Interventional radiology (IR) has continued to grow as a distinct, clinically oriented specialty, according to a new study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR).
Led by Luke R Wilkins (University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia) and colleagues, the study found that, from 2008 to 2023, the number of radiologists reporting that they spent greater than 90% of their time performing IR-related work nearly doubled from 4.1% in 2008 to 8.8% in 2023. Among radiologists with any IR-related work, the percentage with majority (greater than 50%) being IR-related workload increased from 12.6% in 2008 to 18.5% in 2023.
“This analysis shows that IR is not only growing—it is maturing,” said Saher S Sabri, president of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) and interventional radiologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, USA. “What we’re seeing is the impact of IR becoming a primary specialty with its own residency programme on real-world practice patterns, with more radiologists building careers centred on IR’s unique combination of imaging expertise, procedural skill and clinical patient management.”
“As more interventional radiologists complete residency training and focus their practices on image-guided, minimally invasive treatments and direct patient care, we are demonstrating that IR is a specialty aligned with the needs of modern medicine: targeted therapies, faster recovery and care that meets patients where they are,” Sabri said.
The study, ‘Trends in the concentration of interventional radiology work among radiologists in the united states: Analysis of Medicare claims data, 2008–2023,” analysed Medicare claims from a 5% sample of fee-for-service beneficiaries and included 476,688 radiologist-years representing 46,533 unique radiologists. Researchers classified radiologists by the proportion of their workload made up of IR-related services, including procedures and evaluation and management services.
“The findings point to an important milestone in IR’s evolution from subspecialty to primary specialty,” said Wilkins. “We now have fewer diagnostic radiologists performing small amounts of IR work and a growing share of distinct interventional radiologists, who are devoting the nearly all of their clinical workload to the specialty.”
“The growth in IR-focused practice reflects the value of specialised expertise and the importance of building sustainable care models that support patient access to these treatments,” Wilkins said.
The authors note that the findings should not be interpreted as requiring a single practice model for all settings. Instead, the study highlights the diversity and adaptability of IR practice. While some radiologists continue to combine IR and diagnostic radiology responsibilities, the increasing concentration of IR work among dedicated practitioners may support greater procedural specialisation, continuity of care and visibility for IR within hospitals and health systems.
“As the health care system continues to prioritise less invasive treatment options and patient-centred care, IR is well positioned to help meet that demand,” said Sabri. “This study provides important evidence that the specialty is continuing to advance, specialise and define its role in delivering high-quality care.”
