In a Choice Between AI and a Radiology Extender, Choose AI

Despite recent evidence that physician extenders can streamline radiology workflow and reduce turnaround times, radiologists should rely more on artificial intelligence (AI) for assistance than non-physician providers (NPP), a group of industry experts has said. In an editorial published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, a team of experts, led by Daniel Ortiz, M.D., with Summit Radiology in Georgia, pointed to the several benefits of AI – not only do the tools save money and streamline workflow, but they will not encroach on a radiologist's responsibilities. For these reasons, they said, radiologists should forego giving physician extenders – the nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other providers who take on some of a provider's duties – full practice authority. "Although labor costs have been reduced and radiologists can focus more on complex imaging studies and interventional procedures, there are unintended consequences of non-physician practitioners in practice that could diminish physician's role as healthcare providers," the group wrote. "Therefore, we encourage radiologists to consider an alternative to non-physician practitioners in radiology: the incorporation of rapidly evolving artificial intelligence algorithms into daily practice." Their concern was spawned by a recently passed Georgia law that allows advanced practice registered nurses to order CR, MRI, and other imaging exams under certain circumstances.