Quality

The focus of quality improvement in healthcare is to bolster performance and processes related to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Leaders in this space also ensure the proper selection of imaging exams and procedures, and monitor the safety of services, among other duties. Reimbursement programs such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) utilize financial incentives to improve quality. This also includes setting and maintaining care quality initiatives, such as the requirements set by the Joint Commission.

IAEA: When selecting medical imaging equipment, don’t assume ‘new’ means ‘low dose’
Advanced imaging equipment using ionizing radiation enters the global market at the rate of one new technology every five years.
American College of Radiology adds 6 new topics to its influential imaging appropriateness criteria
The update covers scenarios such as thoracic back pain (where imaging usually isn't appropriate) and penetrating torso trauma (which sometimes requires X-rays or CT).
Radiologists at a clear disadvantage in Medicare’s MIPS program, new study shows
In 2021, there were only nine available MIPS measures for diagnostic radiology versus 65 in family medicine, Neiman Health Policy Institute experts report.
Amyloid blood test could eliminate millions in spending on PET imaging for Alzheimer’s
At roughly $5,000 per positron emission tomography exam, experts estimate the U.S. healthcare system could save $9 million (or about $1,432 per patient) on imaging.
Portion of patients undergoing CTA for headache or dizziness soars 67% while positivity rate plummets
That’s according to new research out of the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute, published in Internal and Emergency Medicine.

radiation dose advanced imaging computed tomography

IAEA: When selecting medical imaging equipment, don’t assume ‘new’ means ‘low dose’

Advanced imaging equipment using ionizing radiation enters the global market at the rate of one new technology every five years.

April 22, 2024

American College of Radiology adds 6 new topics to its influential imaging appropriateness criteria

The update covers scenarios such as thoracic back pain (where imaging usually isn't appropriate) and penetrating torso trauma (which sometimes requires X-rays or CT).

April 9, 2024

Radiologists at a clear disadvantage in Medicare’s MIPS program, new study shows

In 2021, there were only nine available MIPS measures for diagnostic radiology versus 65 in family medicine, Neiman Health Policy Institute experts report.

April 4, 2024

Amyloid blood test could eliminate millions in spending on PET imaging for Alzheimer’s

At roughly $5,000 per positron emission tomography exam, experts estimate the U.S. healthcare system could save $9 million (or about $1,432 per patient) on imaging.

April 4, 2024

Portion of patients undergoing CTA for headache or dizziness soars 67% while positivity rate plummets

That’s according to new research out of the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute, published in Internal and Emergency Medicine.

March 29, 2024

Certain patients face lower odds of undergoing an interventional radiology service, higher death risk

Black, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander patients are significantly less likely to undergo an IR procedure for acute, pulmonary embolism.

March 21, 2024

Artificial intelligence can help make breast cancer screening mammography more accurate.

FDA highlights mammography issues at 3 radiology practices, posing ‘serious risk to human health’

The agency on March 5 issued separate alerts detailing quality challenges at imaging providers in Michigan, California and Texas.

March 11, 2024

2024 has been a banner year for structural heart treatments, especially those focused on the tricuspid valve. In February, for example, Edwards Lifesciences made history when its Evoque transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system became the first device of its kind to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treating tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Two months later, Abbott’s TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system also gained FDA approval for the treatment of TR.

Cardiac imaging use is skyrocketing, and radiologists are rising to the challenge

Over the course of a decade, the number of CT exams leapt 353% by 2022, while MRI climbed nearly 283%, researchers detailed Wednesday.

February 29, 2024

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.

Cardiovascular Business

Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.