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.

Do it right the first time: 5 ways to reduce repeat imaging

Recalling a patient to repeat an imaging request is inconvenient for both the patient and the healthcare provider. According to a recent study published by the American Journal of Roentgenology, if a facility notices this happening regularly,  it may be an indication that certain processes need to be updated.

March 31, 2016

ARRT earns NCCA accreditation for CT, registration program

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) announced this week that its CT certification and registration program have earned accreditation from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). According to ARRT, it is the first organization to have accreditation for both programs.

March 29, 2016

St. Anne Mercy: Getting its volume and keeping its value, too

Sponsored by Hitachi Healthcare Americas

Often lost amid all the talk of U.S. healthcare’s volume-to-value transformation is the plain and simple truth that volume doesn’t stop mattering just because value matters more than it did before. This is especially germane to provider organizations caring for patients at the population level.

March 23, 2016

RBMA announces winners of marketing awards

The Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA) announced the winners of its 11th annual 2016 Quest Awards this week, with Charlotte Radiology taking home the People’s Choice Award.

March 16, 2016

Collaboration on recommendations for ovarian, adnexal cysts improves adherence

Radiologists may be more likely to adhere to collaborative follow-up recommendations developed at the institutional level than pre-existing recommendations from a larger organization, according to a recent study published by the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

March 4, 2016

Recall rates increase when reading radiologists work with trainees, but not cancer detection

When reading radiologists interpret mammograms with trainees, the recall rate (RR) increases, but the cancer detection rate (CDR) is unaffected, according to a recent study published by the Journal of the American College of Radiology. Do reading radiologists allow themselves to be negatively influenced by trainees? 

February 29, 2016

Joint Commission announces revised requirements for diagnostic imaging

The Joint Commission has announced revised requirements for diagnostic imaging services, clarifying who is and is not qualified to perform diagnostic CT procedures. 

February 26, 2016

Radiology’s reinvention: 4 lessons from the management consulting industry

It’s no secret that radiology is at a turning point in 2016. The industry is rapidly shifting toward a focus on quality-based healthcare, and radiologists are doing everything in their power to define and demonstrate the value of their services. According to a recent analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, this puts radiologists in a unique position within the healthcare industry. 

February 2, 2016

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.

Quality

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

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

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

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

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

Around the web