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.

Radiology consultation service bolsters department’s value amid COVID-19 shutdowns

Weill Cornell Medicine saw a 16% uptick in the use of its service, with experts urging others in the specialty to test out this value-added offering.

July 7, 2021

A book titled "Health Care Law" next to a gavel and a stethoscope

Diagnostic delays the most common cause of patient injury in radiology

Meanwhile, mammography is the modality most commonly involved in these incidents, according to a new decades-long data dive.

June 30, 2021

found that abdominal CT scans could be a feasible option for bone density screenings, as the modality achieved results comparable to those yielded by traditional DXA scans #osteoporosis #bonedensity

Radiologists can play ‘significant’ role in systems-based approach to boosting osteoporosis outcomes

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine's Department of Radiology has helped reduce the risk of secondary breaks through its Fracture Liaison Service.

June 23, 2021

breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

ACR, Society of Breast Imaging issue updated guidance for screening women with average cancer risk

The two advocacy groups shared their revisions on June 18 in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

June 21, 2021

Radiologists and others launching large-scale initiative to tackle incidental lung nodule blind spot

Some 850 lung cancer centers of excellence are helping pinpoint nodule-management best practices and offering guidance to providers without programs in place.

June 10, 2021

Quality effort yields significant drop in kidney stone CT radiation exposure

The multifaceted approach included education and personalized consultation to help radiologists adopt reduced-radiation imaging protocols.

June 10, 2021

National Quality Forum seeking feedback on 2 radiology-related payment measures

NQF-endorsed measures serve as a "critically important foundation" for initiatives to enhance healthcare value, the American College of Radiology noted.

May 28, 2021

Radiologist must apologize to family after missing free gas on CT prior to patient’s death

A government watchdog said the miss was solely attributed to the radiologist, with “no contributing systemic or other issues.”

May 24, 2021

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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