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.

vRad Reaches Milestone: Deep Learning Algorithm Successfully Identifies Potential Intracranial Hemorrhaging; Operational Implementation Pending Regulatory Approval

MINNEAPOLIS, MN—(December 8, 2015) vRad (Virtual Radiologic), an affiliate of MEDNAX, Inc. (NYSE: MD) and the leading national teleradiology services and telemedicine company, has successfully reached a critical milestone outlined as part of its commitment to the growing branch of artificial intelligence known as “Deep Learning” announced in June 2015.

December 9, 2015

National Decision Support Company, Cerner make deal for ACR Select access

National Decision Support Company (NDSC) announced this week that a new exclusive agreement with Cerner Corporation allows clients to contract for ACR Select, the digital version of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria, directly from within its Cerner Millennium EMR.  

December 3, 2015

Study: HIE reduces costs associated with repeat imaging

Electronically sharing patient information can reduce costs associated with repeat imaging, according to a study published in December’s special issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology. 

December 2, 2015

ACR Assist will be on display at RSNA 2015

The American College of Radiology (ACR)’s ACR Assist will be demonstrated by healthcare companies such as Cerner, Epic, and Nuance at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2015 Annual Meeting in Chicago. 

November 19, 2015

Make your presence known: 5 ways radiologists can demonstrate value through improved communication

A recent two-part report for Academic Radiology focused on the value of imaging in healthcare and how the imaging community can demonstrate value to “patients, payers, ordering providers, health systems, and society at large.” 

November 12, 2015

High-fidelity training helps radiologists with contrast reaction management

High-fidelity training sessions can improve contrast reaction management skills for radiologists at all levels, according to a study published by the Journal of the American College of Radiology (JACR). 

November 11, 2015

Interview examines how to cut down on diagnostic errors

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report in September about specific ways healthcare providers can work to improve their diagnostic process and decrease diagnostic errors. In a recent article on the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center website, Hedvig Hricak, MD, PhD, chair of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s department of radiology, answered a few questions about the report and what can be done to prevent diagnostic errors. 

November 6, 2015

Non-denial RBM program still effective at reducing outpatient imaging use

One of the primary complaints providers often have about radiology benefits management programs (RBMs) is that they have the power to deny coverage to a patient in need. But what if the RBM is unable to deny coverage? 

November 5, 2015

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