Las Vegas, NV / Syndication Cloud / January 8, 2026 / ContrastConnect
The radiologist shortage is worsening. In 2025, there were 13 radiologists per 100,000 people in the U.S., with Wyoming, Mississippi, Nevada, and Oklahoma facing the worst of the shortage. Consequently, many imaging centers across the nation are forced to turn patients away from their doors, unable to provide them with the services they need.
However, ContrastConnect and other experts say that remote supervision is the key to improving patient access and reducing clinical backlogs. With the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare (CMS) permanently amending the federal definition of “direct supervision” to allow physicians to be virtually “present” using real-time interactive audiovisual technology, medical facilities now have more options when it comes to staffing.
The Chronic Radiologist Shortage
Independent diagnostic testing facilities and hospitals alike face challenges maintaining compliant supervision amid a worsening radiologist shortage. The demand for imaging services is projected to rise by 4% annually as the population ages, with the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) estimating that individuals 65 years of age and older will account for at least 30% of all imaging appointments each year. However, radiologist and physician availability are stymied by the addition of diagnostic radiology residency programs, which limit staffing positions and exacerbate the nationwide shortage; rural and underserved communities are the hardest hit, and medical facilities in these areas are often forced to delay or cancel appointments altogether, depriving patients of essential diagnostic services.
How 2026 Will Change Things
However, with the CMS’ 2026 Final Rule, supervising physicians can now satisfy the amended definition of “direct supervision” through real-time two-way audiovisual technology, reducing on-site staffing requirements for level 2 diagnostic procedures. Industry experts agree that this new rule carries widespread implications for healthcare, especially in remote locations: with compliant technology in place, a single physician can oversee imaging procedures without having to travel to each site, effectively providing coverage to multiple facilities from one location.
Real-World Applications
The American College of Radiology and the Radiology Business Management Association (RMBA) have both advocated for permanent virtual supervision as a response to these issues, emphasizing that the flexibility enables imaging centers to expand services without requiring additional on-site radiologists.
Those that have adopted the model are already seeing measurable benefits: according to a survey by the RMBA, 30% of these facilities have reported improvements to operations, including fewer exam cancellations, extended service hours into evenings and weekends, and improved response times without impact to patient care. These outcomes point to revenue gains, as virtual supervision allows practices to reliably meet the growing demand for imaging services.
Administrators preparing for the transition to permanent virtual supervision can begin implementation now to refine workflows, train staff, and establish relationships with supervising radiologists before the permanent rule takes effect. Early adoption allows centers to expand patient access and improve efficiency, strengthening their competitive position while maintaining compliance with federal standards.
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