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.

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.
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.

Notable names among 22 sites joining ACR’s new initiative to improve cancer diagnostics

Those include Radiology Partners, Solis Mammography, Cleveland Clinic, Stanford Health Care and Intermountain, among others, the college announced Thursday.

April 1, 2022

Cancer screening in need of ‘urgent attention’ to address lingering effects from COVID shutdowns

Accredited U.S. programs have reported sizable monthly screening deficits for lung, breast, and colorectal cancer, researchers reported recently.

March 22, 2022

Study charts uptick in unnecessary CT, MR imaging surveillance of noninvasive bladder cancer

The impact of these patterns is substantial and may have negative consequences for patients and the healthcare system, experts wrote in JAMA Network Open.

March 21, 2022

Brain MRI for early stage, non-small cell lung cancer likely unnecessary, study asserts

Guidelines recommend routine brain MRI for advanced NSCLC, but there is no consensus around doing so during early stages, experts wrote in Radiology.

March 10, 2022

Sarcoma-suspected incidental imaging findings often irrelevant while posing significant financial burden

“Because these incidentalomas can be considered clinically irrelevant, we believe that there is no benefit in detecting them," experts wrote in Clinical Imaging.

March 8, 2022

CMS reopens Merit-based Incentive Payment System application period following omicron surge

The American Medical Association praised the move, noting that physicians need flexibility given ongoing demands stemming from the pandemic.

March 4, 2022

The FDA tracks mammography systems and the number of exams performed in the U.S. through its Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) program. This is an example of the GE Senobright HD imaging system.

3D mammography approaching 50% of breast imaging systems in the U.S.

The latest U.S. Food and Drug Administration data on mammography systems installed nationwide shows DBT systems are rapidly replacing traditional 2D full field digital mammography units.

March 2, 2022

Radiologists score well in patient experience survey study at Brigham and Women's

Such ratings provide critical feedback for improving performance and an opportunity to communicate imaging’s overall role in patient care, researchers detailed in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

February 28, 2022

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

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

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

Around the web