Vital Signs - November 2006

Desert Radiologists

New CEO Takes Over Growing Company

by Liz Gamble

Bill Moore recently took over the reins of Desert Radiologists, which has a 41-year history in Nevada. Rather than dwelling on the firm’s past successes, however, the new CEO looks forward to the challenge of leading the imaging company into the future.

With five outpatient centers throughout the Las Vegas Valley and contracts to provide in-house diagnostic service to five hospitals, Desert Radiologists has grown with Southern Nevada’s population and now performs more than a million procedures annually. Its services have also expanded with medicine’s technological advances; today, the company offers technologies ranging from CAT Scans and MRIs to pediatric radiology, mammography and ultrasounds, as well as nuclear medicine, dental CTs and other imaging services.

It’s that diversity of services and contracts with hospitals that Moore believes will protect Desert Radiologists from the effects of what he sees as the greatest challenge facing his industry – the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA). Scheduled to take effect in January, 2007, the Medicare Reform portion of the DRA calls for payments for medical imaging services in a physician’s office or imaging center to be capped at a rate not to exceed the rate paid to a hospital outpatient department. “The implementation of this act could reduce reimbursement by as much as 75 percent,” said Moore. “Smaller imaging companies could be forced to close, and more devastatingly, it could prevent seniors from getting lifesaving diagnostic tests.”

Secure in its position as the largest imaging company in Nevada, Desert Radiologists recently further expanded its foothold with the announcement of an agreement to provide radiology coverage for Mesa View Regional Hospital in Mesquite. Under the agreement, which took effect on September 15, 2006, Desert Radiologists provides interpretation of diagnostic images, which examines how the body is functioning, as well as interventional radiology support, which works to make changes in the body by using electromagnetic or particulate radiation to treat disease.

“We’ve been offering diagnostic services for more than 40 years and providing hospital coverage for the same amount of time. Our vision calls for a continuation of the same quality services beyond the Las Vegas Valley, growing the company throughout the entire state of Nevada,” said Moore. As part of its growth plan, Desert Radiologists is committed to continuing to give back to the community through such programs as its participation in Breast Screening Month and its care for indigent patients.

Moore leads more than 250 employees, including 40 board-certified radiologists and specialized technicians.

Moore knows and understands the for-profit side of healthcare operations. Prior to joining Desert Radiologists, he served as senior vice president of operations for the western region of US Oncology, Inc. located in Houston, Texas. He also held the positions of CEO for Lake Mead Hospital Medical Center (now North Vista Hospital) in North Las Vegas, COO for Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center in Las Vegas and COO for Lakeside Hospital in Metairie, La.