Vorarlberg MRI waits nearly double as referrals rise

Average waits for publicly funded MRI appointments in Vorarlberg have nearly doubled, reaching 36 days, as radiologists say rising referrals and staff shortages are limiting capacity, ORF reported.

A survey by the Market institute for Austria’s social insurance system found that the national average wait fell from 28 to 20 days. Vorarlberg was one of only three states where waits exceeded 30 days; its average rose from 19 days.

Radiologists say they cannot carry out more examinations with their current resources. In Bregenz, the MRI scanner for publicly insured patients is already operating six days a week in two shifts, said Herbert Vonbank, a spokesperson for Vorarlberg’s radiologists. Patrik Fäßler, who runs an MRI institute in Bludenz, said practices were at their limit while trying to manage the volume of referrals.

Both doctors said referrals were increasing, and that patients were also asking for MRI examinations more often. They cited a shortage of qualified staff as another constraint. Fäßler said working conditions had to be good enough to retain employees, adding that staff could not be expected to work around the clock.

State health councillor Martina Rüscher, of the Austrian People’s Party, criticised outpatient providers for not booking any training places in radiologic technology at the fhg health university in Tyrol. Providers that cite staff shortages, she said, should make use of available training and workforce-development options.

Vonbank rejected the criticism, saying radiology practices would hire any available radiologic technologists but were not responsible for students’ training. He and Fäßler called for more part-time training courses for medical assistant professions in Vorarlberg. Sending employees to Tyrol for three years, Fäßler said, was not a practical option for many, who would lose income and leave their families and established lives behind.

Rüscher said the long waits were unacceptable and also questioned how providers displayed waiting times on their websites. Some listings appeared to suggest an appointment was available in about 30 days, while booking a specific examination, such as a knee MRI, could mean waiting around 55 days.

Fäßler said providers already prioritised appointments by urgency and reserved emergency slots, which could make an MRI possible within a few days. Rüscher’s office said a digital booking system and transparent waiting lists could make better use of capacity and help fill appointments that become available at short notice. A social insurance package discussed at federal level, including a transparent waiting list, an approval system and appointment coordination, has been delayed.

The state has offered to discuss additional capacity. Its hospitals are generally prepared to contribute within their capabilities.