The average salary offered to recruit radiologists grew by 13% in 2002, according to a survey by Merritt, Hawkins & Associates of Irving, TX.
"The 13% jump this year is a reaction to what has been happening the last several years," said Phillip Miller, MHA's director of communications. "Hospitals and medical groups now see that they must up the ante."
Average income for radiologists rose from $286,000 in 2002 to $317,000 this year. The survey analyzed 2045 search assignments the firm conducted in 46 states from April 1, 2002, through April 1, 2003. It focused on the type of incentives being used to recruit radiologists and other specialists.
The average offer made to recruit radiologists has increased by 41% in the last four years. Physician incentives usually take a while to catch up to the market, Miller said. Although demand has been strong for several years, many employers do not offer significant increases in salaries until it becomes apparent that they must do so to be successful.
Usually, in the past, a ceiling on physician pay has existed. Imaging departments, though, help make up for losses by hospitals and private groups in other areas, so income offers will keep going up, Miller said.
The shortage of specialists keeps driving the trend. Hospitals that cannot attract or keep radiologists will have to close, affecting physicians in different specialty areas and patients. But offsite reading companies, which are also stepping up efforts to attract imagers, may help reverse this trend, Miller said.
