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.

Radiologist house-call program drops ED visits by 77%, with patient satisfaction scores soaring

Hospital readmissions have also plummeted by 50% among a population of more than 1,000 seniors, experts detailed during the Society of Interventional Radiology’s virtual meeting.

June 16, 2020

Citing ‘anxiety’ as a risk for screening mammography is ‘benevolent sexism,’ expert says

As the debate continues over whether women should receive regular breast cancer screenings before age 50, one expert believes it’s time to put a common excuse to rest.

June 11, 2020

Accreditors should not punish radiologists, other docs for seeking mental health support, advocates say

The Society of Interventional Radiology, American Medical Association and others made their case for compassion in a recently released joint statement.

June 3, 2020

Radiologists’ public reporting of efficiency measures has produced ‘notable’ drops in unnecessary CT imaging

That’s according to the results of a new analysis of years’ worth of Medicare data, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

May 22, 2020

Go slow, avoid urge to ease safety measures when resuming elective imaging, experts advise

If anything, practices should strengthen precautions meant to protect staffers and patients from contracting COVID-19, Seattle clinicians wrote in JACR.

May 22, 2020

Hospital system opens ‘first of its kind’ center offering imaging to COVID survivors

Mount Sinai Health System, located in the heart of America’s outbreak, said its Center for Post-COVID Care will harness advanced diagnostic tools and treatment from radiologists, cardiologists and a host of other specialties

May 15, 2020

Radiology interest groups urge Congress to delay implementation of imaging appropriate-use criteria

Several imaging industry lobbying groups are continuing to press national lawmakers to provide relief for radiology practices hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 11, 2020

Investigation uncovers ‘gross errors,’ radiologist intimidation at one medical center

The Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General recently launched the probe at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee after receiving an anonymous tip.

May 4, 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