Creative Solutions for Improving Access
MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital radiology care team members stand with the hospital’s mammography machine. In October 2024, the department became the first in the state to use new Genius AI Detection 2.0 software. Pictured, from left: Pam Small, RTRM, lead mammography tech; Jamie Kline, MD, lead interpreting radiologist, middle; and Amy Sivigny, RTRM, mammographer.
Creative Solutions for Improving Access
MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital radiology care team members stand with the hospital’s mammography machine. In October 2024, the department became the first in the state to use new Genius AI Detection 2.0 software. Pictured, from left: Pam Small, RTRM, lead mammography tech; Jamie Kline, MD, lead interpreting radiologist, middle; and Amy Sivigny, RTRM, mammographer.
The radiology teams at MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals have flipped the script on access challenges for patients. In a health care landscape where barriers like cost, location, provider shortages and long wait times delay essential care and worsen outcomes, the teams found creative solutions on both campuses by cross‑training staff and adjusting staff schedules. The decisions reflect MaineHealth’s commitment to improving patient care access, a challenge faced by health care organizations around the country.
“It’s amazing what can be done when you start thinking creatively,” said Susan Walker, director of imaging services at MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals. “Both teams really tackled these challenges and the results are outstanding.”
At MaineHealth Waldo Hospital, the radiology team faced a five-to-six-week backlog of MRI cases. MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a medical imaging technique that provides especially detailed images of soft tissue, which is preferred for visualizing muscles, tumors and soft tissue tears. These tests are commonly used for scanning spines, brains and joint spaces such as shoulders, hips and knees.
The team approached the problem from several different angles. First, one of the Radiology technololgists was cross trained in MRI. Next, the team reassessed their scheduling template, adding later afternoon appointments and staggering team member schedules to allow for more coverage throughout the day. Finally, they designated one day per week for non-contrast MRI exams, which take only 30 minutes compared to the 45 minutes required for contrast studies. This allowed for a higher patient volume on those days.
Altogether, these innovative changes allowed the team to boost capacity from 47 to 63 appointments per week, a 34% increase. Today, patients seeking an MRI at Waldo Hospital can typically be scheduled within a week.
“The team worked together to solve this problem,” said Walker. “They came up with the strategies and figured out how to implement them—they’re invested in this work and proud of the results.”
Meanwhile, on the MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital campus, the radiology department faced a different challenge: mammography. Due to difficulties in hiring a full-time technologist, the department had a six-month waitlist for screening mammograms, which are x-rays that are used to screen for breast cancer.
To meet the growing demand, the team hired a traveling technologist to fill the gap. They also restructured their schedule, adding late-afternoon appointments three days a week and opening for 10 hours every Saturday. These changes enabled the team to screen approximately 80 more patients per month, reducing the wait time from six months to just one.
“We are continually seeking ways to improve access for our patients by balancing workforce resources with the needs of our community. Successes like these make it clear why it’s important for us to do so.” said Walker.
Through collaboration, flexibility and a commitment to patient-centered care, the radiology teams at MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals have turned significant access challenges into opportunities for innovation. Their success demonstrates how practical changes and teamwork can create lasting impact for patients and communities alike.
Expanding our Care Team
Over the past year, we’ve intensified our provider recruitment efforts—leveraging enhanced marketing, expanded outreach, and new sourcing platforms to connect with a broader pool of qualified candidates. In 2025, we doubled the number of interviews conducted compared to a typical year and welcomed more than 55 new physicians and advanced practice providers across MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals. With additional promising hires in the pipeline, we’re excited to continue building a strong, talented care team to meet the evolving needs of our communities.
Expert imaging services close to home
Our expert radiology teams in Belfast and Rockport provide precise imaging and clear results to support your health.