PACS making radiologists redundant

Auntminnie.com has an article on how PACS may make radiologists redundant in a hospital setting. The basic premise is that since all images are available STAT online, referring doctors can view them immediately and then don't really need to wait for the radiologists' opinions.

As it is orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons and many GI surgeons and urologists don't really care for our reports. Chest physicians are moving in the same direction. Gynecologists and many urologists are starting to perform their own ultrasounds as are a few family physicians.

We have to become good, subspecialized and available. That is the bottomline.