Radiology recently rose to the second highest paid specialty in medicine, but new data reveals that readers in some cities enjoy significantly higher compensation. 

PGY-2 radiology residents’ stipends ranged from less than $45,000 to over $65,000, with statistically significant differences based on region, according to new survey data. 

Erik Rockswold, director research and quality, Rayus Radiology, explains the administrative burdens radiology groups experience for little return from the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System.  

"These findings underscore IR’s accelerating transition toward comprehensive patient care, with significant implications for training, practice management, and the specialty’s role within the broader healthcare landscape," experts write. 

Previous studies have shown rads can spend upward of 60% of workhours on such duties, including curbside consults and multidisciplinary meetings. 

UPDATED: Full-time U.S. radiologists take home about $526,000, a figure that includes base salary, incentive bonuses and other income such as profit-sharing contributions. 

Radiology experts are warning that reimbursements for certain imaging services are not enough to cover expenses, putting specialists in a precarious position. 

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine recently convened a panel of industry experts, devising a list of issues with the new quality metric.