Newsletter - 1 April 2008

CRG NEWS LETTER- 1 April 2008

To All CRG Referrers

1. Community Referred Radiology Contract:

The contract has been proceeding smoothly and has generally been well received by our referrers. However our contract with the DHB caps the numbers that we are able to perform, despite an inevitable increase in demand. The most affected examinations are CT Colonography and Gynaecological Ultrasound. All referrals are triaged in terms of indications and urgency. Non-eligible referrals are returned immediately to the referrer. Urgent cases are booked within 5 days. There is however a back-log of non-urgent referrals, and if we are unable to book these cases within 2 months, the requisition forms are returned to the referrer, as per our arrangements with the DHB. We have made representations to the DHB to increase the budget, and are hopeful of progress.

2. Access to Digital Images:

The majority of our referrers, local specialists, and all the local hospitals now have controlled access to our digital imaging archive, and the system is allowing increasing transfer of images to and from the public hospitals. This has been a tremendous boon to patient care throughout the region. If any referrers wish to gain access to their patients' images, please call our IT Department on (03) 379 4689.

3. Fee Adjustment:

Most CRG fees are being increased in line with inflation as from 7^th April. The latest schedule is here. Please note that the Ultrasound Pregnancy surcharge has increased to $50.00, but with existing exclusions continuing.

4. Referral Survey:

We would be very pleased if you would take a few minutes to complete our referrer survey. Your feedback is important to us, and I will certainly respond to any specific issues which you include. There will again be a prize draw for dinner for two at your favourite restaurant.

Kind regards

Tony Young
Managing Radiologist