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.

How one hospital radiology department dropped CT procedure turnaround time by 78%

Emory Healthcare used Lean Six Sigma methods to dramatically improve its processes, experts detailed in Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology.

July 27, 2020

Hospital giant launches at-home COVID care program that includes radiology services

Northwell Health is sending mobile machines to patients' homes to obtain chest x-rays and, if necessary, referring consumers to outpatient facilities for CT or ultrasound testing.

July 24, 2020

Blood leg clotting thrombosis ultrasound

COVID patients at increased risk of ‘dire outcomes’ including leg clotting and amputation

That’s according to the results of a small, single-center analysis published in Radiology.

July 16, 2020

FDA set to resume regular imaging site inspections beginning July 20

“In order to move to the next phase, we must see downward trends in new cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations in a given area,” advised Commissioner Stephen Hahn, MD.

July 13, 2020

How radiologists can avoid becoming a ‘ghost in a dark room,' take ownership of patients

This entails assuming responsibility for each individual, avoiding excuses and resolving to make things right, ACR President Debra Monticciolo, MD, shared in recent remarks.

July 8, 2020

The AHA is granting more money toward research on the cardIovascular effects of COVID-19. #COVIS #COVID19 #SARSCoV2 #longCOVID

CMS to grant hardship relief for radiologists in the 2020 Merit-Based Incentive Program

Providers who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic can now submit an Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Application outlining their challenges.

June 26, 2020

Law change alone not enough to close abnormal imaging-findings care gap, study finds

That’s according to a new analysis of care at one imaging department since Pennsylvania passed the “Patient Test Result Information Act" in 2018.

June 23, 2020

Survey explores the top 3 quality metrics on radiology practices’ radars, and how they’re used

Turnaround time is radiology groups' most commonly used quality metric, according to a preliminary survey of nearly 200 providers.

June 18, 2020

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