Radiology is an important medical specialty, driven by seemingly limitless technological advances. Several imaging modalities are central to diagnosing and treating various diseases for patients worldwide. Despite changes in the radiology profession because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for imaging services will continue to increase.1 Moving forward, radiology leaders must develop new approaches and strategies to define the pathway. More than 3 years into this pandemic, organizational leaders must continue to meet the rapidly changing scenarios and operational demands in a radiology department. Economic Effects During the height of the pandemic, many outpatient centers canceled elective and nonemergent imaging examinations. One tertiary health care institution reported an 87% reduction in outpatient imaging and a 93% reduction in mammography because of COVID-19.2 Decreasing imaging volumes resulted in decreasing revenues for imaging departments, and hospital personnel faced salary cuts.3 However, some health care organizations took steps to change their practices and financial policies, and as a result, were in a better position financially when the pandemic ended.3 Federal aid also assisted in the recovery, particularly the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act,4 which was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act earmarked $100 billion for hospitals. In addition to these federal provisions and stimulus funding, radiology practice leaders worked to minimize staffing disruptions. Nevertheless, reduced working hours, pay cuts, suspended bonuses, furloughs, and freezes on new staff became semipermanent in some cases.
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