult to spend the time to get additional scans. There may be uncertainty regarding identification of the problem if the condition is rare and/or has not been encountered by the diagnostician. Verification by a medical specialist, at the time of testing, can greatly aid in making the right diagnosis, leading to improved patient outcomes.
| Ultrasound diagnosis is only as good as interpretation of the results. |
Ultrasound Has Become a Trusted Diagnostic Procedure
The practice of medicine has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past several decades. Laboratory analysis, X-ray, biopsy, endoscopy, and various types of scans are now routinely used as diagnostic procedures and are widely available at most healthcare facilities. Busy healthcare professionals must quickly determine which tests are likely to provide useful data for an individual patient. They then must become proficient at sorting through and interpreting these test results. The volume of available information can seem overwhelming.
Ultrasound scanning, or sonography, has routinely been used in medicine since the 1970s. By using high-frequency sound waves, ultrasound equipment can produce excellent images of organs such as the heart, kidney, liver, or pancreas. It is also used to detect blood flow blockages or to monitor pregnancy. The procedure is safe, painless, and can be completed in a matter of minutes. Because of these advantages, ultrasound has become a mainstay of diagnosis.1
Veterinary medicine has also incorporated ultrasound into their diagnostic routines. Advances in the technology and size and types of equipment allow for more routine use of this tool to quickly assess the status of an animal and determine an action plan.2
Small and Large Manufacturers Provide Options in Ultrasound Selection
There are relatively few ultrasound manufacturers, each striving to fill various niches within the market. Many of the large manufacturers have several models available spanning a wide range of prices. Smaller companies tend to focus on portability and affordability. Still other manufacturers focus on models specifically designed for various types and sizes of animals. Selection of an ultrasound system may be based on the following factors:
- Brand Loyalty – Practitioners may have trained on a specific unit and may be familiar with its various features. Some companies have been manufacturing machines for decades and have attained a certain perception of dependability.
- Application – Some machines are designed specifically for obstetrics/gynecology, cardiology, vascular or general imaging. Many manufacturers support numerous application settings.
- Portability – Stationary models require that the patient/animal be brought to the machine. Smaller models are designed to be brought to the patient/animal. Some manufacturers have created hand-held and tablet-sized versions.
- Price – Cost is based on the various features of the model. Purchasers should consider the trade-off between absolute necessity vs. nice-to-have individual features. Top-of-the-line premium systems with ultrafast processing speeds, enhanced image resolution, larger screen sizes and multiple probes can run as much as $200,000. More basic models can start at $10,000. Numerous companies offer used machines for purchase.3
Correct Interpretation of Ultrasound Can Be Challenging
There is no doubt that the use of ultrasound has resulted in better detection of disease, shorter hospital stays and reduced overall costs; however, training and education in its use has been inconsistent. There is a lack of formal instruction, guidelines and standardized accreditation. Practitioners may largely learn on-the-job, with techniques varying across each healthcare system.4
Ultrasound specialists have acknowledged that there are some gaps in the training that students obtain in medical school. They must be taught to recognize the role of ultrasound in the physical examination, its limitations, and its appropriate application. While stressing that education in ultrasound should be incorporated into medical school curriculum, there is the realization on the part of specialists that not all programs will be alike. In addition, becoming adept at interpreting scans takes hours of hands-on practice and experience by the user.5,6
| Training and education in the use of ultrasound has been inconsistent. |
Couple the possible lack of expertise in interpreting ultrasound scans with the chaotic environment of a medical situation necessitating rapid action and it is easy to see how healthcare professionals may feel challenged by the circumstances. There may be pressure to rush to judgment in order to promptly initiate treatment.
Telemedicine Is Helping Fill Gaps in Patient Care and Can Be Cost-Effective
Telemedicine services arose out of the need of hospitals and healthcare delivery systems to expand access to care, increase efficiencies and improve quality. Patients not geographically located near high-quality medical facilities can be evaluated without excessive travel and inconvenience. The supply of medical experts is limited, and they can be tough to attract and retain. Clinical support, through collaboration with remote medical specialists, can be provided on-site. Proper diagnosis may be obtained earlier in disease progression, when easier to treat. Follow-ups can be undertaken more routinely. These consultations can take the form of phone communication, videoconferencing, and/or sharing of databases and tools. Many of these encounters can be done in real-time.7
Studies are showing that telemedicine can save costs. Patients can save travel costs. Less time taken to travel can mean less lost wages. Telehealth appointments cost about half the normal cost of a physician visit. For the healthcare facility, busy clinicians can interact with more patients.8 Improved outcomes lead to reductions in length of stay.9 Care can be diverted from more costly settings, such as the emergency room (ER). Hospitals are conducting their own studies to evaluate cost savings from telehealth. For example, Frederick Memorial Hospital in Frederick, Maryland instituted a telehealth program in 2016 for chronic care patients living at home. They are reporting positive outcomes of reduction in ER visits by half, reduced hospitalizations by 90% and reductions in cost of care by more than 50%. They are now expanding the program to more patients.10
Telemedicine for Ultrasound Can Help Fill the Gap in Diagnostic Expertise and Is Cost-Effective
Recently, telemedicine services for ultrasound have been helping to fill the gap in clinical expertise in interpretation of results. This can take several forms. Many newer ultrasound machines come equipped with protocols for scanning that can be saved and/or reference images that can be used for comparison. Additionally, some units have the capability to send images over a wireless network to a medical facility or a specialist (scan coaching). This specialist guidance, when available, can enable the medical professional to quickly and confidently reach a diagnosis. One study evaluating a handheld cardiac ultrasound unit used by family physicians, with remote support from experts, concluded that even cardiac abnormalities could be rapidly diagnosed, thereby reducing the need for further cardiac studies.11 Some studies suggest that increased use of ultrasound in the physical examination of selected patients might promote superior decision making.12
Salaries for medical professionals are one of the largest expenses of a healthcare facility. These facilities can confidently staff with more general practitioners at a lower salary knowing that help from a specialist is available at the push of a button, day or night. There is no need for more expensive specialists to be available on-site. In addition, quicker, more accurate diagnoses mean that more patients can be seen.13
Average Annual Physician Compensation
| Physician Specialty | Average Annual Compensation |
| Family Medicine | $231,000 |
| Internal Medicine | $243,000 |
| OB/Gyn | $303,000 |
| Emergency Medicine | $353,000 |
| Radiology | $419,000 |
| Cardiology | $430,000 |
| Orthopedics | $482,000 |
| Salaries for medical professionals are one of the largest expenses of a healthcare facility. |
24/7 Support and Verification of Ultrasound Diagnosis is Crucial to Improved Patient Care
Expert input from specialists is often needed outside of normal working hours. Real-time consultation, conducted while the diagnostician is actively performing the ultrasound, provides the ultimate level of guidance. Imagine the power of having immediate feedback, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in any time zone. It’s now possible. This collaboration can be requested on the spot, regardless of the setting, whether it be at the healthcare facility, in an ambulance, the patient’s home, or even a barn.
A validated diagnosis means that treatment decisions can then be made quickly and with confidence. This can be crucial in an emergency. Below are just a couple of the many testimonials we have received regarding on-demand ultrasound coaching.
“Having immediate access to an ultrasound consultation has made all the difference with a number of urgent cases in my practice. I can honestly say that more than once, having an instant coach was a life-saving benefit for patients in our care.”
–Dr. Julie Impressed, Yourtown Internal Medicine Associates
| A validated diagnosis means that treatment decisions can be made more quickly and with confidence. |
“The doctors in our practice are now making more confident assessments, with a quicker turn-around time. We have reduced our patient wait times by half. On-demand ultrasound consultation has greatly increased the efficiency of our staff.”
-Dr. John Pleased, Director of Community Healthcare Facility
Conclusions
Busy healthcare professionals are often called upon to make rapid diagnosis and treatment decisions. Lack of experience in using ultrasound can make this a challenging goal to attain.
On-demand ultrasound consultation with remote specialists can fill the knowledge gap. Availability of 24-7 coaching helps prevent additional scans and tests, leads to faster case resolution and frees up resources to attend to more patients.
Quicker ultrasound diagnoses, 100% verified, can save lives, improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Ultrasound247 stands ready to help you achieve those objectives.
| Quicker ultrasound diagnosis = improved health outcomes and reduced costs |
About Ultrasound247
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Ultrasound247 was founded by a group of ultrasound specialists with many combined years of patient diagnostic experience. Leadership includes two medical doctors and two veterinarians who are committed to serving patients of any kind. Ultrasound247’s global network includes over 4,000 professional consultants. Several model options are available to fill every need.
For more information please visit: www.ultrasound247.com.
References
- Carovac, Aladin et al. “Application of ultrasound in medicine.” Acta informatica medica : AIM : journal of the Society for Medical Informatics of Bosnia & Herzegovina : casopis Drustva za medicinsku informatiku BiH vol. 19,3 (2011): 168-71.
- Medan, Mohamed S, et al. “Advances in Ultrasonography and its Applications in Domestic Ruminants and Other Farm Animals Reproduction.” Journal of Advanced Research 2 (2010): 123-128.
- KPI Healthcare Inc. 2019. Buyer’s Guides. Ultrasound. https://www.kpihealthcare.com/guides/. Accessed November 12, 2019.
- Cocciardi S, et al. “Ultrasonography in Hospitalized Patients.” Hospital Medicine Clinics 6 (2017): 593-605.
- Baltarowich OH, et al. “National Ultrasound Curriculum for Medical Students.” Ultrasound Quarterly 30 (2014): 13-19.
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Guidelines. Recommended Curriculum Guidelines for Family Medicine Residents. Point of Care Ultrasound. 2018 https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/medical_education_residency/program_directors/Reprint290D_POCUS.pdf. Accessed November 12, 2019.
- Alvandi, Maryam. “Telemedicine and its Role in Revolutionizing Healthcare Delivery.” The American Journal of Accountable Care 10 Mar. 2017: e1-e5.
- Sweeney, Evan. “Telemedicine Saves Patients Time and Money, Study Shows.” Fierce Healthcare 15 Sep. 2017 <fiercehealthcare.com>. Accessed November 8, 2019.
- “Tele-ICU Programs – The Benefits to Critical Care Teams.” Interview with Advanced ICU Care’s Chief Medical Officer S. Ram Srinivasan, MD. The Journal of mHealth 12 Sep. 2019 <thejournaofmhealth.com>. Accessed November 8, 2019.
- Wicklund, Eric. “Hospital’s Telehealth Program Reduces ER Visits, Treatment Costs.” mHealth Intelligence 25 Jan. 2019 <mhealthintelligence.com>. Accessed November 8, 2019.
- Evangelista, A, et al. “Hand-held Cardiac Ultrasound Screening Performed by Family Doctors with Remote Expert Support Interpretation”. Heart 5 (2016): 376-382.
- Narula, J, et al. “Time to Add a Fifth Pillar to Bedside Physical Examination: Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, and Insonation.” JAMA Cardiology 4 (2018): 346-350.
- Kane, Leslie. WebMD LLC. “Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2019.” 10 April 2019. <medscape.com>. Accessed November 14, 2019.
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- You know that ultrasound diagnosis is only as good as the interpretation. Inexperienced, stressed doctors can be challenged to quickly complete a patient assessment. This often leads to incorrect diagnosis, repeat scans or additional tests. Not an efficient system.
- Busy healthcare facilities need to improve patient outcomes while reducing professional staffing costs. Ultrasound247’s new special report describes how.
- Ultrasound 247 provides a meaningful solution for obtaining quick, accurate ultrasound diagnosis. Treatment plans can be promptly implemented, freeing the doctor to move on to the next patient. Ultrasound247 also provides coaching for veterinarians.
Questions about our new special report or Ultrasound247? Visit www.ultrasound247.com or click here to speak to an ultrasound specialist.
Subject Line: Better Diagnostic Accuracy Prevents Additional Ultrasound Scans
Message: Improve Patient Outcomes and Save Costs
Dear Healthcare Provider,
Is it possible to ensure that every diagnostic ultrasound is interpreted correctly? The first time; every time? Freeing up physicians and veterinarians to see more patients? Getting the right treatment to patients in a timely manner?
There’s nothing more frustrating than having to run additional tests to determine the correct diagnosis of a critically ill patient. As the minutes tick by, inexperienced, stressed staff may be rushing around, feeling pressured to come to judgment. Unfortunately, an incorrect diagnosis may be more devastating than no diagnosis. In addition, more medical testing increases costs for everyone.
Ultrasound247 provides the solution to these problems. Their system ensures a diagnosis that is fast, accurate, verified and validated.
Dr. John Pleased of Community Healthcare Facility says,
“The doctors in our practice are now making more confident assessments, with a quicker turn-around time. We have reduced our patient wait times by half.
Let us show you how “24/7 Support of Diagnostic Ultrasound Leads to Better Patient Outcomes” by signing up for our free report. A correct diagnosis, made in a timely fashion, is crucial to improved patient outcomes. Click for Your Free Report Now.
Let us help you,
Ultrasound247 Leadership Team
P.S. Don’t wait to start improving the efficiencies of your healthcare facility. Give your staff the confidence they need to make the right ultrasound diagnosis. Start reading our free report right away.
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