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.

Flagship hospital’s mammography program still shuttered more than a year after controversy

House lawmakers ordered inspections at the medical center in 2019 amid reports the facility was struggling to notify patients after breast imaging.

March 5, 2021

New pulmonary embolism approach could substantially reduce imaging overuse

The pretest probability score produced false-negative rates below 1% and dropped imaging use by about 20%, according to a new JAMA Cardiology study.

March 4, 2021

CMS quality initiative will overburden practices ‘still reeling’ from COVID-19, ACR and others warn

Physicians are urging the agency to ease reporting requirements and data collection, according to a letter shared recently.

March 2, 2021

CMS should consider cutting pay for low-value imaging to curb misuse, RAND Corp. says

The recommendation stems from an analysis of Medicare waste in radiology and other specialties, published in JAMA Network Open.

February 16, 2021

ACR worries value-based initiatives are ignoring radiologists’ care coordination skills

A federal contractor is working to gather input on the possible development of new measures under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System.

February 11, 2021

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

State seeks to punish interventional radiologist who operated on wrong patient

Health officials want to impose penalties against the doc after he allegedly placed an IVC filter in a patient who didn't need one.

February 5, 2021

The AHA Mission: Lifeline Program was designed to reduce STEMI patient transfer times, but response times still often lag, and new protocols may be needed to expedite STAT transfers.

CT-equipped, teleradiology-backed mobile stroke units bolster outcomes over traditional ambulances

That's according to a new prospective, nonrandomized, controlled intervention study, published in JAMA.

February 3, 2021

Pay-for-performance initiative markedly improves radiologists’ quality and safety successes

Brigham and Women’s saw a nearly 21% drop in the time between completing an imaging scan and a radiologist signing off on the final report, among other gains.

January 31, 2021

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