Allied Health is essential, yet it often operates under unique conditions that differ from those in nursing. Demand for specialized healthcare services continues to rise, which makes understanding the dynamics of Allied Health more important than ever.
In a Market Moves webinar hosted by Medical Solutions, experts Allison Chen, Rebecca Mollak, and Matt Neel provide an in-depth look at this distinctive landscape. Their insights, based on a combined 44 years of experience in the field, highlight the unique challenges and opportunities hospital executives face in this sector.
By exploring current trends, practical strategies, and future outlooks, Chen, Mollak, and Neel aim to guide health leaders to optimize their staffing, improve patient care, and stay ahead in a competitive landscape.
The 4 Pillars of Allied Health
Allied Health encompasses a wide range of specialties essential to healthcare but distinct from nursing. These specialties are divided into four main divisions:
- Cardiopulmonary: This division includes respiratory therapists and specialists such as dietitians and EKG technicians. Matt Neal explains, “Cardiopulmonary services are critical, especially with the increasing focus on non-invasive procedures that require expert respiratory care.”
- Imaging: The largest division, covering CT scans, MRI, X-rays, and more. “Imaging services are the backbone of diagnostic medicine,” Matt notes. “The demand here remains consistently high due to advancements in medical technology.”
- Laboratory Services: This includes medical technologists, phlebotomists, and other lab professionals who play a crucial role behind the scenes. Rebecca points out, “The consolidation of lab services into central hubs has affected demand but also streamlined many processes.”
- Rehabilitation Therapy: This encompasses physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists. Allison Chen highlights, “Rehabilitation therapy has seen a steady rise in demand, particularly with the aging population requiring more post-acute care.”
What’s Driving Demand for Allied?
Several factors are driving the increased need for Allied Health professionals, influenced by demographic shifts, technological advancements, and changes in healthcare delivery models:
- Aging Population: As people live longer, they require more medical care. “Increased life expectancy means more surgeries and long-term care needs,” says Allison.
- Medical Advancements: New treatments and technologies boost demand, especially in Imaging and Rehabilitation. Matt states, “Advancements in health screenings and non-invasive surgeries are particularly driving the need for skilled Imaging professionals.”
- Lab Services Consolidation: Some hospitals centralize lab services, affecting demand in specific areas. Rebecca notes, “Large hospital systems are shifting to central lab hubs, which has slightly reduced demand for lab technicians in individual hospitals.”
Balancing Demand vs. Supply
Although there might be a general perception that demand is decreasing, certain specialties are still in high demand. For example, CT technologists, sonographers, and respiratory therapists are still very much needed, which affects the availability of these professionals. “While some areas see a dip, Imaging and respiratory therapy remain highly sought after,” said Matt. “This creates a strain on supply, making recruitment more challenging.”
The Economic Impact on Bill Rates
Supply and demand also heavily influence bill rates. High demand for Imaging professionals keeps bill rates elevated, while lab services have seen more stable rates as their demand levels out. “Imaging rates have decreased slightly but remain high due to persistent demand,” Matt observed. “In contrast, lab services are experiencing a return to pre-pandemic rates.”
Overcoming Licensing Challenges
We can’t forget that licensing requirements differ significantly by state, adding more complexity to staffing. For instance, California has stringent rules, making it harder to find qualified professionals quickly. This is where Medical Solutions assists in navigating these challenges. “Understanding and managing these licensing nuances is crucial for timely staffing,” explained Allison. “Our credentialing team excels in this area, helping streamline the process for our clients.”
Strategies for Success
To manage staffing effectively, Chen, Mollak, and Neel advise these strategic approaches:
- Planning and Strategy: Work closely with your account managers to forecast and plan for future staffing needs. Allison advises, “Proactive planning with your account manager can make a significant difference in managing staffing requirements.”
- Traveler-Friendly Culture: Create a welcoming environment for traveling clinicians to improve job satisfaction. Rebecca emphasizes, “Creating a traveler-friendly culture is key to retaining top talent.”
- Speed to Market: Expedite your interview and hiring processes to secure top talent swiftly. “Speed is crucial,” Matt stresses. “The faster you can move through the hiring process, the better your chances of securing high-demand professionals.”
What Lies Ahead for Allied Health?
Looking ahead, Allied Health will continue to evolve due to more demographic changes, technological advancements, and shifting healthcare practices. Hospital executives should stay proactive and leverage the expertise of a healthcare talent ecosystem like Medical Solutions to navigate these changes effectively. “Staying ahead of trends and being adaptable will be essential,” says Allison.
If you need more support or would like to continue the conversation, feel free to complete this contact form and reach out to Medical Solutions.
