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.

Imaging utilization continues to rise—should that be viewed as a negative?

Imaging utilization continues to rise among adult patients, according to a new analysis of more than 135 million examinations. The findings, published in JAMA, come after physician groups have fought to curb utilization in the last several years.

September 4, 2019
Hospital staff walking through a medical facility, intentionally blurred to look artistic

Researchers track the costs, contributions of radiology residents

Patient care delivered by diagnostic radiology residents is associated with higher costs and slower turnaround times, according to new findings published in Academic Radiology. However, residents can still make a positive impact by providing “correct and comprehensive” reports and timely after-hours care.

September 3, 2019

Self-compression during mammograms reduces patient anxiety

Self-compression during screening mammograms improves the overall patient experience, according to a new study published in the Journal of Breast Imaging. Could this help keep women up to date with their recommended screening schedule?  

August 29, 2019

High percentage of radiology malpractice claims originate in emergency department

Nearly half of all radiology malpractice claims involve patients treated in the emergency department (ED), according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

August 28, 2019

CEDM shows promise as breast cancer screening tool for high-risk women

Contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) could be an effective alternative to full-field digital mammography (FFDM) for screening women at an elevated risk of breast cancer, according to new findings published in Radiology.

August 27, 2019
heart.png

No gadolinium necessary: Imaging technique IDs patients with CAD without contrast agent

A new imaging technique may be able to help identify patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) without the use of drugs or any contrast agents, according to research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging.

August 9, 2019

AHRA 2019: What it takes to become an ACR Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence

Earning the American College of Radiology (ACR) Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence (DICOE) designation can help imaging providers stand out among the competition—if they’re willing to do what it takes to achieve that goal. 

July 25, 2019

CESM provides value during postoperative breast cancer screening

Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) can assist proiders with the postoperative screening of breast cancer patients, according to research published in Clinical Radiology.

July 15, 2019

Around the web

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound. 

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup