​2024 has been a transformative year for radiology business management. From rapid advancements in technology to shifting payment models, practices are under pressure to adapt strategically to remain competitive and financially sustainable. With deep expertise in healthcare business management, Regents is positioned to help radiology practices navigate these complex trends, enabling them to focus on delivering quality patient care. Below, we review the major trends of 2024 and provide insight into where healthcare management is headed in 2025.

​Negotiation is a critical skill for radiology practices, given the complex and evolving healthcare landscape. Effective negotiation can help practices secure better contracts, improve compensation, and enhance working conditions. This blog explores why negotiation is necessary and outlines key strategies to achieve successful outcomes.

Derek Hunley, the new Assistant Vice President at Regents, brings over 25 years of healthcare business experience, including nearly 15 years in outpatient radiology. ​Derek started his career in healthcare finance at a large regional bank, eventually transitioning to GE Capital. There, he developed financing structures for healthcare real estate and physician practice projects and developed a passion for business development in healthcare. “I’ve always had a numbers and business mindset,” Derek shares. ​

By: Bri Driggers and Juan Arredondo

In our final webinar of the Outpatient-Based Lab (OBL) series, Regents’ industry experts Raif Erim and Sheila Sferrella sat down with attorney Ken Davis to discuss the legal and financial implications of owning and operating an OBL or Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC).

This session covered hot topics such as splitting Interventional Radiologists (IR) from a group, what issues to consider before enrolling with Medicare, and more.

By: Juan Arredondo and Bri Driggers

When considering the establishment of an outpatient-based lab (OBL) or a freestanding Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), it is crucial to consider the nuances and challenges associated with each along with regulatory and compliance issues. 

This blog post summarizes the points discussed in our webinar about the key factors that drive the decision-making process, such as procedure requirements, ownership models, reimbursement structures, regulations, staffing, and equipment. Additionally, we will explore the differences in patient experiences between ASCs and OBLs.

​"I think lifelong learning and mentoring has been my quest," Sheila Sferrella claims.
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Sheila's passion for education and drive to learn new things have served her well over her 40-plus-year career in radiology. She trained as a radiology tech at the University of Maryland and joined the University of Maryland Medical System after graduation. By day, she spent most of her time performing neuro CT, MR, and interventional radiology procedures. However, when she wasn't working, she found the time to earn an MBA from Johns Hopkins. 

“I approach everything I do first with a data-driven mindset,” Raif Erim, the Executive Vice President of Strategy for RCCS and Regents, explains. “And then with ‘okay, what are we really trying to accomplish?’ To me, it’s all about problem-solving.”
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Raif credits this strategic mindset to the success of his career so far and intends to lean into it as the recent merger between RCCS and Regents redefines his role. Of course, his adaptability and willingness to take on new roles have also helped him get to where he is today. 

By: Juan Arredondo and Bri Driggers

In part three of our free webinar series, Regulatory & Compliance Issues, RCCS President Melody W. Mulaik took the lead to discuss the nuances and challenges of opening and operating an outpatient-based IR lab (OBL) from a regulatory and compliance viewpoint. In this online webinar, Raif Erim and Sheila Sferrella joined her to discuss valid points for those considering an OBL versus an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). 
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This blog summarizes the important points mentioned in the online webinar such as advantages and disadvantages from a compliance standpoint, reimbursement differences, documentation, tax requirements, and much more. Learn why now is a critical time to consider OBL opportunities in the market.

By: Juan Arredondo and Bri Driggers

Thinking of opening an Outpatient-Based Lab (OBL)? There are a few things you should consider prior to investing time and capital in the set-up process. The online webinar we held this month, “How to set up an OBL,“ answers questions related to this topic and covers several important notes you may not have previously thought about. 
The experts at Regents have over 25 years of experience improving performance, positioning, and consulting healthcare organizations for success. During the webinar, Regents Executive Vice Presidents Raif Erim and Sheila Sferrella used their expertise in the industry to answer the following questions relating to OBLs:

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