EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Virtual Radiologic (vRad), a national radiology practice and developer of imaging technology, has acquired Diagnostic Imaging, Inc., a Pennsylvania- and New Jersey-based radiology practice that has served the greater Philadelphia area for the past 35 years.
The practice will continue to operate under the Diagnostic Imaging Inc. (DII) name and retain local physician leadership, while joining the national vRad Radiology Alliance network of radiologists. As a vRad Alliance member, officials say DII's hospitals and patients will benefit from:
- vRad's next-generation technology platform, which offers increased efficiencies in radiologist workflow
- 24/7/365 clinical and operational support
- quality assurance programs
- the shared expertise of more than 400 radiologists spanning all radiology subspecialties
- enhanced communication tools for hospitals and ordering physicians
[See also: Radiologists shouldn't shy away from meaningful use.]
DII is a 60-radiologist practice serving 16 hospitals and imaging centers in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey metropolitan areas. DII has grown to be the largest private-practice radiology group serving these communities.
"Since starting in 1975, DII has become the leading radiology group in the Philadelphia area," said Bruce Lehrman, MD, president of DII. "As a leader, we recognize the need to continually find more efficient ways to deliver quality, service and value to our hospitals, referring physicians and patients."
[See also: Radiology technology expected to grow.]
"The vRad Alliance program provides DII with innovative technology infrastructure and unparalleled clinical and operational support," added Eli Dweck, MD, DII's Medical Director. "We are excited to join vRad as its newest alliance member, forging a partnership that will transform radiology as we adapt to the changing healthcare environment."
"Working with our radiology practice partners and clients to deliver technology solutions has enabled us to deliver value-added clinical and operational support in a challenging healthcare market," said Rob Kill, vRad President and CEO. "As the healthcare delivery system evolves, we see growing demands to expand access, improve quality and reduce costs through technology-driven efficiencies. Partnerships like these extend our long-standing commitment to enable local practices to enhance delivery of innovative radiology services."
[See also: vRad to acquire NightHawk.]
Officials note that DII is the latest in vRad's radiology practice partnerships. New York Radiology Alliance, a 60-radiologist practice serving 12 hospitals and 30 other imaging centers and clinics in the greater New York metropolitan area, joined the vRad Alliance in August 2010 and has improved service efficiency and growth.
"We are looking forward to having the DII physicians join our national practice network," said Kill. "We value their on-site presence, and are excited to invest in this Alliance partnership."
