While in other specialties elective services have long been considered the norm and are well accepted by patients, many radiologists still find it difficult to give patients the choice. Now, however, there is increasing movement in the discussion. More and more practices see both an added value for patients and a possibility to generate a contribution margin for the financing of e.g. innovative AI solutions.

The most recent example is Med360°, one of the largest German medical networks, which has decided to offer its patients AI solutions in MRI via elective services for image data analysis (e.g., of cranial regions). Other practices have been offering elective services for some time. The MVZ Radiology Karlsruhe, for example, has gained good experience in the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.

Prof. Henrik Michaely, Medical Director and CEO of the MVZ comments on the development as follows. "It always depends on which patients are offered which services and how well this is explained. We only offer this to those who really benefit from it, and then of course we explain it to them accordingly. It is important that patients understand exactly what we are doing and why. We don't want to make anyone feel insecure or anything like that, but we want to offer patients the best possible radiological service. AI-supported image analysis or volumetry of certain brain areas can contribute to this. In my opinion, this can be done very well within a doctor-patient relationship with responsible patients.

Are you interested in offering elective services in your practice? Contact us and we will be happy to put you in touch with practitioners who have already gained experience.