Turnaround Times in Imaging Test Results Back on Track

After several months of solution implementation, turnaround times in almost every category of imaging at MyMichigan Health have returned to expected levels.

“We know this has been a long and frustrating road for our patients and staff, but we are now on the other side thanks to an ‘all hands on deck’ commitment to resolve the issue,” said Lydia Watson, M.D., president and CEO, MyMichigan Health. “We extend a special thank you to our imaging leadership and staff, physicians, patient relations, access staff, HIM and many others who helped us establish a solution and communicate closely with our patients and address their concerns.”

A nationwide shortage of radiologists reported earlier this year by the American College of Radiology hit close to home as MyMichigan Health patients experienced delays in their imaging results. The Midland-based health system developed a portfolio of solutions to help decrease wait times and was able to mitigate the delay.

“It wasn’t just one solution but several that was needed to streamline the imaging process and get us back on track,” said Dr. Watson. “We added four radiologists to read for MyMichigan, with a priority on our oncology patients. An additional provider was also assigned to read bone density tests. In addition, we established a process to send next appointment dates to our imaging partner to ensure reads were completed prior to the patients next appointment. We believe that we should be able to maintain this level going forward, dependent upon our imaging partner’s ability to stay current.”

Current imaging delays seen at MyMichigan’s new member locations in Saginaw, Standish and Tawas that joined the health system August 1, 2024, are currently being worked on through integration and improvement plans.

“We’re aware that our newest members in Saginaw, Standish and Tawas are seeing a similar delay in obtaining imaging results. Much of this is a ripple effect from the cyberattack Ascension experienced this summer. While these facilities have a different contracted imaging partner, we are working through the issue as we speak. We’ll get these areas handled just as we did the others,” said Dr. Watson. “I can’t say it enough. The delays our patients experienced was unacceptable and, to be very frank, embarrassing. Our patients deserve nothing but excellence from us so we are really very pleased we could improve these services as quickly as possible and we intend for it to stay this way."